Microsoft says Windows 10 20H2 ready for commercial testing, ISOs could arrive soon

Microsoft has announced that the Windows 10 version 20H2 update is now available for commercial users for pre-release validation. The firm considers devices commercial if they are running any versions of the OS that are not Home SKUs, are managed by IT through MDM or other tools, or if they are domain-joined. Such enterprise customers are now being suggested to try out 20H2 for testing.

However, the post suggests that commercial devices could update to the next version of the OS either from Windows Update by joining the Insider Program in the Beta or Release Preview Channel, or by downloading ISOs for 20H2 for updating VMs. Interestingly, the Redmond company has not yet provided ISOs for this version, neither is the update available in the Release Preview Channel. It is possible that both of those are slated to happen very soon.

Windows 10 version 20H2 – which in the old naming scheme would be called version 2009 – is a minor update to Windows 10. Just like with version 1909, the 20H2 update is an enablement package delivered in the form of an update that will switch on the additional features in the OS. The firm adds that those on Windows 10 version 2004 (May 2020 Update) will experience a “remarkably fast update” since the minor patch will prompt a single restart and will enable the hidden features.

Microsoft says that devices on the May 2020 Update with the June monthly patch installed will be served the enablement package. It is possible that new features such as the updated Start menu, which are currently hidden, were added to version 2004 with that cumulative update. However, devices on Windows 10 version 1909 will be served 20H2 as a full feature update.

Considering that the fall update is a minor one and is being serviced with cumulative updates already, it should not be surprising to see it make it to the Release Preview Channel soon. Since the announcement suggests that commercial customers can head to Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) as well, the WSUS release and ISOs also might also arrive soon.