Sorry, no preview releases for Windows 10 this December

Surface Go 2
Surface Go 2 (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft won't release any preview releases for Windows 10 in December.
  • The pause is due to the holidays.
  • Monthly preview releases will resume in January 2021.

Microsoft won't roll out any preview releases for Windows 10 in December 2020. The company added a brief note to a support page that explains the pause.

IMPORTANT Because of minimal operations during the holidays and the upcoming Western new year, there won't be any preview releases for the month of December 2020. Monthly servicing will resume with the January 2021 security releases.

Rather than being connected to the global pandemic, which caused a pause of optional updates earlier this year, the December pause is due to the holidays.

Note that Microsoft only mentions that preview releases will be paused over the holidays. Other normally scheduled cumulative updates should still roll out as normal.

2020 has been a long year, and a break for the Windows 10 update team is well-deserved. Microsoft notes that normal monthly servicing will resume in January 2021 with security releases.

Windows 10 usually receives an update on the second Tuesday of the month, frequently known as Patch Tuesday. Optional updates then usually appear later each month.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.