Microsoft rolls out first Windows Feature Experience Pack to Insiders
Microsoft took its first public steps to add the Windows Feature Experience Pack to Windows update.
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What you need to know
Microsoft recently released the first Windows Feature Experience Pack update to Insiders. The pack allows Microsoft to improve features and experience that are developed independently of Windows 10. For now, Microsoft is only using the Windows Feature Experience Pack to update a small number of features, but it will likely expand over time.
This is the first time that Microsoft publicly discussed the Windows Feature Experience Pack.ZDNetreported on the Windows Feature Experience Pack earlier this year, but yesterday’sblog postfrom Microsoft was the first time that the company talked about it publicly.
Microsoft has spent some time separating experiences from the Windows 10 update process. This allows Microsoft to update features independently from major OS updates. For example, the screen snipping feature on Windows 10 is among the first features to be updated as part of a Windows Feature Experience Pack.
Microsoft will test this new update process first through Windows Insiders, but it “[hopes] to expand the scope and the frequency of releases in the future.” At some point in the future, the Windows Feature Experience Pack updates will get folded into Microsoft’s servicing process for Windows 10 and roll out through Windows Update.
Yesterday, Microsoft released Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.107.0 to the Beta Channel. Here’s everything that’s new:
Windows Feature Experience Pack updates come out through Windows Update, just as normal builds and cumulative updates. If you’re a Windows Insider on the Beta Channel, you can grab the first Windows Feature Experience Pack now.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
