New
#41
Interesting. To test that I've just restored the 1909 Macrium image for one of my machines that was offered 2004 on the day it was released, 27th May. It successfully updated to 2004 through Windows Update and has been running 2004 without issue since then.
Today, after catching up on 1909 updates, Windows Update still says:The next version of Windows is available with new features and security improvements. When you're ready for the update select "Download and install".
So it would appear MS haven't entirely pulled the plug, at least not for machines that MS think are compatible. It may well be that the list of such machines is shrinking, but it's not zero yet.
Yes, there are some who have updated test systems to see "What if", but they have the resources and backups to play with it. Normal everyday users should not even attempt it. It's a blessing millions don't even know it's there.
I have more than just the one machine so I'm in a position to test it - but then only on machines that have been offered 2004 through Windows Update (I'd never recommend forcing the install). TBH there's little that's significantly new in 2004. Just stick with 1909, there's no compelling reason to update any time soon.