Where’s the 20H2 GA Release?
OK, then. I’m not the only person who’s asking the question that makes the title for this story. Many Windows pundits and WU followers — including me — had sort of expected yesterday’s “Patch Tuesday” to bring an upgrade from Window 10 Version 2004 to Version 20H2. Instead we got KB4579311, which took Version 2004 to Build 19041.572. At the same time, Release Preview and Beta Channel Insiders moved on up to Build 19042.572. And it did so via the same KB4579311. Thus, everybody’s wondering: Where is the General Availability release for 20H2?
Reset the Countdown…
MS has been dancing around the GA release for 20H2 since September 18, when they published a Windows Insider blog Preparing the Windows 10 October 2020 Update Ready for Release. Since that time, they’ve kept the 19041 (Version 2000) and 19042 (Version 20H2) Cumulative Updates and minor build numbers in lockstep with each other. They’ve also labeled 20H2 as the “October 20 Update.” Thus many Windows 10 observers and followers — including me — came to believe that Patch Tuesday, October 13, 2020, might be the day when the 20H2 release would go public.
Now, one day after that milestone date, and another Cumulative Update for both versions (Major Build numbers 19041 and 19042 with the same Minor Build number 572) we know for a fact that 20H2 has not yet been publicly released. The next most likely date is two weeks from yesterday, October 27. But really, it could happen either before or after that date, when MS decides that 20H2 is ready for public release to start trickling out. My best guess is that it could happen sometime between now and October 27. I believe that’s more likely that a release date later than October 27. But it’s a guessing game, and Microsoft has yet to show its cards. Thus, only time will tell.
In the meantime, a lot will depend on what telemetry tells MS about how well minor build 572 is working (on both 2004 and 20H2 Insider Release Preview channel PCs). If it shows itself to to be stable, it may be the foundation for the 20H2 GA. If not, there will be one or more additional CUs along with lockstep increments for the 2004 and 20H2 minor build numbers. Again: only time will tell. Stay tuned: I’ll keep you posted.
Author: Ed Tittel
Ed Tittel is a 30-plus-year computer industry veteran. He’s a Princeton and multiple University of Texas graduate who’s worked in IT since 1981 when he started his first programming job. Over the past three decades he’s also worked as a manager, technical evangelist, consultant, trainer, and an expert witness. See his professional bio for all the details.