Microsoft has revealed more details regarding the upcoming Windows 10 21H1 update, set for launch sometime in the coming months. As expected, the update covering the first half of 2021 isn't set to make any wholesale changes to the operating system, nor will it introduce any major new features.
The Windows 10 21H1 update will focus primarily on bug fixes and stability, with the prospect of a much larger and feature-filled update arriving later in the year.
What's Up with the Windows 10 21H1 Update?
In an announcement on the Microsoft Tech Community page, Microsoft confirmed that the "Windows 10, version 21H1 release will not bring updates to the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program and will follow the same guidelines as 20H2."
The Windows 10 20H2 update was also small in stature, focusing mainly on bug fixes and performance boosts, but did include some interesting changes such as removing certain Control Panel features and making it harder to delete the Microsoft Edge browser.
The announcement regarding the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) is significant because it confirms that nothing major is incoming. The WHCP is a go-to program for companies who rely on Windows products.
When an update with new features is set to arrive on Windows 10, the WHCP helps companies prepare to "deliver systems, software, and hardware products" in a compatible manner, minimizing disruption.
When Is the Windows 10 21H1 Update Coming?
Currently, there is no specific release date for Windows 10 21H1. Given the naming scheme—21H1—we know that the update will launch before the second half of 2021.
We recently reported that a Microsoft Edge developer might have accidentally leaked the released date in a code commit for the browser. The note reads, "The Windows Release coming out this June 2021 has a new API that can disable KTM exploits." As you might expect, Microsoft has not confirmed this timeline.
But there are some other confirmed facts regarding the update, too. For instance, Microsoft is removing the Shake to Minimize feature from Windows 10. This isn't a big deal for many users as it is one of Windows 10's most underused features. However, there is no similar feature within the operating system to replace Shake to Minimize, which has caused some frustration for users.
Looking forwards, the Windows 10 21H2 update will arrive in the second half of 2021. There is already rampant speculation that Microsoft is planning something big for Windows 10 in this update. Given the back-to-back Windows 10 updates focusing on bug fixes, stability, and efficiency, perhaps there's something to the rumors.