Microsoft to move Windows 10 to annual updates and accelerate Windows 11 rollout

'We are advancing the pace of the rollout faster than we previously anticipated' says John Cable, Microsoft’s head of Windows servicing and delivery

Windows 10 updates are to move from twice yearly to annual and the rollout of Windows 11 will be accelerated, Microsoft has announced.

It follows the launch of Windows 11 last month, which is on a similar annual update schedule.

Microsoft has already started to roll out its November 2021 update for Windows 10, with the next update set to become available later in 2022.

"We will transition to a new Windows 10 release cadence to align with the Windows 11 cadence, targeting annual feature update releases," John Cable, Microsoft's head of Windows servicing and delivery, said.

"The next Windows 10 feature update is slated for the second half of 2022.

"We continue to listen to customer feedback to adapt Windows to meet your needs as part of our ongoing support for Windows 10 and have scoped the November 2021 update to focus on productivity, management and security."

Cable also announced that Microsoft would begin accelerating the pace of its Windows 11 rollout faster than the company had previously planned.

But at least one version of Windows 10 will remain available until October 2025 for those not yet wishing to upgrade to Windows 11.

"Based on the positive rollout update experience and user feedback we have seen to date, we are advancing the pace of the rollout faster than we previously anticipated and are now making the Windows 11 upgrade more broadly available to eligible Windows 10 devices," he added.