The Fall Creators Update for Windows 10 is now ready for businesses to deploy, according to Microsoft.
The update was released to home users in October last year, and after several months of testing and further patches, Microsoft has certified the major feature update as ready for release via a Windows update channel used by enterprise.
Major feature updates like the Fall Creators Update are made available to businesses via the new Semi-Annual Channel about four months after their general release. During that time Microsoft recommends that IT admins test the update on a limited number of machines, to prepare for a wider rollout.
Firms that want to update to the build, version 1709, can receive it from the week of January 22nd, when it will be available from Windows Update, Windows Update for Business, WSUS and the Volume Licensing Service Center.
Most Windows 10 users who don't have the Fall Creators Update will soon start to receive messages telling them to upgrade. Those running Windows 10 with the older Anniversary Update or Creators Update and who use automatic updates will be sent a reminder that the Fall Creators Update is ready to install and asked to pick a time, with an option to defer the reminder until tomorrow.
In particular, business users who rely on Windows Update to keep machines patched should be aware that:
"Any device on Windows 10 Enterprise edition or Windows 10 Pro edition that is configured to receive updates automatically from Windows Update will be automatically offered Windows 10, version 1709 after January 18, 2018," according to John Cable, director of program management, Windows servicing and delivery for Microsoft.
SEE: Windows 10: Streamline your work with these power tips (free TechRepublic PDF)
Windows 10 users can also manually install the Fall Creators Update by heading to Microsoft's software download site and clicking Update Now.
Microsoft also rolled out a new build for those testing early versions of Windows 10 under the Insider Program. The build, 17074, includes forthcoming features such as more control when setting Quiet Hours to restrict notifications, links to the Documents and Pictures folders in the Start menu, and refinements to make the Edge browser a better choice for reading e-books and documents.
The next major feature update to Windows 10 will be the Redstone 4 update in Spring next year, with many of the new features already available in preview builds.
More on Windows 10 Fall Creators Update
- Microsoft tweaks Windows Shell, Edge and more in latest Windows 10 test build (ZDNet)
- Microsoft: Windows 10 Fall Creators Update is ready for business (ZDNet)
- Microsoft's newest Windows 10 test build includes Timeline feature (ZDNet)
- What is Windows 10 Fall Creators Update? Everything you need to know about Microsoft's big upgrade
- Windows 10: Some of 2018's biggest new features are now available to try
- How to delay upgrading to the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update
- Windows 10 Fall Creators Update: How to use OneDrive Files On-Demand
- Gallery: What's new in Microsoft's Windows 10 Fall Creators Update
- How to throttle peer-to-peer updating bandwidth use in the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update
- How to protect your Windows 10 PC from ransomware with the Fall Creators Update
- How to turn on One-click Communication in the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update
- Windows 10 Fall Creators Update SDK is available: Promises better looking, easier-to-use apps
- See Windows 10's new look: Microsoft's Fluent Design System in action
- Video: Top features in the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update
- What to expect from the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update (ZDNet)
About Nick Heath
Nick Heath is chief reporter for TechRepublic. He writes about the technology that IT decision makers need to know about, and the latest happenings in the European tech scene.
Full Bio
Nick Heath is chief reporter for TechRepublic. He writes about the technology that IT decision makers need to know about, and the latest happenings in the European tech scene.
