The Windows 10 Anniversary Update is being rolled out to Windows 10 PCs across the world in phases starting with the newer machines first. You don’t have to do anything to get the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, it will roll out automatically to you through Windows Update if you’ve chosen to have updates installed automatically on your device. However, if you don’t want to wait for the update to roll out to you, you can manually get the update yourself on your personal PC. If you’re using a Windows 10 PC at work, you will need to check with your IT administrator for details on your organization’s specific plans to update.
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How to download Windows 10 Update using Windows Update
The safest method to upgrade to the October 2020 Update is to patiently wait until you receive a notification in the Windows Update settings to confirm that the hardware and software configuration is compatible with the new feature update. However, if it's been some time since the new release became available and you're not seeing the notifications, you can try to force the upgrade using Windows Update.
Important: Microsoft is currently making available the feature update for devices running version 1903 or higher. Also, the rollout will be throttled for the next serveral weeks, which means that it'll take some time for all devices to see this new version.
To apply the 2022 feature update using Windows Update, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Click the Check for updates button.
- Under the Feature Update to Windows 10, version 20H2 section, click the Download and install now button.
- Click the Restart Now button after the update has been downloaded on your device.
How to download Windows 10 October 2020 Update using Update Assistant
- Open this Microsoft support website.
- Click the Update now button to save the tool on your device.
- Double-click the Windows10 Upgrade file to launch the assistant.
- Click the Update Now button.
- Click the Next button.
- Click the Restart Now button.
If you are an experienced user, you can also download the Media Creation Tool from the same Windows 10 download page. This allows you to download the full ISO image of Windows 10 1903 and create physical install media on a USB drive or DVD for a clean install. Or, you can use the ISO image to install 1903 on a virtual machine.
Hold Off on Windows 10 1903
We have covered some of the best new and notable features in Windows 10 1903. But nothing included in the version is “vital” for the average user. But if you always like getting the latest and greatest, you can get the new update now. However, there will undoubtedly be issues with the update for some users depending on their system.
Microsoft’s deployment of the last feature update – version 1809, aka “Windows 10 October 2018 Update” was a quagmire. The company pulled 1809 due to missing files within four days of the first launch. It then took Microsoft several weeks to fix it and finally re-release the October 2018 Update.
The company has done a much better job vetting this version this time, though. Still, our best advice is to wait until Microsoft makes the update available via Windows Update before taking the plunge. If you’re not worried about upgrading until you know all the kinks have been worked out, you can always delay or defer Windows 10 feature updates – for up to a full year on Pro versions.