Even though Microsoft has been releasing test builds of Windows Server to Insiders for testing, they did not share any information on an official basis until August 26th, 2020. Their first official statement about the new builds shared some details about what is in them.
Microsoft announced the new vNext preview of Windows Server, designated build number 20201. They listed many features included and added that the new build is of the next Windows Server LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) release. LTSC releases happen every few years.
Long term releases and updates
The latest Windows 10 client and server releases under the LTSC designations were Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019, which was released alongside Windows 101809 and Windows Server 2019. These Windows 10/Windows Server LTSCs are typically long-term releases that come out every 2-3 years.
After that, they get security updates for up to a decade, with no feature updates or design changes.
Microsoft advises users to limit LTSC use to apps critical to operations and not every day, to avoid the updates. The next version of Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC will be made publicly available in late 2021.
We will have to wait to find out
Microsoft has decided that the client and server LTSC releases might not happen simultaneously in 2021. Server LTSC ‘Next’ is going to get a 21H2 release, but the Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC ‘Next’ won’t be made available alongside the Server release.
Some reports said that there might not be a Windows 10 21H1 release. However, it would appear that Microsoft might opt to release a 21H1 Windows 10 update alongside a Windows 10x release in the spring of 21H1.
The Windows Server test build reportedly has both a Desktop Experience and Server Core installation options used in Datacenter and Standard Editions.
To find out more about the features, check out Microsoft’s blog post.
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