Microsoft has recently released the latest Windows 10 21H1, aka May 2021 Update. This update also contains all features and fixes included in previous cumulative updates to Windows 10, version 2004.
The update is available for users with devices running Windows 10, versions 2004, and higher who manually seek to Check for updates via Windows Update. The recommended servicing status is Semi-Annual Channel.
By seeing Microsoft released feature list, the update appears to be one of the smallest ones in terms of new features. This update basically focused on enhancements, performance improvements for existing features, and fixing bugs.
According to Microsoft, Windows 10 21H1 offers a scoped set of improvements in the areas of security, remote access, and quality to ensure that your organization and your end-users stay protected and productive.
Available Option to Upgrade Windows 10 21H1
How to get the Windows 10 version 21H1 (May 2021 Update)? To update devices running Windows 10, version 2004 or 20H2 to Windows 10, version 21H1, you can speed up the update process. Learn more about Easiest Option to Upgrade to Latest Version of Windows 10 21H1
If you are looking for Windows 10 21H1 Deployment using Configuration Manager, follow here – Deploy Windows 10 21H1 Using SCCM Task Sequence | ConfigMgr | Step by Step Guide
Windows 10 21H1 Features List
Here’s the list of new or updated features with Windows 10 May 2021 Update –
Windows Hello
Windows Hello multi-camera support is added, allowing users to choose an external camera priority when both external and internal Windows Hello-capable cameras are present.
Microsoft Edge
The new Chromium-based Microsoft Edge browser is included with this release.
Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) Group Policy Service (GPSVC) has a performance improvement to support remote work scenarios:
Windows Defender Application Guard (WDAG)
WDAG performance is improved with optimized document opening times:
- An issue is fixed that could cause a one-minute or more delay when you open a Microsoft Defender Application Guard (WDAG) Office document. This can occur when you try to open a file using a Universal Naming Convention (UNC) path or Server Message Block (SMB) share link.
- A memory issue is fixed that could cause a WDAG container to use almost 1 GB of working memory when the container is idle.
- The performance of Robocopy is improved when copying files over 400 MB in size.
Here you can check 👉 List of New Group Policy Settings in Windows 10 21H1
Removed Features
The following features and functionalities have been removed from Windows 10 21H1.
Microsoft Edge
The legacy version of Microsoft Edge is no longer supported. Microsoft strongly recommends that customers build a transition plan to the new Microsoft Edge to ensure an up-to-date browser. The new Microsoft Edge will be available as part of the Windows 10 cumulative monthly security update released on April 13, 2021.
XDDM-based Remote Display Driver
Support for Windows 2000 Display Driver Model (XDDM) based remote display drivers is removed in this release. Independent Software Vendors that use an XDDM-based remote display driver should plan a migration to the WDDM driver model.
Features No longer In Development
The following features are no longer being actively developed and might be removed in a future update.
Internet Explorer (IE) 11
The IE11 desktop application will end support for certain operating systems starting June 15, 2022.
Personalization Roaming
The roaming of Personalization settings (including wallpaper, slideshow, accent colors, and lock screen images) is no longer being developed and might be removed in a future release.
Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) Tool
The WMIC tool is deprecated in Windows 10, version 21H1, and the 21H1 semi-annual channel release of Windows Server. This tool is superseded by Windows PowerShell for WMI. Note: This deprecation only applies to the command-line management tool. WMI itself is not affected.
List of Updated Tools for Version 21H1?
To support the release of Windows 10, version 21H1, Microsoft has released updated versions of the following tools –
- Security baseline (final) for Windows 10, version 21H1 – Microsoft-recommended configuration settings, including explanations of their security impact.
- Administrative Templates (.admx) for Windows 10, version 21H1 – While natively accessible via the C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitions\ folder in Windows, administrative template files can be downloaded separately used to populate policy settings in the user interface of Group Policy tools, allowing you to manage registry-based policy settings.
- Group Policy settings reference spreadsheet for Windows 10, version 21H1 – List of the policy settings for computer and user configurations included in the ADMX files delivered for Windows 10, version 21H1.
- Windows 10 Enterprise Evaluation – Free 90-day evaluation of Windows 10, version 21H1 for IT professionals interested in trying Windows 10 Enterprise on behalf of their organization.
Resources
- What’s new in Windows 10, version 21H1 for IT Pros – Microsoft Docs
- Easiest Option to Upgrade to Latest Version of Windows 10 21H1 | No Need to Download 21H1 | Best Upgrade Option
Author
About Author – Jitesh, Microsoft MVP, has over five years of working experience in the IT Industry. He writes and shares his experiences related to Microsoft device management technologies and IT Infrastructure management. His primary focus area is Windows 10 Deployment solution with Configuration Manager, Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT), and Microsoft Intune.