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Windows 10 could soon split Feature Experience updates, delivered via an app, from the core OS

3 min. read

Published onDecember 23, 2019

published onDecember 23, 2019

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After Windows 10 engineersrevealed the next phase of Fast Ring Insider testingand update releases would allow the production of Windows 10 to be a bit more modular in delivery, it now seems the team is setting up the building blocks to deliver both more routine feature updates and bi-annual core maintenance separately.

Microsoft sleuth Walking Cat, aka@h0x0don Twitter, has uncovered some information that raises speculation that the Windows team could be set to deliver ona notion conceived years agoduring Windows 10 development where engineers could push out shell operating features independent of core OS development.

https://twitter.com/h0x0d/status/1208314988646977541?s=20

Based on this discovery and the timing of the update, it seems the Windows 10 team has finally figured out a way to split shell features from Windows CoreOS and funnel new experiences and features through this updatedWindows Feature Experience Packapp.

The new Windows Feature Experience app remains a placeholder app for now but has seemingly been updated since the last Fast Ring release and sports an independent version number from the watermarked Insider label. This Windows Experience version number is also showing up in the About section of Windows System settings on the latest Fast Ring builds.

As many have speculated recently, Walking Cat also believes that sinceMicrosoft’s major Windows reorg earlier this year, Windows 10 engineering is split and could follow two paths, where Windows 10 Core OS follows more of an Azure development roadmap while Windows 10 Shell development can now begin working at a quicker clip.

https://twitter.com/h0x0d/status/1208279707113811970?s=20

What this could mean in a practical sense, is that Microsoft is or has finally come up with a way to develop its barebones and streamlined OS. A new process from Microsoft that allows it to deliver a more locked-down version to businesses while allowing both enterprise and consumers the ability to (presumably pay/ subscribe for enabling) extra functionality or features rather than having to engineer and development one messy spaghetti plate of code to everyone.

In essence, Microsoft could finally usher in the presumed Windows 10 Software-as-a-Service model, that many have predicted was coming over the past few years. Customers can buy the basic Windows Core OS and eventually subscribe to various versions with different feature sets based on their needs.

Again, this is all speculation and has been a pipe dream of many Windows users for decades, but with this new features app being able to seemingly update independent of the core OS release, the Windows team could be that much closer to finally delivering a better process for users in the future.

Kareem Anderson

Networking & Security Specialist

Kareem is a journalist from the bay area, now living in Florida. His passion for technology and content creation drives are unmatched, driving him to create well-researched articles and incredible YouTube videos.

He is always on the lookout for everything new about Microsoft, focusing on making easy-to-understand content and breaking down complex topics related to networking, Azure, cloud computing, and security.

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Kareem Anderson

Networking & Security Specialist

He is a journalist from the bay area, now living in Florida. He breaks down complex topics related to networking, Azure, cloud computing, and security

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Windows 10 could soon split Feature Experience updates, delivered via an app, from the core OS#