Microsoft Windows Feature Experience Packs as new way to Upgrade Windows 10

Microsoft has introduced the concept of Windows Feature Experience Packs as a way to improve on the number of Windows features it rolls out to users over the course of a year.

The company released a preview of the first Windows Feature Experience Pack to participants in the Windows Insider beta program, and testing this first with Windows Insiders, is intended to expand the scope and the frequency of releases in the future.

According to Brandon LeBlanc, a senior Windows program manager, Windows Feature Experience Pack will ultimately get folded into the already existing servicing process for Windows 10 and delivered to users through Windows Update.

What's the Idea behind the Windows Feature Experience Packs?

The idea behind the Windows Feature Experience Packs is to help in shipping "features and experiences" using a new mechanism outside the regular two-a-year upgrade cycle for Windows 10.

It will also be served to users via the regular Windows Update, which rely on the same servicing technology used to deploy the monthly security update, with deliveries including the optional updates on third or fourth Tuesday of every month. And most notably, the "minor" upgrades for Windows 10 that shipped in November of 2019 and 2020.

And this initial feature packs includes two minor enhancements to existing features, the first allow users to save screenshots or snippets of captured screen by the Snip and Sketch tool to any designated folder, instead of automatically saving it to the Pictures/Screenshots folder. While the second, supports a split keyboard for touch keyboard on 2-in-1 devices.

Why New Microsoft's upgrade process?

The clamor for a better OS by customers since Windows 10's debut five years ago, have led to complaints about everything from Microsoft's upgrade velocity to disruptiveness, and often questions their value and motives.

Now, customers have gotten adapted to the new servicing strategy, of which the Windows Feature Experience Pack concept is yet another. Albeit, the feature packs do contradict Microsoft's move towards fewer upgrades, typified by the 30-months of support for Windows 10 Enterprise and once-a-year cadence for Windows 10 Pro and Windows 10 Home editions.