Windows 10 Updates

The following information is for employees who already have Windows 10. If you do not have Windows 10 yet, please refer instead to the page for Getting Ready for Windows 10 upgrade.

Windows as a Service (WaaS)

Windows as a Service (WaaS) is the new support model that Microsoft introduced with Windows 10. It involves a new lifecycle approach to testing, deploying, updating, and servicing the Windows 10 desktop Operating System (OS).

According to the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) IT Policy Implementation Notice (ITPIN), all departments are directed to adopt the WaaS model. Effective April 1, 2020, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) committed to update the Windows 10 operating system on ESDC computers, on an annual basis. These Windows Updates will ensure that we continue to receive critical security updates and ongoing vendor support.

What does this mean for you?

Your computer will automatically update to a newer version of Windows 10, once per year, when it is ready for deployment at ESDC. This process is similar to how your home computer receives an update. You will receive a pop-up notice prior to the update installing on your computer.

There will usually be little or no obvious change to what you see and how you use Windows 10. Advance communications will keep you up-to-date on what is coming.

Under WaaS, each Windows 10 update will:

  • Simplify the process to stay current with Windows 10.
  • Introduce new Windows 10 features faster, with new capabilities and functionality.
  • Keep computers up-to-date and secure.

Latest Status and New Features

Preparing for a Windows 10 Update

Prior to Your Update

Important Instructions:

  • Your computer must also be powered on whether it is a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet (in which case, it must be placed in a docking station).
  • With the exception of the use of docking stations, ensure that you do not close the lid or cover of your computer.
  • Ensure that all of your work has been saved.
  • We do not anticipate that this update will affect your software or Windows settings (e.g., web browser Favorites). However, as a precaution, you may wish to back up your Favorites prior to your update.

If you are working outside of an ESDC office and connecting through the Virtual Private Network (VPN):

  1. Please ensure that your power adapter is plugged in, as a low battery could cause the update to fail.
  2. Make sure you Sign out from your computer at the end of your workday. Important software updates, security updates/patches, and security scans are applied overnight:
    1. Open the Windows Start menu. On the left-hand margin, select the "Accounts" icon.
    2. Select the option "Sign out" to close your account but stay connected to the network via VPN.

  3. On the next day, please restart your computer prior to logging into VPN.

    Your computer must remain on and maintain its VPN connection at all times to ensure you receive the update and any security patches. If your computer is offline or unavailable the evening of the update, there is a potential risk of downtime the following morning while the computer is being updated.

If you are still working in an ESDC office:

  1. It is important that you restart your computer at the end of your workday.
  2. You must have a wired connection to the ESDC network (i.e., not over GC Wi-Fi) for the scheduled update to succeed.

After the Update

Updates to Windows 10 should not require any software to be uninstalled from your computer, so there will be no software restoration delays afterward.

If you encounter any technical issues with your device or software following the update, please submit an online request to the National Service Desk.

Windows 10 Quick Fixes

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why do I need a Windows 10 update?

    The new Microsoft Windows lifecycle requires more frequent updates to ensure that all ESDC computers have the latest critical security protection and support.

  • Initial Recipient: I am on the Initial Recipients List. How can I have my name removed?

    Submit an online service request to the National Service Desk.
    Select the following options when submitting your request:

    • Windows 10 as the product/system/application you need help with.
    • *My issue is related to a new Windows 10 version update.
    • I am part of the Initial Recipients List for an early update to Windows 10 version 1909.
    • I would like to be removed from the recipients list for an early update to Windows 10 version 1909.
  • Initial Recipient: How do I report a technical issue after having received a Windows 10 update?

    Submit an online service request to the National Service Desk and include details about the issue you are having. Please submit this ticket immediately after noticing an issue.

  • How do I check my Windows 10 version?

    Please follow the instructions for how to check your Windows 10 version.

  • I am a Product Manager/Solution Owner. Will I need to test my software prior to the update?

    Mission critical applications will always be tested in advance to ensure that they will not be affected by the update. Software owners of these products will receive notification when it is time to test your software.

    If you have any concerns about your software, please contact the Windows Lifecycle Management (WLM) GD Account.

  • I am a Product Manager/Solution Owner. How do I book an MP Lab device for application testing?

    To submit a request to book your device, please complete the Model Production (MP) Lab Access Request form using this email template (OFT, 74 KB), or attach the completed form (DOCM, 348 KB) and submit it to nc-sys-mp_lab-labo_p@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca and EDSC.DGIIT.GCVW-WLM.IITB.ESDC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.

  • I am a Product Manager/Solution Owner. What is an in-place update, and how does it pertain to Application Testing for a new version of Windows 10?

    An in-place update is a process of updating a device's operating system without removing the previous version first. This type of update retains the system's settings and installed applications and is how future versions of Windows 10 will be updated.

    A reservation must be requested through MP Lab to start testing. Once you have received the login credentials for your reserved MP Lab device, you will have 24 hours to test that your application(s) has been installed correctly on the current operating system. After this period has passed, the device will go through an in-place update to the newer version of Windows 10. You will then have four days to test your application(s) against the new operating system and/or browser.

  • I am a Product Manager/Solution Owner. What cross application time sheet (CATS) code do I use for my time spent application testing?

    Please use your team's regular CATS code. Testing for Windows 10 updates is designated as a Run Activity and does not have a separate code.

  • Will I be able to use all of my software right after the update?

    Yes. Updates to Windows 10 should not require any software to be uninstalled from your computer; as a result, there will be no software restoration delays afterward.

  • Will all of my peripheral devices still work (e.g. wireless mouse, headset, etc.)?

    Peripheral devices, which are already Windows 10 compatible, should continue to work after each update.

  • Will the updates provide any new Windows 10 features?

    Many updates will improve Windows 10 without introducing any obvious new features for employees. You will be informed in advance if a feature is being added, or will be changed, by an update that may affect your work.