Windows 10 October 2020 Update is now live for the public. With this update, Microsoft has focused on performance improvements, feature updates, and the stability of the operating system, along with some small visual changes. After over a year of Insider testing of Windows 10 version 20H2, Microsoft is now offering the October 2020 Update to some of the users seeking it (or via the ISO files).
To install Windows 10 October 2020 Update, you can follow these few simple steps:
- Head over to Settings > Update & Security, click on Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates to see if the latest version is available for your PC.
- Once the update appears, click on Download and install now.
- When downloaded, Microsoft will notify you to pick the right time to finish the installation and reboot your device.
Those who are currently running Windows 10 version 2004 (the May 2020 Update) will have a much smoother and faster experience since for them the new feature update will install like a monthly update, similar to version 1909 from last year.
Who is this update available for right now
The above method, however, won't work for everyone. Microsoft said that Windows 10 October 2020 Update is initially only available for users of select devices running Windows 10 version 1903 or later.
The rollout is "a measured seeker-based" approach, which means the Windows maker is throttling availability over the coming weeks to ensure a reliable download experience. "Additionally, some devices might have a compatibility issue for which a safeguard hold is in place, so we will not offer the update until we are confident that you will have a good update experience," the company added.
If you want to skip the loops (not recommended), you can download ISO files and do a manual installation of the latest Windows 10 version 20H2.
Steps to download and install October 2020 Update
The official rollout of Windows 10 20H2 may take a little time to finish. If you don't want to wait, you can start the manual installation process without depending on Microsoft to send you a notification. You should note that the new Windows 10 versions often come plagued with compatibility issues.
If you are a Windows enthusiast and can't wait to install Windows 10 October 2020 Update then you can manually install Windows 10 version 20H2 and upgrade your machine to the latest feature update of Windows 10. Just to reiterate, we would still recommend our readers to wait a few weeks before they install the latest version on their daily drivers.
Here is how to install Windows 10 October 2020 Update:
- Using the Update Assistant tool (through a Windows machine)
- Media Creation Tool
With the Update Assistant, all you need to do is click on a few "Next" buttons to upgrade to October 2020 Update (screenshot carries the wrong build no; the latest version is 20H2).
How to install Windows 10 version 20H2 using the Media Creation Tool
To install Windows 10 version 20H2 using the Media Creation Tool, follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to Windows 10 20H2, October 2020 Update download page (link)
Step 2: Click on Download tool now.
Step 3: Accept license terms.
Step 4: If you want to upgrade your current PC, choose Upgrade this PC now. (Another option is to do it via ISO files. In that case, click on the Create installation media for another PC > Next and follow step 6 onwards).
Step 5: If you selected to upgrade your current PC, Windows 10 October 2020 Update will start downloading, and that'll be it. This will initiate the upgrade process and you can stop following the rest of this guide.
Step 6: For another PC, you will be asked to select Language, Edition and Architecture. Choose details for the Windows 10 ISO you want to download. Once you’ve decided what you want to download, click on Next. 
Step 7: Select the ISO file option and where you wish to save it. This screen will ask you to choose between a USB drive and an ISO file. You can choose whatever you prefer. Don't worry you won't actually need to burn the ISO file to a DVD later. That's just Microsoft being Microsoft.
Step 8: Click on Next to begin the download process.
The downloading process may take a little while.
On a non-Windows device, the process is super easy...
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- Click on this link and you will see a "Select edition" drop-down menu.
- Click on Windows 10 under October 2020 Update and hit Confirm. [There will be only one Windows 10 option since this works for both Pro and Home editions]
- Under Select the product language, choose your language > Confirm.
- You will now see two tabs to download either the 32-bit or the 64-bit Windows 10 October 2020 Update. Download the file you need.
- Click on this link and you will see a "Select edition" drop-down menu.
