Microsoft is testing another way to release new capabilities and improvements to Windows 10 outside the regularly scheduled Windows updates.
Historically, when Microsoft wants to release a new capability or improvement in Windows 10, it includes it in the scheduled cumulative updates or in feature updates.
However, scheduled updates make rapid development of a new improvement or the fixing of a detected bug in an existing feature difficult.
To resolve this issue, Microsoft is introducing a new method of delivering improved features and bug fixes through “Windows Feature Experience Packs.”
In a recent announcement, Microsoft explains that Windows Feature Experience Packs will be used to quickly deliver improvements and fixes for standalone features developed independently of the base operating system.
When Bleepingcomputer contacted Microsoft to find out which features are supported by the Windows Feature Experience Packs, they said they had nothing more to say at that time.
Windows features that are developed independently of the base operating system and that may be updated through feature experience packs include:
- Start menu of Windows 10
- Windows Snipping Tool
- Internet Explorer
- XBOX integration
- Windows Subsystem for Linux
- Notepad
- Paint
- Other features installed via the Optional Features settings.
This new feature delivery mechanism is being tested first with Windows Insiders in the Beta channel. To receive this update, users will need to have Windows 10 20H2 build 19042.662 installed and run a “Check for updates” on the Windows Update screen.
The first package will be version number 120.2212.1070.0 and will include improvements for the Snipping Tool and the Touch Keyboard.
Users can determine what Windows Feature Experience Pack has installed by going to Settings > System > About and looking under Windows specifications, as shown below.
By using Windows Feature Experience Packs, Microsoft can separate the update cycle of independent features from the core operating system.
This change will allow Microsoft to deliver improvements and bug fixes at a faster pace, making it more efficient for Windows development teams to manage products .
