Starting with Windows 10, each new development project for a new version of the operating system had a codename. The first one was Threshold, then the Redstone codename came along with the Anniversary Update, and we’ve seen the same name until the Spring Creators Update development that carries the “Redstone 4” codename.
However, it appears that Microsoft is now ready to move away from these names to something else that makes more sense. According to Windows Central, the software giant will use the “Redstone 5” codename for the development of the feature update that follows the Windows 10 Spring Creators Update (version 1803), but after this release the naming convention for developments starting in 2019 and later will change with a different format.
New development naming scheme
Instead of a nickname, starting in 2019, you’ll see names like 19H1 and 19H2, which will reflect the year and part of the year the release belongs. For instance, 19H1 represents the first Windows 10 feature update development planned for the first half (H1) of 2019 (19). Usually, the first refresh update releases during the spring (April).
19H2 represents the second Windows 10 feature update development planned for the second half (H2) of 2019 (19). Typically, the second refresh update releases during the fall (October).
Then you’ll see codenames like Windows 10 20H1, 20H2, 21H1, 21H2, 22H1, 22H2, and so on.
The codename format makes more sense, and it’s also very similar to the versioning format for the final version of Windows 10. For example, the Spring Creators Update is known as version 1803, and the first two digits of the number represents the year and the last two digits the month the update is finalized. This indicates that version 1803 will be finalized by March (03) 2018 (18).
It’s not a public name
It’s important to understand that these are just codenames for the feature update development, an not the names that Microsoft plans to use once the update is available to the public.
You’ll continue to see marketing names, such as “Spring Creators Update” and “Fall Creators Update”, as well as version numbers like “1803” and “1709” for each major release.
The take away about this news is that moving forward, you won’t be hearing or seeing references for “Redstone 6,” “Redstone 7,” and so on. Instead, you’ll see names like Windows 10 19H1 and Windows 10 19H2.
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 14 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 20 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].