Forum Discussion
Upgrading OLD windows 10 versions
Karen, You mean using the enablement package, which isn't the question John is asking.
Looking for documentation on supported jumps to 1909 from previous versions running Servicing (in place upgrade).
Enablement Package 1903 -> 1909
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4517245/feature-update-via-windows-10-version-1909-enablement-package
Servicing: (Previous Windows 10 -> Newer Version of Windows 10)
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/configmgr/osd/deploy-use/manage-windows-as-a-service
Johnwilc I have multiple domains, and versions, but they are all stand-alone, no internet connection. Will a 1909 setup disk, with latest SSU, CU patches work?
crys_lis I have tested the behaviour 1-1,5 years ago. But eventually stopped it, after finding that the process worked well
Releases of Windows Client 10 1507, 1511, 1607, 1703, 1709, 1803, 1809 will fetch the upgrade bits via Windows Update. In some cases it did not right away downloaded to the latest version in one step like 1507 to 22H2. There may be limitations.
Using ISO / setup the upgrade should work / "offline" directly from 1507 to the latest 22H2.
older versions could be in fact stuck on a release as they did not receive SSUs correctly or running out of space. Reserved Space and WU health updates got introduced later.
Offline Updates:
Offline Updates through ISOs bear risks! Without the ability to connect to the internet, setup will not be able to fetch dynamic updates, which are smaller bits to smooth the upgrade process, updating the setup itself or integrating smaller updates, or finding blockers / drivers etc.
Make sure to always use a patched ISO so some of these fixes are included.
In any case without dynamic update you are loosing abilities to update multi language systems, esp. with Windows Core OS and dotnet. Only with dynamic updates it will retain and upgrade optional features.
Flipside I have seen "online" upgrades failing as the drivers fetched with the updates, causes more issues than they solved, but that was a smaller percentage.
OT:
For Windows Server the supported maximum is 2 major releases, unlike Windows Client
With Windows Server 2025 this will be extended from 2 major releases to 4. So one could directly upgrade from N-4 (2025 > 2022 > 2019 > 2016 > 2012R2) in one approach using ISO.