Windows 10’s next feature update is expected this October, slightly ahead of schedule. Microsoft has settled into a steady biannual update cycle for its operating system, with no successor to Windows 10 in the works.
However, the update is already available to members of the Windows Insider Programme (or Program in the US), who able to test the new features and provide feedback before the final version is released.
Joining the Insider Programme is the easiest way to get the October update right now, although there are a few hoops you’ll need to jump through. Here’s everything you need to know.
How to get the next Windows 10 update now
Before we begin, it’s important to note that the version currently available on the Windows Insider Programme is not the final one that will be rolled out to consumers. As such, there may be bugs or some features may not work as intended (ironing out these issues is the whole point of the Programme).
We’d highly recommend you follow this process on a device that’s not your primary PC, at least until you get an idea of its stability.
- Head to Settings > Update & Security and select “Windows Insider Programme” from the left pane
- You may be prompted to allow some permission, as you’ll need to enable optional diagnostic data to be collected
- Back in the Insider Programme section, click “Get Started” and then “Register” in the pop-up that appears. Note that you won’t have these options if you’ve signed up previously
- Hit “Sign Up” to confirm, check the box to say you accept terms and then click “Submit”
- Wait a few seconds, and then click ‘Link an account”
- Sign in with the Microsoft account of your choosing. After about 30 seconds, you’ll be asked to “Choose your Insider settings” – click “Beta Channel (Recommended)” and “Confirm”
- Confirm the next screen, allowing Microsoft to collect information about your experience
- As prompted, you’ll then need to restart your device for the changes to take effect
- Now, you should see “Feature update to Windows 10, version 20H2” in the Windows Update section of Settings
For this option to be available, you may need to download the May 2020 update (version 2004) if you haven’t already. If you still don’t see the update available to download, you might need to change your Insider settings. Here’s how it’s done:
- Head to Settings > Update & Security and select “Windows Insider Programme” from the left pane
- Under the heading “Pick your Insider settings”, click the current option, which will be “Beta Channel (Recommended)” if you’ve followed this tutorial
- Try switching to the “Release Preview Channel” or “Dev Channel” instead
- Restart your device, and the update will hopefully now be available within Settings > Update & Security
Once the update has successfully downloaded, it’s important to opt-out of the Insider Program to ensure early builds aren’t automatically installed in the future:
- Head to Settings > Update & Security and select “Windows Insider Programme” from the left pane
- Under the heading “Stop getting preview builds”, set the toggle to “On”
For more information, here’s how to opt out of the Windows Insider Program
Don’t feel like joining the Insider Program? There is another way to get the Start Menu and everything else the October update brings, but it does involve making changes to the Registry.
Here’s all you need to know about the Windows 10 October 2020 update .
Author: Anyron Copeman, Mobile Editor, Tech Advisor
Anyron is Mobile Editor at Tech Advisor, where he’s been a mainstay of the editorial team since 2019. In his current role, Anyron is responsible for all smartphone, tablet and mobile network coverage on the site. A BA Journalism graduate, he has experience with a wide range of consumer tech products and services, including smartphones, tablets, foldables, wearables and more.
Recent stories by Anyron Copeman:
- Windows 11 23H2 update: Everything you need to know
- Windows 12: Everything we know so far
- How to get the Google Play Store on Windows 11
