Windows 10 1809 versus 1901
Man, I have to chuckle. Just a little. Seems that MS has finally, finally let go of the latest Windows 10 upgrade through “normal channels.” That release, of course, is named 1809. As I understand it, this decodes to September (the ninth month of) 2018. Look at what’s on the MS Windows 10 Update History page, as of 1/16/2019. That’s why I titled this post: Windows 10 1809 versus 1901.
Notice that only on 1/16/2019 did 1809 become generally available. You can ask for it (manual download). Or, you can wait for MS to decide you qualify for “the best update experience.”
Why Say Windows 10 1809 versus 1901, Anyway?
Poor Microsoft. They’ve really been through it with the two semi-annual 2018 upgrades. 1803 had file loss potential and other issues. 1809 has been beset with one gotcha after another. It’s been 108 days since the end of September, which means it’s really been 106 days since MS made its first, quickly withdrawn 1809 release on October 2. By my calculator, an average month has 30.4 days (365/12), so that means it’s been almost three-and-a-half months from the initial botched release to real GA status. (GA means “general availability” and it’s an older MS buzzword to denote when an OS is ready for general consumption.)
Note further, that MS is still restricting access to this latest 1809 version based on telemetry info. That means it’s gently steering those away who might otherwise get it through Windows Update until they’re a bit more sure that the upgrade will complete successfully. Why, oh why, one wonders did this attitude not prevail from the get-go?