Microsoft's Surface Duo and Surface Duo 2 are picking up April security updates today

By Daniel Rubino
last updated

Both of Microsoft's Android-based Surface Duo phones are getting monthly security patches from Google today.

Surface Duo Hero 2020
Surface Duo Hero 2020 (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • The Surface Duo and Surface Duo each have small OS updates today.
  • Surface Duo's update is just 16.73MB, while Surface Duo 2's is 28.21MB
  • The updates are just the monthly April 1 security patch from Google, although Surface Duo 1 gets a minor fix for Miracast.

Today, Microsoft is pushing out some small OS updates for its dual-screen Android phones. The original Surface Duo and newer Surface Duo 2 are getting some small patches via the Android updater.

Historically, the updates are relatively small in size, coming in at just 16.73MB for Surface Duo and a slightly larger 28.21MB for Surface Duo 2. Previous OS updates for both phones were around 200MB, so these are likely minor tweaks or security patches. That said, the original Surface Duo has a small fix for when using Miracast.

Here are the changes for each device:

Surface Duo

  • Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin—April 2022.
  • Fixes pixelated external display when screen sharing via Miracast.

Surface Duo 2

  • Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin—April 2022.

On Surface Duo 2, our build number jumped from 2022.106.38 to 2022.108.8. For the original Surface Duo, the build on our unlocked phone jumped from 2022.113.26 to 2022.115.10.

So far, Microsoft has been very consistent with its promise of monthly updates for its Surface Duo devices. While there have been periods of just security patches, recent monthly updates have included improvements to the OS, gestures, touch, responsiveness, camera, and adding more inking capabilities.

Google's Android 12L OS update, optimized for dual-screen and foldable phones, is due "later this year" from Microsoft.

Recently, Microsoft dropped the price of Surace Duo 2 from $1,499 to a more desirable $999, although it is unclear if that is a temporary reduction or a new regular price to drive sales. That price cut for Surface Duo 2 can be found at Microsoft.com, Best Buy, and Amazon.

Thanks, Wade S., for the tip!

Save on Surface Duo 2

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The Surface Duo 2 is a unique foldable with two displays. It can run apps side-by-side or span apps across both screens. The second-generation Duo improves upon its predecessor in several key areas, including having better cameras, displays, and software. Later this year, the Duo 2 should receive an update to Android 12L, which is optimized for tablets and foldables.

Daniel Rubino
Daniel Rubino
Editor-in-chief

Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007 when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and for some reason, watches. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes!), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun.

6 Comments
  • I'm guessing we will not see any large updates, until Android 12L. Unless they plan on adding those missing customizations for MS Launcher. Other things I would like to see: 1. The ability to toggle the charging on/off for the Pen 2 from notification pull down or pin to the widget screen. 2. Always on notification bar charging indicator, while being charged. 3. More customization for sounds. Such as, open/close, Screen lock and charging sounds. If possible, a notification sound for Pen2 connection/disconnect. I know, it sounds minor, but that would be extremely useful, if the pen detached without your knowledge.
  • "I'm guessing we will not see any large updates, until Android 12L. "
    Yeah, I could see that being the case. Improvements to inking and Glance Bar (maybe even Launcher), could all be part of a big "package," which would also serve as kind of a second (re)-launch for Duo 2, especially since we do not expect a Duo 3 for the fall.
  • These sound like great ideas 👍
  • Update installed fine. Glad to see an update than no update.
  • Thx Daniel for the shout out. Love watching & reading everything Windows Central
  • Anyone else having issues with waking up original duo when the screen is folded back? It keeps showing the glance bar. I have to fold, then unfold to wake it up.