Compared to earlier versions like 19.6, users find VCDS 20.4.2 more robust for several reasons:

While VCDS 20.4.2 supports many older interfaces, 2019 and newer cars typically require modern HEX-V2 or HEX-NET hardware to function correctly. Older "HEX+CAN" cables may lose access to certain modules (like engine modules on EU6 engines) when using newer software.

That is the promise of VCDS 2042.