Should I install feature update Windows 10 21H2?

Windows 10 Home and Pro, version 21H2 Windows 10 Enterprise and Education, version 21H2 Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, version 21H2 More...Less

Summary

Windows 10, versions 2004, 20H2, 21H1, and 21H2 share a common core operating system with an identical set of system files. Therefore, the new features in Windows 10, version 21H2 are included in the latest monthly quality update for Windows 10, version 2004, 20H2, and 21H1, but are in an inactive and dormant state. These new features will remain dormant until they are turned on through the “enablement package,” a small, quick-to-install “master switch” that activates the Windows 10, version 21H2 features.

The enablement package is a great option for installing a scoped feature update like Windows 10, version 21H2 as it enables an update from version 2004, or 20H2, or 21H1 to version 21H2 with a single restart, reducing update downtime. This enables devices to take advantage of new features now. For version 2004, 20H2, and 21H1 devices that receive updates directly from Windows Update, devices automatically get the enablement package by installing the feature update to Windows 10, version 21H2.

If a device is updating from Windows 10, version 1909 or an earlier version, this feature update enablement package cannot be manually installed. Instead, it is bundled and automatically included with the feature update to Windows 10, version 21H2. Note the installation time is not reduced in this scenario.

How to get this update

Release Channel

Available

Next Step

Windows Update and Microsoft Update

Yes

None. This update will be downloaded and installed automatically from Windows Update. The update is named Feature Update to Windows 10, version 21H2.

Microsoft Update Catalog

No

This update is only available through the other release channels.

Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)

Yes

This update will automatically synchronize with WSUS if you configure Products and Classifications as follows:

Product: Windows 10

Classification: Upgrades

Prerequisites

Before updating to Windows 10, version 21H2 using an enablement package, you must be running Windows 10, version 2004, 20H2, or 21H1. You must have the following prerequisites installed before applying this update:

  • Servicing stack update for Windows 10, version 2004: September 8, 2020 or a later servicing stack update

  • September 14, 2021 – KB5005565 (OS Build 19041.1237) or a later cumulative update

Restart information

You must restart your device after you apply this update.

Update replacement information

This update does not replace any previously released update.

References

Learn about the terminology that Microsoft uses to describe software updates.

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What's new in Windows 10, version 21H2

  • Article
  • 06/03/2022
  • 2 minutes to read

In this article

Applies to:

  • Windows 10, version 21H2

Windows 10, version 21H2 is the next feature update. This article lists the new and updated features IT Pros should know. Windows 10, version 21H2 is also known as the Windows 10 November 2021 Update. It includes all features and fixes in previous cumulative updates to Windows 10, version 21H1.

Windows 10, version 21H2 is an H2-targeted release, and has the following servicing schedule:

  • Windows 10 Professional: Serviced for 18 months from the release date.
  • Windows 10 Enterprise: Serviced for 30 months from the release date.

Windows 10, version 21H2 is available through Windows Server Update Services (including Configuration Manager), Windows Update for Business, and the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC). For more information, see How to get the Windows 10 November 2021 Update and IT tools to support Windows 10, version 21H2 blog.

Devices running Windows 10, versions 2004, 20H2, and 21H1 can update quickly to version 21H2 using an enablement package. For more information, see Feature Update through Windows 10, version 21H2 Enablement Package.

To learn more about the status of the November 2021 Update rollout, known issues, and new information, see Windows release health.

Updates and servicing

Windows 10, version 21H2 feature updates are installed annually using the General Availability Channel. Previous feature updates were installed using the General Availability Channel. For more information on this change, see the How to get the Windows 10 November 2021 Update.

Quality updates are still installed monthly on patch Tuesday.

For more information, see:

  • Feature and quality update definitions
  • Windows servicing channels

GPU compute support for the Windows Subsystem for Linux

Starting with Windows 10 version 21H2, the Windows Subsystem for Linux has full graphics processing unit (GPU) compute support. It was available to Windows Insiders, and is now available to everyone. The Linux binaries can use your Windows GPU, and run different workloads, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) development workflows.

For more information, and what GPU compute support means for you, see the GPU accelerated ML training inside the Windows Subsystem for Linux blog post.

Get the latest CSPs

The KB5005101 September 1, 2021 update includes about 1400 CSPs that were made available to MDM providers.

These CSPs are built in to Windows 10, version 21H2. These settings are available in Endpoint Manager in the Settings Catalog. Group Policy analytics also includes these GPOs in its analysis.

For more information on the CSPs, see the Configuration service provider reference.

Apps appear local with Azure Virtual Desktop

Azure virtual desktop is a Windows client OS hosted in the cloud, and runs virtual apps. You use the cloud to deliver virtual apps in real time, and as-needed. Users use the apps as if they're installed locally.

You can create Azure virtual desktops that run Windows 10 version 21H2.

For more information, see:

  • What is Azure Virtual Desktop?
  • What's new in Azure Virtual Desktop?
  • Set up MSIX app attach with the Azure portal

Wi-Fi WPA3-Personal H2E support

Wi-Fi WPA3-Personal H2E (Hash-to-Element) support is built in to Windows 10, version 21H2.

  • Release notes for Microsoft Edge Stable Channel

Feedback

Submit and view feedback for

Is Windows 10 version 21H2 safe to install?

Yes, Windows 10 21H2 is totally safe. When this update was released on November 16, it was confirmed and signed as safe, stable, and ready to install on devices that have 20H2, 2004, and 21H1.

Is feature update to Windows 10, version 20H2 good?

The enablement package is a great option for installing a scoped feature update like Windows 10, version 20H2 as it enables an update from version 2004 to version 20H2 with a single restart, reducing update downtime. This enables devices to take advantage of new features now.

Should I do feature update to Windows 10 version 21H1?

Windows 10, version 21H1 is designated for broad deployment. As always, we recommend that you update your devices to the latest version of Windows 10 as soon as possible to ensure that you can take advantage of the latest features and advanced protections from the latest security threats.

How long will Windows 10 21H2 be supported?

The Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 edition (version 21H2) does not have extended support. It will reach end of servicing on 2027-01-12.