- Microsoft will now force Windows 10 21H2 on devices still on version 20H2.
- The company is using its machine learning (ML) technology to gradually roll out the update.
- The upgrade is needed to keep devices supported since version 20H2 will soon reach its end of service.
Microsoft has begun the automatic rollout of Windows 10 21H2 (November 2021 Update) using its machine learning (ML) technology for devices on version 20H2. Although feature updates are optional, when an older release nears the end of service, the company needs to force the upgrade manually to keep devices supported.
On the “Windows release health” website, the company says that it has “started the first phase in [its] rollout for machine learning (ML) training, targeting devices on Windows 10, version 20H2 that are approaching the end of servicing to update automatically to Windows 10, version 21H2.”
If you are still on version 20H2, you do not need to wait. You can upgrade immediately through Windows Update. Since these releases share the same core file system, the update only requires a quick restart without the need for complete reinstallation. However, if you use the Update Assistant or Media Creation Tool, a reinstallation will occur. You should only use these options when the device has problems and want to start fresh with a new installation.
In this release, you won’t find new features or significant changes. This feature update only introduces fixes and system improvements and removes some previously available features.
Windows 10 20H2 end of support will be on May 5, 2022, and once you upgrade to version 21H2, support will be extended until June 13, 2023.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].