Over seven months after it was first released to the public, Windows 10 version 2004 is finally ready for “broad deployment.” This announcement, such as it is, comes over 3 months after version 2004’s successor, version 20H2, was released.
“Windows 10 version 2004 is designated for broad deployment … as of February 3, 2021,” the Windows 10 release information website briefly notes. “The recommended servicing status is Semi-Annual Channel.”
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With previous Windows 10 versions, the movement into broad deployment happened more quickly, and that’s all the more curious when you consider that both Windows 10 versions 2004 and 20H2 are minor updates, and not full-fledged feature updates. (In fact, they are the second and third Windows 10 versions in a set of an anticipated four to be minor updates; Windows 10 version 1909 was also very minor, and Windows 10 version 21H1 is expected to be as well.)
Looking over the known issues list for Windows 10 version 2004, there are still some unresolved problems. Among them is a recently-discovered issue with Conexant ISST audio drivers, which Microsoft has simply confirmed but not resolved. But for the most part, this version is finally at the quality level where anyone should be able to search for updates in Windows Update and be offered 2004.
If not, you’re likely suffering from what Microsoft calls a “safeguard hold,” meaning that some device or software is preventing the upgrade.
dftf
<p>The Conexant driver-issue is the reason my brother's laptop cannot-currently go-past Version 1909… I'm sure though if one were to go into Device Manager and change the driver to the generic "High-Definition Audio" driver the Safeguard-Hold would lift…</p>
dftf
<p>Also, if you're running 2004 or 20H2, do a search for KB4598291 (essentially an early-preview of the update for this month) which fixes a lot of non-security issues…</p>
b6gd
<p>With Windows 10 I am finally at a point that I honestly do not follow these updates. I get them when I get them. The last 2-4 I really did not even notice any change. I know there is but for what I use Windows for, corporate desktop, I use "apps" more than I use the OS.</p>
dftf
<blockquote><em><a href="#612044">In reply to clivegsd:</a></em></blockquote><p>You might be better-off creating a forum-post for this.</p><p><br></p><p>If you're using third-party software (e.g. Acronis; EaseUS Todo; Macrium) might be better to see if they offer any support, or a user-forum.</p><p><br></p><p>If you're using the "System Image" option built-into Windows 10, be aware that it is classed as "depreciated".</p><p><br></p><p>Things that may help you I could suggest are (1) on the activated Windows install before doing the clone, use a tool like ProduKey to obtain the Windows product-key; (2) from an Command-Prompt window (or the Run box) type SLMGR /? then press ENTER and see if anything there could help you. Or (3), if this is in an enterprise environment, and you're using a KMS server, speak to your IT as they might have policies set-up to prevent a PC from re-activating, or the licence-pool might be empty. For MAK keys, where you activate against Microsoft's web-servers over-the-Internet, contact Microsoft directly, as you should have support from them</p>