Is Windows 10 version 21H2 necessary?
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Windows 10 21H2 (November 2021 Update) has been available as a minor optional update since November 16, 2021. The new update should already be available for download through the Windows Update settings page on laptops or desktop computers with a hardware and software configuration known to have a smooth upgrade experience. Show
However, since you must upgrade manually and during the early days of new feature updates, bugs and compatibility issues are expected, the question remains whether you should install version 21H2. This guide will help you decide whether to install or stay away from the Windows 10 November 2021 Update. Is it safe to install Windows 10 21H2?The best answer is “yes,” when Microsoft released Windows 10 21H2 on November 16, the update was signed off as stable and safe to install on devices running versions 2004, 20H2, and 21H1. However, the company continues to use its deployment technology to throttle the rollout to ensure that only fully compatible hardware receives the update initially, which means that the November 2021 Update is still not fully available. (Update: Starting April 15, 2022, the feature update is fully available.) Microsoft also has the health dashboard website, where the company lists the known issues for all releases of Windows, and right now all the known bugs have already been fixed. Considering that the new version is a tiny update and not many users reported problems, it’s safe to assume that if you have a computer already running Windows 10 2004 or higher release, you can install version 21H2 with minimal to no risks. The reason is that these versions share the same core file system, so only a small “enablement package” is needed to apply the new version with a quick reboot that does not require reinstallation. Using the enablement package approach reduces the number of problems during and after an in-place upgrade or clean installation. However, it does not resolve the issues with the feature update (if any). Although the new operating system does not seem to have significant problems thus far, you may still come across issues. On the other hand, if the device has an older release, such as the November 2019 Update (version 1909), you may also be able to upgrade, but you should proceed with more caution. Usually, upgrading from an older release requires complete reinstallation, and the process can sometimes cause unexpected problems. In addition to possible unknown and known issues due to the new system changes, you may also stumble upon software and compatibility problems if the computer has outdated drivers. Or if it has poorly designed apps, programs designed for an older version of Windows, or third-party security software. If you are debating whether or not to upgrade, consider this. It is never a good idea to rush the upgrade to a new version of Windows 10 since, during the initial rollout, unknown bugs, errors, and compatibility problems are expected. After a new version becomes available, you will receive a notification on the Windows Update settings page letting you know if the feature update is ready. If you do not receive the notification, you should not try to force it using the Media Creation Tool or Update Assistant because you may encounter unwanted issues. And you may come across errors, such as “This PC can’t be upgraded to Windows 10,” “This PC can’t be upgraded to this version of Windows 10 because of a service or driver that’s not ready yet,” or similar errors. When a new feature update becomes available, it’s always recommended to wait for at least three to four quality updates before pushing the upgrade button. If the laptop in question uses an older release and does not have any problems, you should wait. However, you should not skip new versions completely. Eventually, that specific version will be discontinued and no longer receive maintenance updates, leading to other problems and making the device vulnerable. In the case that you have version 20H2, you should upgrade to version 21H2 as soon as possible since the older release will reach the end of support on May 10, 2022, and after that day, Microsoft will stop releasing updates. Update April 20, 2022: Microsoft has made version 21H2 is now fully available for compatible computers. According to the company, the feature update doesn’t have any known issues at the time of this writing, which means that you can now upgrade with confidence. Skip to main content This browser is no longer supported. Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support. What's new in Windows 10, version 21H2
In this articleApplies to:
Windows 10, version 21H2 is the next feature update. This article lists the new and updated features IT Pros should know. Windows 10, version 21H2 is also known as the Windows 10 November 2021 Update. It includes all features and fixes in previous cumulative updates to Windows 10, version 21H1. Windows 10, version 21H2 is an H2-targeted release, and has the following servicing schedule:
Windows 10, version 21H2 is available through Windows Server Update Services (including Configuration Manager), Windows Update for Business, and the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC). For more information, see How to get the Windows 10 November 2021 Update and IT tools to support Windows 10, version 21H2 blog. Devices running Windows 10, versions 2004, 20H2, and 21H1 can update quickly to version 21H2 using an enablement package. For more information, see Feature Update through Windows 10, version 21H2 Enablement Package. To learn more about the status of the November 2021 Update rollout, known issues, and new information, see Windows release health. Updates and servicingWindows 10, version 21H2 feature updates are installed annually using the General Availability Channel. Previous feature updates were installed using the General Availability Channel. For more information on this change, see the How to get the Windows 10 November 2021 Update. Quality updates are still installed monthly on patch Tuesday. For more information, see:
GPU compute support for the Windows Subsystem for LinuxStarting with Windows 10 version 21H2, the Windows Subsystem for Linux has full graphics processing unit (GPU) compute support. It was available to Windows Insiders, and is now available to everyone. The Linux binaries can use your Windows GPU, and run different workloads, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) development workflows. For more information, and what GPU compute support means for you, see the GPU accelerated ML training inside the Windows Subsystem for Linux blog post. Get the latest CSPsThe KB5005101 September 1, 2021 update includes about 1400 CSPs that were made available to MDM providers. These CSPs are built in to Windows 10, version 21H2. These settings are available in Microsoft Intune in the Settings Catalog. Group Policy analytics also includes these GPOs in its analysis. For more information on the CSPs, see the Configuration service provider reference. Apps appear local with Azure Virtual DesktopAzure virtual desktop is a Windows client OS hosted in the cloud, and runs virtual apps. You use the cloud to deliver virtual apps in real time, and as-needed. Users use the apps as if they're installed locally. You can create Azure virtual desktops that run Windows 10 version 21H2. For more information, see:
Wi-Fi WPA3-Personal H2E supportWi-Fi WPA3-Personal H2E (Hash-to-Element) support is built in to Windows 10, version 21H2. Related articles
FeedbackSubmit and view feedback for Additional resourcesAdditional resourcesIn this articleIs Windows 10 21H2 worth it?Is it safe to install Windows 10 21H2? The best answer is “yes,” when Microsoft released Windows 10 21H2 on November 16, the update was signed off as stable and safe to install on devices running versions 2004, 20H2, and 21H1.
Is it safe to update Windows 10 version 21H2?Yes, Windows 10 21H2 is totally safe. When this update was released on November 16, it was confirmed and signed as safe, stable, and ready to install on devices that have 20H2, 2004, and 21H1.
Should I upgrade from Windows 21H1 to 21H2?Once your version of Windows 21H1 reaches its "end of service" on December 12, 2022, it will no longer receive security updates. Yes, you will need to upgrade to Windows version 21H2 to continue to receive security updates and keep your system secure, improve performance and stability.
Is Windows 10 21H2 the same as Windows 11?Back in November 2021, Microsoft started rolling out Windows 10 November 2021 Update (version 21H2) to compatible devices. Unlike Windows 11 version 21H2, Windows 10 November 2021 Update includes minor improvements only, such as new virtualization features, Windows Subsystem for Linux changes and other fixes.
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