Microsoft has recently announced it will be opening doors to test out the latest Windows 20H2 update. However, this will only be available to ‘commercial customers’. In addition to this, they claim the updating process can be completed by a single restart. The commercial customers can update their systems hassle-free for feature exploration and validation.
Just like the last year, Microsoft windows version 20H2 will be processed through an enablement package or a ‘Master Switch‘. This update will be available for devices running May 2020 update, version 2004.
The technology is similar to the one Microsoft used for updating windows version 1903 to 1909. The process will complete almost instantly and the users will be given the opportunity to test out the latest features for pre-release validation purposes.
Also read: You can not delay Windows 10 updates anymore – Here’s Why
Who are commercial customers?
Aria Carley at Microsoft wrote that Windows 10 version 20H2 is available for testing and pre-validation. However, this is only for commercial customers as of now. With this in mind, If you are wondering whether you fit in the category of ‘commercial customers’ here is what it means:
- The device is not running Home Edition of Windows 10
- It is being run by an IT manager (whether via Microsoft Endpoint Manager or a third-party MDM tool)
- The device has a volume license key, a CommercialID or is joined to a domain
“Windows 10, version 20H2 will be made available as an enablement package to devices already running Windows 10, version 2004 that have also installed the June 2020 monthly quality update. It will be available as a full feature update for devices running Windows 10, version 1909 and prior. To see the greatest number of new features, we recommend being on the latest cumulative update.”, wrote Aria Carley.
How exactly does this work?
Windows 10 version 2004 and 20H2 share a common core operating system and same set system of files. Throughout the months, Microsoft has rolled out updates files that remain dormant and do not cause system interruptions. These files or features continue to stay inactive until they are activated through an enablement package or a ‘Master switch’. The users are allowed to explore the features of Windows 10 version 20H2 after their activation with a single restart.
Also read: Microsoft is now running its data center servers on hydrogen fuel cells
This feature will prove to be beneficial for businesses. This is because the process of updating windows will not cause a halt in the workflow.
Here is how you can get Windows 20H2
Windows 10 version 20H2 is accessible through all the standard outlets which include Windows Update, Windows Server Update Service (WSUS), and Azure marketplace. additionally, you can also download the Windows ISO File manually. Generally, the devices which use Windows Updater, and are running May 2004 version of windows, will be updated automatically and users will experience almost 0 downtime during the update process.
Furthermore, if you are using WSUS to update your windows, you can choose between taking the full feature update to version 20H2 or test out the enablement package path. Microsoft has notified that the users who are currently enrolled in the Beta or the Release Preview Channels, don’t have to do anything to get the latest update as the process will be completed automatically.
Users can also test out this feature on a virtual machine by getting the Windows 10 preview on the Azure marketplace.
