Windows 10 20H2 (the new naming convention for the Windows 10 bi-annual major updates) is the October 2020 major update. Note that Microsoft is rolling out this update on a metered basis and not everyone will get the update at the same time.
Here is how you can get it now.
Not quite the large scale updates seen in previous updates as Microsoft is making the Spring of 2021 update the next large scale update and this Fall’s (20H2) update a medium (more than a monthly / patch Tuesday update but with less new features than previous Fall updates).
B) If at all possible create an image back backup of your computer’s disk drive (all partitions, not just a “System Backup”) to an external USB drive and create the “Recovery media” if you just installed the backup software and used it for the 1st time. Should the update fail or cause other issues you can use the backup to restore your current version of Windows 10.
C) Laptop users should be plugged into an AC power source, DO NOT run on battery power.
D) If you manually run Windows Update (Start / Settings / Windows Update) and after installing any monthly updates you see “Feature update to Windows 10 20H2” listed all you need to do is click on “Download and install”. Note that Microsoft is rolling out this update on a metered basis and not everyone will get the update at the same time.
E) If the 20H2 update is not listed in Windows Update (as show above) then you have two additional choices:
2) A compatibility check will be made and the results displayed.
3) Assuming your PC is compatible, the download and update process will begin.
Note that during the “Updating Windows 10” phase there may be a noticeable slowdown at around the 80% to 87 percent complete.
4) Now your PC needs to restart. Close out any applications you may be running and then click the “Restart now” button. You will be logged out of your account.
5) Restarting, Working on updates messages will be displayed. Your PC will restart several times. 6) After you see the lock screen and log in another small batch of updates are installed. 7) Take the tour.
8) Close (Exit) the “Thank you for updating ..." window.
9) Verify the install version. Type: “Winver” (without the quotation marks) in the Search box. You will notice the old style version number system (Example: Version 2004) has been replaced with 20H2 which is shorthand for the year 2020 2nd Half.
The OS Build number is currently 19043.572 this may change to 19043.608 or higher as minor fixes are incorporated over the coming days and weeks.
Choice #2: Click on the “Download tool now” button. You can create installation media or perform a direct up grade (see steps 10 thru 21) for the direct upgrade option.
11) Read and accept the license terms.
12) Verify that the “Upgrade this PC now” option is selected and click the “Next” button.
13) The upgrade download will start and verified when completed.
14) A second check of your PC is made, then read and accept the license terms.
15) Some updates may be required.
16) Ready to install. Be sure to verify that the “Keep personal files and apps” option is selected. Then click the “Install” button to start the upgrade to 20H2.
17) Be aware that during the “Installing Windows 10” process your PC may restart several times. Also allow sufficient time to complete the install, this can take a considerable amount of time.
18) After you see the lock screen and log in another small batch of updates are installed.
19) Take the tour.
20) Close (Exit) the “Thank you for updating ..” window.
21) Verify the install version. Type: “Winver” (without the quotation marks). You will notice the old style version number system (Example: Version 2004) has been replaced with 20H2 which is shorthand for the year 2020 2nd Half.
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