Windows 10 switching to one big update per year

With Windows 10, Microsoft aimed to deliver users faster access to new features. Previously, there were large gaps between Windows releases, which sometimes resulted in long periods without major feature additions. It seems the goal to push out two big Windows 10 updates was too ambitious as Microsoft is now switching to a new model where it releases just one big Windows 10 update per year.

From now on, Microsoft will release a major OS version per year, as well as a smaller point update with various bug fixes and stability enhancements:

Now, Microsoft is adopting a new method of testing. Instead of pushing updates through first the fast and slow rings in sequential order, the Fast Ring will move from major yearly update to major yearly update. The number of major OS updates per year is being cut from two to one. The Slow Ring, meanwhile, will be devoted to testing the intended minor update for each major update.

The Windows Insider Fast Ring is currently testing Windows 10 2003 (March 2020) right now. After testing on that build is complete, assuming Microsoft keeps this new strategy, the Fast Ring will move to Windows 10, 2103. The Slow Ring is currently testing Windows 10 1909, intended for release in September. Again, assuming Microsoft keeps this deployment strategy, we would expect the Slow Ring to move from Windows 10 1909 to Windows 10 2009.

These changes take effect if you're running Windows 10 build 1903 or later.

Via ExtremeTech