Overview
With Windows 10, Microsoft introduced the Windows as a service upgrade model (WaaS) as a means to introduce new features gradually instead of a massive major version update such as going from Windows 7 to 10. Microsoft adopted a schedule of two significant "Feature updates" per year: one in the spring (H1) and one in the fall (H2). For example, the Windows 10 fall 2021 feature update is called Windows 10 21H2. Microsoft calls this semiannual build release the General Availability Channel. HITS adopted using only the fall Feature update to balance the impact to application testers and customers while still ensuring that Michigan Medicine remained on a supported version of Windows.
In other words, this new WaaS upgrade cycle has more frequent but less disruptive upgrades. HITS will adopt the annual (fall) WaaS upgrade cycle to maintain Microsoft support.
- Many Windows users will see a couple notifications once a year during the WaaS upgrade cycle requesting them to initiate an upgrade by a specific deadline.
- Other Windows users (including those who use FLEX devices) will not see pop-up requests and will not be required to upgrade by a specific date.
- Classic-CoreImage device users whose computers that participate in GreenIT will not see notifications and will be upgraded automatically on the deadline date. Intune-CoreImage devices do not participate in GreenIT; their users will receive a notification to reboot after the upgrade.
- When users receive an upgrade notification, they can "Own Their Upgrade" by choosing to upgrade immediately or delay to a time prior to the deadline that works better for them.
Related Information
- WaaS - "Own Your Upgrade!" Self-Serve Windows Updates
- WaaS - Intune-CoreImage update experience
- WaaS - Application Compatibility Testing
- WaaS - Application Compatibility Testing FAQs
- WaaS - Application Steward Roles and Responsibilities
HITS Internal links
Vendor Information
Windows as a service -- Microsoft link