The company is trying out a new way to deliver features through the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft is testing a new way of delivering features to Windows 10 machines. The new process uses the Windows Feature Experience Pack to deliver the updates, rather than issuing an update to the Windows 10 OS itself.
Microsoft started experimenting with the Windows Feature Experience Pack last year, when they released the May 2020 Windows 10 update. The company has been cagey regarding the new feature delivery vehicle.
Microsoft observers noted, however, that it appeared to be a way to deliver updates to Windows 10. In other words, this new process would replace the traditional feature updates.
Brandon LeBlanc, Microsoft Program Manager, described the new process in a blog post this week. In it, he also announces the latest Windows Feature Experience Pack, version 120.2212.2020.0. This pack is going to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel.
What’s in the latest Feature Experience Pack
In this update, Microsoft has improved the reliability of screen snipping experience, including the apps that access the clipboard often.
Additionally, they have removed the capability to copy and paste a screen snip directly into a folder in File Explorer. This is a temporary measure due to an issue discovered via feedback from Windows Insiders. Microsoft intends to re-enable this capability in a future update after they address this issue.
“These Windows Feature Experience Pack updates are delivered to Insiders through Windows Update just like builds and cumulative updates are,” LeBlanc explains.
“As a reminder – we are testing this new process out with Insiders to deliver new feature improvements to customers outside of major Windows 10 feature updates,” he adds.
“Right now, we are starting out with a really scoped set of features and improvements,” LeBlanc explains. “Over time, we hope to expand the scope and the frequency of releases in the future.”
“Eventually, these Windows Feature Experience Pack updates will get folded into the already existing servicing process for Windows 10,” LeBlanc says. He adds that Microsoft will deliver the future updates this way through Windows Update.
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