We’re in the “Windows as a service” era and Microsoft make improvements to Windows 10 as necessary over time. Windows 10 as a service is updated every month with general or security improvements, and twice a year with new features.
The traditional Windows servicing approach included major Windows releases, service packs and monthly updates. With Windows as a Service approach, Microsoft has simplified the Windows update process. Windows 10 now offers only two types of releases – features updates and monthly updates.
Microsoft says Windows as a Service approach has numerous advantages, including the ability to update Windows with new features faster, continuous stability and quality improvements, better compatibility with latest standards and apps.
Advantages of Windows as a Service
Windows 7 support ends in eight months from today and the traditional Windows Update process will also fade away. In a blog post, Microsoft shared the main reasons that make Windows as a Service more effective than the traditional approach.
Improved stability
Microsoft says the WaaS approach has improved the stability of the OS with monthly updates. Windows 10 updates are released to 800 million active devices, 35 million application titles which include 175 million application versions.
Microsoft also rolls out updates for 16 million unique hardware and driver combinations.
More secure
Another big advantage of WaaS is users don’t have to install a new operating system every few years to get security patches and features. Users can continue to use Windows 10 and receive regular updates without worrying about security patches.
More productive
Windows 10’s features updates have introduced several new features over time and many of the changes have been designed to make the life of IT professionals more productive.
Lower total cost of ownership (TCO)
Windows as a Service has also reduced the total cost of ownership by helping administrators and IT professionals focus more on:
- Application compatibility testing.
- Reducing security risk, remediation costs, support costs.
- Enable effective employee-customer interactions.
The May 2019 Update
Microsoft has learned from its messy Windows 10 update mistakes of the past and Windows 10 May 2019 Update has offered a smoother upgrade experience than any previous version of Windows 10.
Users have reported fewer issues with May 2019 Update and Microsoft is also giving customers more control, quality and transparency over software updates.
