Introducing the next feature update to Windows 10 version 21H1

21H1 - imminent- makes almost no noticeable changes and is almost only fixes.
Windows 10 Version 21H1 update: All new features, release date

21H2 - autumn - is the next major upgrade and the next to make changes to features.
Windows 10 Version 21H2 update: All new features, release date | WinCentral

Mark Phelps said:

I don't know if this is the right place to ask this -- but apparently at present, we have TWO Win10 v21H1 versions.

The one with the new features and stuff is in the Insider Beta and RP threads.

The one without new features is the one obtained by using the Enablement Package against v20H2, turning 19042.xxx into 19043.xxx.

This second version won't be getting the new features until MS releases some kind of Feature Update, probably later in May or sometime in June.

Have I got it right?

Basically, yes.


Anyone can download the enablement package to turn their 2004/20H2 into 21H1, at least that's what it will show in Winver - and then they are surprised by the apparent lack of any significant new features.




It's all down to the Windows Feature Experience Pack. The one for 21H1 is only delivered by Windows Update to machines properly enrolled in the Insider program. If your not an Insider then you won't get it, even after installing the enablement package you'll still have the same one as you had in 20H2 - 120.2212.2020.0.

Meanwhile Insiders are already on the Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.3740.0 for Beta and Release Preview Channels

KB5003345 Windows Feature Experience Pack for Windows 10 - April 28

desbest said:

I'm running Windows 10 20H2. Why can't I see the new 21H1 feature update when I click the "check for updates" button on Windows Update?

21H1 has not been released to the public yet. It's currently available only to Insiders. Rumour has it that it will be released before the end of May, so you shouldn't have long to wait

Bree said:

...so you shouldn't have long to wait

Assuming Microsoft doesn't sticks to its slow rollout plan where only a few "select" systems are initially offered the update. If so, then waiting to be "offered the update" can be a long wait

sygnus21 said:

Assuming Microsoft doesn't sticks to its slow rollout plan where only a few "select" systems are initially offered the update. If so, then waiting to be "offered the update" can be a long wait

Yes, I had to wait about a month for 20H2 to 'roll out' to a few of my machine, but two got it offered through Windows Update on day one. But if you're impatient, then once it's released you always have the option to 'update this PC' with the MCT, or download the enablement package from one of Brink's links

Bree said:

But if you're impatient, then once it's released you always have the option to 'update this PC' with the MCT, or download the enablement package from one of Brink's links

Provided that option works. Remember many couldn't get the initial 202H update no matter the route taken. I'm just hoping 21H1 isn't the same. Not that I'm in a hurry, but...

erpster4 said:

there's always the ISO method (meaning install from local ISO usb install media) in updating to either 20H2 or 21H1 which usually works [updating or clean installing new Win10 version from ISO never failed me]

You missed where I said "no matter the route taken". You're also missing my general point.... the issues of the 20H update not being able to install using the ISO, the the USB method, the online upgrade assistant, or the MCT way because Microsoft locked out certain PC's (for whatever reason) until Microsoft deemed them safe worthy.

Anyway, my point Is I'm hoping the 21H1 update doesn't embody the same phased rollout

BTW... Known and Resolved issues for Windows 10 version 20H2