After months of testing with Windows Insiders, the latest featured update to Windows 10 is finally available for all users and there are multiple ways to download it. From Windows Update, the Update Assistant, or the Media Creation Tool, here is what you need to know if you’re looking to download the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.
Windows Update:
Just like with previous Windows 10 featured updates, Microsoft is rolling out the Fall Creators Update gradually and in phases via Windows Update starting at 10 AM PDT on October 17th. Ensuring the best compatibility, and allowing for user feedback, this means that not everyone will be seeing it right away.
Anyway, to check to see if the Fall Creators Update is available for you via Windows Update, all you need to do is open Settings, Click Update and Security, and then Check for Updates.
If your PC passes Microsoft’s checks and is eligible for the first phase of the rollout, the update will begin to download. Since this update brings lots of new features, the download will take longer than Patch Tuesday cumulative updates, so it’s best to be patient. Installing will also take a while and your PC will reboot multiple times.
Before you proceed to check the other methods, please be aware that Microsoft recommends for you to wait to until the Fall Creators Update is rolled out automatically to your device.
Update Assistant:
If you’re eager to get started with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update but Windows Update is not cooperating, you can use the Windows 10 Update Assistant to force install it to your machine. To get started, you need to head to this Microsoft Website and press “Update Now.” After you do so, you need to save the downloaded file, find its location, then double click to run it. You’ll then need to press “Update Now,” once more and then press Next, and your device will download the update, verify and install it. Again, this still takes a while, so you’ll need to sit back and relax as the Assistant works its magic. No need to worry too, as all your files, apps, and settings will remain in place
Media Creation Tool:
Windows Update and Update Assistant are the best ways to receive the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, but if both of those options fail, you can also try the Media Creation Tool. This tool is for advanced users and allows you to upgrade an existing version of Windows 10 or clean install the latest version of Windows 10 manually. Microsoft, though, does not always update this tool right away, so it may take a while for the tool to support downloading the Fall Creators Update.
Anyway, the upgrade process is similar to the Update Assistant. First, you need to download the tool from this Microsoft Website. You must then save and it and open the file. You’ll need to accept the terms and then select “Upgrade this PC now.” Be sure to verify that you’ve selected the option to keep your files and apps, and then press Install. Once again, the tool will download the update and check then install it to your device, but it will take a while, so be sure to have some patience.
As a side note, if you’re having issues updating, you can also use the Media Creation Tool to download the Fall Creators Update to a USB stick or a CD. To do this, you’ll need to select “Create installation media” from the main Setup screen. Going this route will reset your entire device, removing all personal information, leaving you with a fresh start.
Windows Insider Program:
If all else fails, and you REALLY want to download and install the Fall Creators Update, you can opt into the Release Preview Ring of the Windows Insider program. This ring is relatively less risky than the Fast and Slow Rings, still allowing you to preview the newest Windows 10 release without creating system-wide issues.
To get started with this method, you’ll need to head to Windows Insider Program settings in the Windows 10 settings menu. You then must click on “Get Started,” and link your Microsoft Account. In the box that appears, click “Just fixes, apps, and drivers,” and then confirm. Your device will restart, and then you can check Windows Update to download the Fall Creators Update.
You can always opt out of the Windows Insider Program by going back into settings and clicking on “Stop Insider Preview builds,” and then clicking “Keep giving me builds until the next Windows release.” This will allow you to keep using the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, without risk to your device.
So, there you have it. Although still best to wait for it via Windows Update, there are lots of ways to download the Fall Creators Update to a Windows 10 device. Did you already download the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update? Let us know your thoughts below!
