What you need to know
- All Windows Insiders in the Beta channel will see Windows 10 21H1 builds as recommended updates.
- Previously, Beta channel Insiders had to seek out 21H1 builds
- Microsoft officially announced Windows 10 version 21H1 last month.
Microsoft officially announced Windows 10 version 21H1 last month. It's a minor servicing style update that will sit on top of Windows 10 version 20H2. When Microsoft first announced version 21H1, Insiders in the Beta channel had an option to seek out 21H1 builds or to receive 20H2 builds. Now, all Windows Insiders in the Beta channel will be offered 21H1 builds as recommended updates.
Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc outlined the change in an update to the release notes for 21H1 build 19043.844:
UPDATE 3/2: 21H1 is now being offered as a recommended update to all Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel. Insiders who previously didn't choose to install 21H1 will now automatically receive 21H1 in the Beta Channel.
As explained by LeBlanc, if an Insider previously chose not to receive 21H1 builds, they'll now automatically receive them through the Beta channel.
Insiders that receive 21H1 builds won't have a ton of new features to test out. It will be a relatively small update when compared to some other semi-annual feature updates for Windows 10. 21H1 focuses on business-oriented features and enhancements, including multi-camera support for Windows Hello and Windows Defender Application Guard improvements.
A much larger update should arrive for Windows 10 later this year. Codenamed Sun Valley, the update will feature a rejuvenated UI design, new features, and updated in-box apps. The larger update is expected to launch in the second half of this year as Windows 10 version 21H2.
