Like any other products, Microsoft announced the lifecycle dates for Windows 10 which makes us to make informed decisions about when to update, upgrade your software. For more info,see the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy or review the Modern Lifecycle FAQ.
Windows 10 will have feature updates released twice a year. Your device needs to install the latest version before your current version reaches end of service to keep your device secure and supported by Microsoft. Each Windows 10 version will be serviced with quality updates for up to 18 months from availability. It is important that all quality updates are installed to help keep your device secure.
Let’s have a look at the Windows 10 Servicing Model or Windows-as-a-service (WaaS) release and support timelines.
Windows 10 Initial Release 1507 RTM (OS Build: 10240.17236)
1507 Initial Release Date: 7/29/2015
1507 End-of-Service: 5/9/2017
No specific Semi-Annual Channel version released
Windows 10 November Update 1511 (OS Build: 10586.753)
1511 Current Branch Release Date: 11/12/2015
1511 Current Branch for Business Release Date: 4/8/2016
1511 End-of- Service:April, 28th, 2018 (Source: Microsoft)
Windows 10 Anniversary Update 1607 (OS Build: 14393.693)
1607 Current Branch Release Date: 8/2/2016
1607 Current Branch for Business Release Date: 11/29/2016
Expected 1607 End-of-Service: Tentatively March 2018
Windows 10 Creators Update 1703 (OS Build: 15063.138)
1703 Current Branch Release Date: 4/11/2017
1703 Current Branch for Business Release Date: 7/11/2017
Expected 1703 End-of- Service: Tentatively September 2018*
Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (OS Build: 16299.19)
1709 Semi-Annual Channel Release Date: 10/17/2017
Expected End-of- Service: Tentatively March 2019
Expected Windows 10 "Redstone 4" Update
1803 Semi-Annual Channel Release Date (Expected): March 2018
Expected End-of-Service: Tentatively September 2019
Windows 10 Servicing Options
Microsoft introduced its Windows 10 Branching Model, enterprises 3 different branches to choose from.
Windows Insider Preview — Most larger businesses will only have a few tech-savvy early adopters in IT test-drive the preview version of the upcoming release to get a better feel for the new features and capabilities.
Semi-Annual Channel — Microsoft does not distinguish between the Current Branch and the Current Branch for Business anymore as the separation was "always artificial." Now, enterprises can designate their broader IT team and early adopters among their business users to the Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted) in the SCCM as they run their internal pilot phases. Once those are completed, the enterprise decides when to move into broader deployment. This allows your team additional pre-deployment testing period.
Long-Term Servicing Channel — formerly known as Long-Term Servicing Branch. Enterprises who wish to deploy Windows 10 for a long time while reducing the number of non-essential changes to the devices can opt-in to the Long-Term Servicing Channel. Clients will only receive service updates for the duration of their Windows 10 deployment — up to about ten years. Use cases include ATMs and other critical machine functions that are not suitable for perpetual upgrade.
It’s clear that IT departments need to prepare themselves for a significant culture shift in managing Windows-as-a-Service and a constant plan of action is required to ensure that your organization is ready for the latest feature upgrade.