Microsoft is making commercial previews of both Windows 10 21H2 and Windows 11 available to businesses through the Windows Insider Program for Business.
Organizations enrolled in the program can access the OS builds through a Windows Update, Windows Server Update Services, Windows Insider Program ISO download, and Azure Marketplace, as of September 2. Microsoft is providing free support for businesses that want to test and validate the builds so companies can experience a smooth rollout, ahead of the fall releases of both operating systems. The company plans to make Windows 11 generally available between October 5 and mid-next year.
When’s the release?
Officials have not provided a release date for Windows 10 21H2, but it will likely be around October 2021. The company also said that commercial devices in the Windows Insider Release Preview Channel will automatically be offered Windows 11 as an optional upgrade through Windows update or a Windows Update for Business policy.
Only devices satisfying Windows 11 hardware requirements and which have the September 1, 2021, optional cumulative update KB5005101 installed will get Windows through this method.
How the updates will work
Users who do not want particular devices to move to the new OS will be able to click on ‘Stay on Windows 10 for now’ when prompted to update. However, by doing this, they will see an option asking them to install Windows 10 21H2.
Any commercial devices in the Release Preview Channel that do not meet the necessary Windows 11 hardware requirements will have the option to go to Windows 10 21H2 automatically.
Both previews are completely optional for now. One can choose to remain on your current version of Windows and continue to get preview builds of quality updates for that particular version.
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