The Surface Duo won't receive a December update — updates should resume early 2021

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

What you need to know

  • The Surface Duo will not receive a December update.
  • Many Microsoft employees are away for the holidays, and the company likely wants people on hand whenever updates roll out.
  • There should be a Surface Duo update in early 2021.

Microsoft's Surface Duo has received monthly updates since its launch up to this point. But this December will break away from that trend. Microsoft is pushing back any Surface Duo updates until people are back from the holidays.

As we got further into December, we began to suspect that there might not be a December update for the Surface Duo, and we have since confirmed with Microsoft that this is the case. A Microsoft spokesperson states that the next update should be early in 2021, though they did not specify if that will be in January.

Microsoft did not comment on the exact reason for the delay, but it's likely related to the holidays. As is the case with most companies, many Microsoft workers are off work for the holidays. When Microsoft rolls out an update, they want people on hand in case anything goes wrong that requires an immediate fix. With people away for the holidays, it's safer to pause things until next year.

While the Surface Duo will not receive an update in December, it has received several updates since its launch earlier this year. Our executive editor, Daniel Rubino, recently took a second crack a Surface Duo review that focuses on how the device has evolved over its first few months and what it's like to use long term.

The Surface Duo is on sale right now for $200 off through Microsoft and Best Buy. That discount brings its starting price down to $1,200.

Microsoft Surface Duo

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Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

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_.