With the release of the Windows 10 & 11 Operating Systems, Microsoft introduced a new way to build, deploy, and service Windows: Windows as a service. New features are packaged into Feature Updates. Bug fixes and security fixes are packaged into Quality/Feature Updates. These updates can be deployed using existing management tools like SCCM. To align with the new method of delivering feature and quality updates in Windows 10 & 11, Microsoft introduced the concept of servicing channels.
Historically, new versions of Windows 10 (also called feature updates) were released twice a year via the Semi-Annual Channel. Beginning with Windows 10, version 21H2 (the Windows 10 November 2021 Update), feature updates will be released annually in the second half of the year via the General Availability Channel
Microsoft announced that Windows 10 &11 new feature update releases will have a yearly cadence (2nd half of the Calendar year) in an annual servicing channel. The servicing and support information is available on Microsoft’s Whats new in Windows client deployment page. The servicing timeline for available Windows versions is available on Microsoft’s Windows Lifecycle Fact Sheet.
There are 3 types of servicing channels available:
Windows Insider Program
This program provides Preview Builds that registered entities can get access to validate new features as well as compatibility with existing apps and infrastructure prior to the new features being released in an Annual Channel.
General Availability Channel
This channel delivers the new per year feature update releases. Organizations can choose when to deploy updates from the General Availability channel.
Long-Term Servicing Channel
LTSC releases (formerly known as LTSB) are intended for specialized systems that often require a longer servicing option because of their purpose. The LTSC servicing model prevents Windows LTSC devices from receiving the usual feature updates and provides only quality updates to ensure that device security stays up to date.
For additional details on Windows as a service, please refer to:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/update/waas-overview
Note:
See the table below for newer versions of Windows 10 and supported Citrix versions:
Windows Version | OS Builds (Or higher) | Servicing Options | Citrix Support | Citrix Version |
---|---|---|---|---|
Windows 11 24H2 | 26100 | GA | Supported |
**2402 LTSR CU1 or newer CU **2407 or newer version |
Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC2024 | 26100 | LTSC | Supported |
**2402 LTSR CU1 or newer CU **2407 or newer version |
Windows 11 23H2 | 22631.2506 | GA | Supported |
**2402 LTSR or newer CU **2308 or newer |
Windows 11 22H2 | 22621.521 | GA | Supported |
**2402 LTSR or newer CU **2206 or newer |
Windows 10 22H2 Update | 19045.2130 | GA | Supported |
**2402 LTSR or newer CU **2209 or newer |
Windows 10 21H2, 2021 LTSC | 19044.1387 | SAC, LTSC | Supported | **2109 or newer version **2203 LTSR or newer CU **1912 LTSR CU4 or newer CU *7.15 LTSR CU8 or newer CU |
* 7.15 LTSR is currently EOL. Refer to Citrix Product Lifecycle dates listed at https://www.citrix.com/support/product-lifecycle/product-matrix.html
** Standard product EOL and other timelines apply for the respective versions of Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops https://www.citrix.com/support/product-lifecycle/product-matrix.html