Microsoft Surface Duo picks up February Android security update

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By Daniel Rubino
published

Microsoft is pushing out a February OS patch likely tied to the international release of Surface Duo.

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

What you need to know

  • The Surface Duo is now getting a February Android security update
  • The update is only 66 MB in size, suggesting it is just security and maybe minor fixes.
  • Surface Duo is expected to go on sale today in four new markets.

Microsoft appears to be trying to catch up on Surface Duo updates after its missed December and late-delivered January ones (released January 27th).

Unlocked Surface Duos should now be getting the February 5th Android security update bumping Duo's system build from 2020.1211.85 to 2021.115.52.

For those with AT&T-branded Surface Duos, that update likely won't go out for another week when the carrier certifies it.

Surface Duo Feb Update

Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

The update is only 66 MB in size. You'll see a different version number depending on if you're in North America (2021.115.52) or Europe (2021.115.52), but the changes listed by Microsoft are the same:

  • Addresses scenarios outlined in the Android Security Bulletin - February 2020.
  • Improves Surface Duo UI stability.
  • Improves single tap touch experience.

To check for the update, use 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.

For those looking for news on Android 11, a recent report (corroborated by our sources) points to a mid-year or summer release for the more extensive OS update. However, Microsoft has yet to confirm the details publicly.

Surface Duo is also going on sale today (February 18th) in four new markets, including the UK, Germany, France, and Canada, which is likely tied to the timing of this update.

Thanks for the tip, Ryan T.!

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Daniel Rubino
Daniel Rubino
Editor-in-chief

Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central. He is also the 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 watches. He has been reviewing laptops since 2015 and is particularly fond of 2-in-1 convertibles, ARM processors, new form factors, and thin-and-light PCs. 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.