Surface Duo's November update now rolling out unlocked and AT&T; here's what's new

By Dan Thorp-Lancaster
published

Surface Duos locked to carriers are expected to get the update in the coming days.

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

What you need to know

  • A new system update is now rolling out for Surface Duo.
  • This update is expected to include Android's November security patch and other improvements.
  • The AT&T update is also now live

Update 5PM ET 11/16/2020: Reports are out that AT&T-branded versions of Surface Duo are now getting the November system update as well.

Microsoft's second monthly update for the Surface Duo is rolling out now. Microsoft hasn't provided release notes yet, but the 137MB update includes the November 5th, 2020, Android security patch, and it's expected to bring the usual general improvements to the user experience. We'll also likely see some outstanding bugs squashed.

This follows the launch of the October update last month, which was the first major update to roll out to the Surface Duo since its launch. That update included the monthly Android security patch, along with some improvements to call and touch stability. There were also improvements to the single-screen experience for Facebook Messenger's chat bubbles.

This update comes in at version number 2020.1014.61. We'll update this post with the release notes once Microsoft makes them available.

Update November 13 (3:39 p.m. ET) — Release notes now available

Microsoft has now provided the release notes. Here's a look at what's new:

  • Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin - November 2020.
  • Refines camera image quality.
  • Improves moving or dismissing of apps when spanned across both screens.
  • Improves touch stability.
  • Improves device stability.

For more, you can check out the Surface Update History (opens in new tab) for Surface Duo.

If you own a Surface Duo, you can check for the update with the following steps:

  1. Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
  2. Select Settings on your Surface Duo's home screen.
  3. Select System.
  4. Select System Update.
  5. Select Check for update.
  6. Select Restart now.

If you bought a Surface Duo through AT&T, it's likely you'll see this update arrive next week after the verification process. (Update: it's now live).

The Surface Duo is available now for $1,400. The Microsoft Store (opens in new tab) also has a bundle deal that shaves $200 off the price when paired with a Surface Slim Pen and a pair of Surface Earbuds.

Surface Duo SeOrder today

 (opens in new tab)
Microsoft Surface Duo

Two screens are better than one

Microsoft delves into the future of foldables with an ambitious dual-screen device, featuring two ultra-thin 5.6-inch AMOLED displays bound by a 360-degree hinge. This pocketable inking-enabled Android smartphone marks the latest in the Surface lineup, geared for mobile productivity.

Microsoft Surface Duo

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Dan Thorp-Lancaster
Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl. 

13 Comments
  • Regardless of this update, my Surface Duo's overall experience has improved so dramatically that I have forgotten about any usability issues. The camera is still finicky, but the device is totally competent and usable now. It would've been great if it was like this from day one.
  • Same here. As you say the camera is finicky. It really gates to let me use the screen opposite when folded on itself And press g the power button twice to start the camera app. Otherwise it's been solid
  • The camera needs a " Screen Lock" setting, or a floating button that can easily lock the viewer to your screen of choice. The unauthorized flipping back and forth is absolutely frustrating. I can't stand it. If I could set the camera to lock the viewer to the left screen by default I would be happy. I rarely use it as a FFC.
  • I couldn't agree with you more rodneyej. I don't even consider it a "niche" device anymore. There isn't anything that I could do on my old phone that I can't do on my Duo. The Dual screens is such an amazing experience. Really no lag in applications. I would simple suggest those who haven't had the opportunity to at least test one out at Best Buy or any store that allows you to physically try one out, to do so. It truly is a revolutionary device.
  • Installing update now. It's not clear to me from the change log if it will fix the biggest problems I have with the Duo (but still wouldn't want to go back to a single screen phone): 1. FREQUENTLY the screen is locked after unlocking it. The desktop (or whatever we call it on Android) never comes up. No icons, no apps. Sometimes pressing and holding a volume key and then tapping the volume options button that appears restores the screen, but only about half the time. The rest of the time, restarting the phone is the only solution. Frustrating how often I need to do this. 2. Has weird problems where it doesn't seem to know what orientation it's in. It's like it's sideways, when I rotate it, still sideway, just in a different direction. Turning rotation lock on and off usually fixes, but sometimes need to restart.
  • Is it the OS, or is ot the launcher? Have you tried a different launcher to see?
    And it is the "home screen"
  • Had the same "problem", but is was not a problem; just open the device completely and it will work!
  • I hope the Surface Duo is on sale for BF. I missed the $200 off sale.
  • Att update is 81mb?
  • That's what I saw too
  • Got mine Friday...maybe unlocked gets it 1st.
  • Mine arrived as well go ATt
  • Since the November Update the phone application has a bug where the buttons for icons do not work in the phone so you can not end a call or press any icons within the phone application, anyone else have this problem, it's only been happening since the November Update 😏