Today’s post comes from John Wilcox, Principal Program Manager for Windows Servicing and Delivery, and provides clarity around supplemental servicing for Windows 10, version 1511 and how to move forward with Windows as a service.
Many customers have reported that supplemental servicing for Windows 10, version 1511 has been just what they needed to adopt Windows as a service and update to newer, supported versions of Windows 10. If you are still in the process of updating to a current version of Windows 10, mark April 10, 2018 on your calendar—that will be the last day for supplemental servicing for Windows 10, version 1511 and the last day for general servicing for Windows 10, version 1607.
Announced earlier this month, additional servicing for both Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 10, versions 1607 will be available starting in May 2018 for a duration of 6 months at no cost. As with the supplemental servicing offer for Windows 10, version 1511, this additional no-cost servicing for Windows 10, version 1607:
- Includes Critical and Important security updates as defined by the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) security update severity rating system.
- Is a continuance of the Windows 10 Cumulative Updates.
- Is provided through all normal channels.
- Is applicable only to devices and virtual machines running Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 10.
- Does not require additional action from customers for eligible devices.
Volume License customers who need more than the additional six months of no-cost servicing beyond April 10, 2018 can alternatively secure 12 months of additional servicing (starting from April 10, 2018) with paid supplemental servicing and should contact their account team for more information.
We’re committed to helping our commercial customers deliver a secure and productive modern workplace and stay current on Windows 10. Windows 10 will continue to be a Microsoft supported product until 2025 and customers working to stay current will continue to have support channels open to them. If you need assistance to be successful with Windows as a service, or have any concerns or questions around Windows 10, please contact your account team to ask about available options, including:
- Windows Analytics – a service that provides an end-to-end upgrade solution with actionable insights into device performance, reliability, and health so that you can broadly update Windows 10 devices to the latest release (Windows 10, version 1709) quickly and with confidence.
- Microsoft FastTrack – a collection of tools, resources, and expert guidance to help you optimize your move to Windows 10.
Continue the conversation. Find best practices. Visit the Windows 10 Tech Community.
Looking for support? Visit the Windows 10 IT pro forums.
