Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 will be served just like Windows 10 with monthly security updates, optional cumulative updates, out of the band updates, servicing stack updates and more.
In addition, Microsoft has confirmed that there will be a Long-Term Service Channel (LTSC) version of Windows 11.
Windows 11 is part of Microsoft's "Windows as a service" model and will be serviced on a monthly basis, according to the company's documentation . Microsoft says there will be no changes to the existing servicing model and updates will continue to be released at least twice a month.
On the second Tuesday of each month, security updates will be released for both Windows 10 and Windows 11. These updates will include security and non-security fixes (if you did not have the optional preview updates installed). Only updates from Patch Tuesday will be downloaded automatically and the optional cumulative updates will be displayed in the optional updates section.
Unlike Windows 10, Windows 11 updates will be smaller.
There will also be optional Type C or D updates that will be released in the third or fourth week of the month. These updates will be ready for use by everyone, but are optional and if corrections are needed they will be included in the next release of Patch Tuesday.
Windows 11 and Windows 10 will also have "out of the band" updates. These updates will be released without notice if there is a security fix that cannot wait for the mandatory Patch Tuesday updates.
For those unfamiliar, LTSC (Long-term Service Channel) is a version of Windows that does not require constant updates and is commonly used by businesses. If you have an LTSC version of Windows, you can skip important updates or feature updates and only receive monthly security updates for a long time.
Regular versions of Windows 10 will be supported until the end of 2025, but LTSC versions (typically used by businesses) will continue to receive updates even after 2025.
Microsoft releases new LTSC versions of Windows about every three years, and each version contains all the new features. The 21H2 version of Windows 10, which will be released later this year, will be an LTSC version and will be supported for five years.
Microsoft has confirmed that it is already preparing the LTSC version of Windows 11, but we do not know when it will be released.
George is still wondering what he is doing here….
