Following weeks of testing with Windows Insiders on the Beta and Release Preview channels, Microsoft has started rolling out the October 2020 Update to all Windows 10 users today. This is a minor update that will install like a regular cumulative update for users already running the May 2020 Update, but there are a couple of noteworthy changes in this new release.
As usual, this new Windows 10 update will roll out gradually to all users. You can check if it’s available for your PC by heading to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and select Check for updates. Be aware that there are two upgrade blocks in place for devices with Conexant audio drivers, and the May 2020 Update released earlier this year is still affected by the same compatibility issues.
The October 2020 Update is available for select PCs running the May 2019 Update (version 1903) or later, but again, users already running the May 2020 Update (version 2004) will have a faster update experience. In addition to Windows Update, the May 2020 Update is also available through Windows Server Update Services (including Configuration Manager), Windows Update for Business and the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC).
“The Windows 10 October 2020 Update offers an improved experience for tablet users and those seeking to personalize their taskbars, notifications and other settings. It is also the first Windows 10 release to include the new Microsoft Edge, built on Chromium, enabling you to create profiles for work, life and everything in between so that you can easily sync and switch profiles across devices,” explained John Cable, Vice President, Program Management, Windows Servicing and Delivery.
You can find more information about new features in the October 2020 Update on this separate post, and our full review will be available very soon. The most notable changes in this release include theme-aware Live Tiles in the Start Menu and improvements for Alt + Tab, which now lets you access Microsoft Edge tabs. It’s also possible to change the refresh rate of your display in right within the Windows 10 Settings app.
We expect the 21H1 update to bring more significant changes in the first half of next year. As Microsoft is now done working on the October 2020 Update, we hope to see some exciting new features ship soon to Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel.
