Windows 11 will get new features more frequently, outside of major releases

Microsoft is about to release new features for Windows 11 more frequently. The Redmond software giant will issue small cumulative updates via the built-in Windows Update service. Without linking them to major OS feature updates, Microsoft can release them whenever they find the features ready for mainstream use. Today's major update for Windows 11 is one of such updates.

In the official announcement, Microsoft's Panos Panay stated the following.

Windows 11 is designed to bring you closer to what you love, and these new experiences continue to make it easier for you to work, play, create and connect, no matter where you are or how many screens you have. As today’s release shows, we’re committed to delivering experiences into Windows 11 that enrich and inspire people’s lives. Over time, you’ll see us release new features into Windows 11 for end users more frequently in addition to our annual update. We will leverage the variety of update mechanisms we have in place including servicing and Microsoft Store updates. Our goal is to deliver continuous innovation, providing you with the best experiences year-round.

So, those features that are currently being tested in insider builds on the Dev and Beta channels can go to the stable version of the system at any time. Once Microsoft collect enough feedback and consider this or that  feature stable enough, it will land the stable branch without waiting months for the next big "feature update" release.

As you may remember, Windows 11 will receive a single major feature update per year. The next one, known as "Sun Valley 2", is coming in the second half of 2022. Obviously that some of the features initially planned for the upcoming update can now reach consumers much faster.

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