The latest version of Windows 10 is the October 2020 Update, version “20H2,” which was released on October 20, 2020. Microsoft releases new major updates about every six months.
This is for devices running Windows 10
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These major updates can take some time to reach your PC since Microsoft and PC manufacturers do extensive testing before fully rolling them out. Let’s find out what version you are running, and how you can skip the wait and get the most recent version if you do not already have it.
This update was codenamed “20H2” during its development process, as it was released in the second half of 2020. Its final build number is 19042.
Related
How to Understand Windows 10 Names and Numbers
How to Check for the Latest Version
First, open your Start menu, and then click the gear-shaped Settings icon or press the Windows+I to open the Settings app. Refer to below image:
In the Settings window, head to
System > About
and then scroll down toward the bottom to the Windows Specifications section.
A version number of “20H2” indicates you are using the October 2020 Update. This is the latest version. If you see a lower version number, you are using an older version.
In my example below, I am using “2004”, the May 2020 Update. See below image:
To find out information on Microsoft Windows releases, head to Microsoft’s Windows 10 release information web page. Just look at the most recent version under “Semi-Annual Channel” section.
How to Get the Latest Version
The best way to do this is by typing in Windows Update in the Cortana search bar in lower left-hand corner of your screen. Next, click on the Windows Update settings in upper left-hand corner of your screen. Now, click the Check for updates link for any updates and install per instructions. See following image where it says I am up to date, but there is an update available, the October 2020 update with an Download and Install link:
An alternate method is to visit Microsoft.com and hit the Update now button visible on the page. A small exe file, the Update Assistant tool, will be downloaded to your computer. Refer to below image:
When you run this file, you will see the main screen of the Update Assistant tool. It will let you know if you are running the latest version of the Windows and whether your PC is capable of running it.
Click on Update now to start the upgrade process.
The tool will run a few compatibility checks for your PC and disk space required for installing the update.
If all appears well, the Update Assistant will access the Microsoft servers.
It will offer you two options:
- Upgrade this PC now
- Create installation media
Now, chose the first option.
The main highlight of the whole upgrade process is that all your files will be safe and right where you left them. Also, if the method does not work, you can go back to a prior version of Windows 10 anytime.
The install will take some time and your PC will restart several times. The best you can do is wait till the upgrade is finished..
In the end, when the process is complete you could either choose to restart the PC right way or after some time to allow the changes to take effect.
Note: By running the Upgrade Assistant, you are forcing Windows 10 to upgrade itself. Even if there is a known problem with the update on your computer, Windows will ignore the problem and install the update anyway. Microsoft recommends you check for any known problems impacting your system first.
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