In this article, we will answer the question how to update windows 10 features and install cumulative updates. The presence on the computer of not only the latest version of the operating system, but also all the current patches for it significantly increases the security of its use. Outdated software is one of the most common reasons for PC viruses to enter. Keeping Windows 10 up to date is recommended not only by Microsoft, but by all the largest antivirus laboratories in the world.
In general, all the latest updates in Windows 10 are installed automatically by default. This applies to both small patches and major upgrades. The question of forced renewal incentives, which is almost certainly what readers of this article are interested in, can arise in several cases:
- Immediately after a clean reinstall of Windows 10. Even the latest version of the OS installation image needs to be updated.
- When there is news about the next major update or an important security update. Many people want to be among the first to try the new product.
- Before the update center is temporarily disabled (for example, before going on a business trip or to the country, where downloading large packages will be impossible due to a limited Internet connection). By the way, we have an article where you can read how to temporarily turn off Windows 10 updates.
In total, there are four main ways to update Windows 10.
Method 1: Update Windows 10 features with built-in OS tools
The very first and obvious method of obtaining the latest version of the "dozens" is to use the Update Center built into the operating system. In order to open it, you need:
- Go to Options(gear icon in the Start menu or in the Notification Panel, and faster - keyboard shortcut win+i).
- Then go to the tab " Update and Security».
- And press the button Check for an update».
Unfortunately, this method does not always work quickly. The fact is that, from a purely technical point of view, it is impossible to simultaneously distribute service packs to all Windows 10 computers in the world. Inevitably, a kind of queue arises, in which updates and upgrades (smaller and larger updates) are distributed in waves. This process, depending on the volume of downloaded files, can take days or even weeks. In this regard, the question arises: Is it possible to speed up the Update Center?Answer: yes!
Speed up updates with built-in tools in Windows 10
You can enable faster access to the latest Windows 10 updates with new features by changing just one setting in the Settings menu. Finding it yourself is quite difficult.
- It is located in the already mentioned item "Update and Security".
- Click on the "Advanced Options" link.
- There we select the link " Delivery Optimization».
- Here you can activate the item " Allow downloads from other computers» and select sources « PC on LAN and PC on the Internet».
Enabling this option in settings can Speed up getting the latest updates for Windows 10. This is due to the fact that files will be downloaded not only from Microsoft servers, but also from computers of ordinary users. (this is how torrents work). Your computer in this case will also distribute parts of the already downloaded updates to other users on the Internet. With a limited Internet connection, such transfer will be stopped. If further in this paragraph of parameters you click on another link " Extra options", then you can independently limit download speed from other windows 10 users on the internet, as well as giving them their updates.
Here you can also set a monthly traffic limit for uploading downloaded update packages (from 5 to 500 GB). If you have a leisurely Internet (up to 10 Mb / s), then it would be reasonable to set the return rates to a minimum: 5% of the channel width and 5 GB.
Method 2: Windows 10 updater
This option is only suitable for speed up getting the big annual Windows 10 update, which usually comes out every six months and is announced in the media. This method is not suitable for installing regular small patches.
First you need to go to the download section of the official website "Microsoft"And by selecting the button" Update now”, download and run the Windows10Upgrade program.
The program will check the currently installed version of Windows 10 to see if it can receive an update and, if possible, install it. In the event that the computer does not need to update the operating system, the message "Thank you for updating to the latest version of Windows 10" and the "Exit" button will appear.
Method 3: Download the Windows 10 update
It is also relevant only for obtaining large and rare OS improvements, which the creators themselves call upgrades.
On the already mentioned downloads page Microsoft official site can be downloaded complete image of the latest Windows 10 and then, as they say, "roll" it on top of the old one. To do this, select the second button " Download tool now” (seen in the screenshot above). The Media Creation Tool installation image will download to your computer. To understand if there is a new version of Windows 10 for your computer, you need to compare the "dozens" assembly on the PC and in the program. For this:
- Right-click on the downloaded file of the Media Creation Tool program, select " Properties"and go to the tab" in detail". Let's look at the scene.
- Right click on the menu Start and select " System". Look at the build number.
In both cases, we are only interested in the 5-digit number. By comparing the version and build of the operating system here and there, you can understand whether it is worth downloading the update. The figure below shows that this makes no sense. The computer has the same version 16299, which is also offered in the program for updating.
There are also cases when a more recent version of Windows 10 is already installed on the computer through the Update Center than is offered in the program.
If there is a major update for your computer, then we run this utility and it gives us the choice of actions for installing it: either, as in the previous method with Windows10Upgrade, by updating, or by downloading the full image to the computer and installing it manually. For the second method, when starting the program, select the item " Create installation media". It will be possible to burn a full image of the latest Windows 10 both on a USB flash drive and on a computer hard drive (in this case, select the "ISO file" item). After downloading, in both cases, the installer is launched by clicking on the application setup in the folder with downloaded files. The ISO image must first be unzipped.
Method 4: Windows 10 cumulative updates from the official website
This method is suitable for finding and installing small, so-called cumulative or cumulative updates from an official source. Like major upgrades, they can be obtained not only through the automatic Update Center built into Windows 10, but also directly from the official " Microsoft Update Catalog". To find updates for your computer, you need to enter the build number of your OS in the search bar of the portal (for example, 16299). Recall that you can view it by selecting the “System” item by clicking on the Start menu with the RIGHT mouse button. In addition to cumulative updates, the list will include driver updates for all kinds of hardware. Needless to say, they need to be installed only clearly realizing the need for this action.
Please note that using this method of obtaining and installing cumulative (cumulative) updates carries an additional risk of their incompatibility with your computer. The fact is that if there are problems with specific updates for certain brands of laptops or computer motherboards, Microsoft, as a rule, quickly suspends their installation through the Update Center and gradually solves the problems. By manually downloading such packages and essentially forcibly installing them, you run the risk of running into incompatibility issues. This happens quite rarely, but you need to keep it in mind. It is most convenient to use the official directory for downloading cumulative updates during a clean reinstallation of Windows 10. To be safe, you can see in advance which updates have already been installed on your computer before.
Where to find installed updates in Windows 10 and how to remove them
To see a list of all Windows 10 updates installed on your computer, you need to open Settings (Win + i), go to the "Updates and Security" tab and click on the link " View a log of installed updates". Here they will be presented as
component updates and fixes, as well as driver updates, the installation of which in the "top ten" in the vast majority of cases occurs automatically.
Uninstall specific Windows 10 updates is done as follows: at the very top of the update log, select the "Delete updates" link, and then in the window that opens, select items that are no longer needed and, by clicking on them with the RIGHT mouse button, click "Delete".
Conclusion: What is the best way to update Windows 10
Finally, let's sum up a little. In this article, we have described all the main ways update Windows 10 features, get cumulative or major updates. However, in our opinion, the preferred method is the one described first - this is update windows 10 built-in tools. Using the mentioned option " Delivery Optimization”, you can get all the necessary updates and upgrades faster than other users in the safest way. Thus, once again we can conclude that the “ten” in most cases is already optimally configured by default. Manual solutions here should be used in case of urgent need or an irresistible fit of curiosity. For example, they are suitable for those who want to get the latest Windows 10 features announced in the media here and now, and not wait several days for the update to automatically spread to all computers on the Internet in waves. Especially boldly you can experiment if it is not difficult for you
Microsoft has stopped releasing security updates for Windows 7 and has ended technical support for this version of the system. To ensure your PC continues to be serviced and protected with monthly security updates, you have the option to upgrade to Windows 10 for free.
For Windows 7 and 8.1 users, the scheduled one-year free upgrade period has officially ended.
Immediately after this date, Microsoft launched a site for users with disabilities using assistive technologies for Windows. However, it also stopped working on January 16, 2018. However, with the help of the utility, which is still available for download from official servers, anyone can still upgrade to Windows 10 for free, but only to OS Windows 10 (version 1709).
However, at the moment, you can immediately upgrade to the latest up-to-date version (version 1909) using . In this case, the new Windows system will be automatically activated with a digital license.
Free upgrade to Windows 10
To take advantage of the free upgrade offer, you must complete the following steps:
2. Download the new version of the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool, with which you can upgrade your Windows 7 SP1 or 8.1 operating system to Windows 10 for free.
3. Run the utility and accept the license agreement.
5. Wait while the utility downloads all the necessary files, checks your computer for compatibility, and downloads all the necessary updates. This may take some time depending on the speed of your internet connection.
7. The update may take from one to several hours, depending on the configuration of your computer.
After the update is completed, the OS will be installed Windows 10 (version 1909).
Advice. To quickly find out the Windows 10 version number, type winver in the search box, press Enter, and you will see a dialog box with information about the current OS version.
8. Connect to the Internet and check the system activation. Press Windows key + I to open the app Options, and go to Update & Security > Activation.
Instead of Windows 8.1, Microsoft has prepared a new version of the operating system for its users. The peculiarity of this system is that it is designed not only for desktop computers, but also for smartphones, XBox One consoles, tablets and other devices.
The company offers its users not to download Windows 10 for free, but simply to update their old versions. And every third, using before Windows 7, took the risk of taking such a step. And I didn't guess.
In fact, Windows 10 is a mix of the best practices that the company has combined in one operating system. So we can safely talk about the quality of the operating system, which is characterized by high performance. She borrowed this parameter from Windows 7, the interface was taken from the eighth version of the OS (however, there was still room for some updates, which primarily affected the main Start button and toolbar). You can download Windows 10 to your computer for x86-bit and x64-bit systems.
Functional
What will please us with this software? It contains:
- Cortana personal assistant. This assistant has artificial intelligence.
- The Start menu gives you quick access to the programs and documents you use frequently.
- Virtual desktops. In this version of the program, you can create several desktops, configuring each of them for quick access to the applications you need.
- Microsoft Edge browser. It was created literally from scratch. At the same time, new engines appeared, as a result of which this product has a high page processing speed. Captivating and clear interface.
- Biometric authentication. The system, installed on devices that have cameras, will allow you to gain access by scanning biometrics. Accepts fingerprints, iris or face.
- A more modern Windows Defender that interacts with the cloud-based Microsoft Active Protection Service and works in real time.
- Application traffic control.
- Simplified work with windows.
- DirectX 12 support.
System requirements
If your computer runs Windows 7 or 8 without any problems, then you can update the versions and get to know the 10th version better. At the same time, during the update, you can not worry about the safety of your files.
As a rule, more than 1 GB of RAM for a 32-bit system and 2 GB for a 64-bit version will be enough for you to work.
The hard drive must have more than 16 GB. If you have only 17 GB, then most likely after you download updated versions of Windows 10 for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1, you will not be able to install anything on drive C.
You will also need a 1 GHz processor or higher. And if earlier there were problems when installing on Core 2 Duo, now this problem is solved.
The video card must support DirectX 9.0c. If the version is lower, then this may cause problems.
Microsoft account and Internet access required.
Program installation
If you already have a license for Windows 10 and you are going to update versions 7 or 8.1, then first make sure that the computer meets the system requirements.
It doesn't hurt to visit the computer manufacturer's website to find out all about updated drivers and hardware compatibility.
After that, you can start the installation process. During it, you must agree to the terms of the license agreement by clicking on "Accept". In the "What do you want to do" window, select the "Upgrade your computer now" option.
Installation may take some time, so do not rush to turn off the computer, let the system complete the installation.
Microsoft offers Windows 10 owners accessibility features (virtual keyboard or screen magnifier, etc.). The download of these features will allow you to upgrade the system to the latest version for free.
Users with disabilities can upgrade to Windows 10 for free
Installation with Media Creation Tool from Microsoft
You can download Windows 10 from the official Microsoft website using the Windows 10 Installer application.
Microsoft's official Media Creation Tool allows you to update your computer to the latest version, perform a clean installation of the system, download the Windows 10 ISO image, and create installation media.
Create installation media
To create media, select "Create installation media for another computer." Click - "Next". We choose: the language and architecture (x64 or x86) of the bootable system. We select the media for recording files for installation: a USB device, or an ISO disk image (DVD).
Available in Media Creation Tool
- Windows 10 (in one distribution includes Home and Pro versions, edition is selected during system installation) 32/64-bit
- Windows 10 Home Single Language 32/64-bit
Installation video
Video: installing Windows from a USB flash drive
Windows 10 and Android
Many users still decided to download Windows 10 in Russian for smartphones. However, here you need to know that there are many dozens of emulators. Of course, all of them will not be a full-fledged version, but if all you need is copying the interface of dozens, then they will do their job quite well.
In order to install the full version of Windows, you will need to completely reflash the device. And with this, inexperienced users may have problems, since not all processor chips support the Microsoft product. Only processors with ARM architecture and i386 will not have problems.
Another point to consider is that this operating system will take up much more space on your smartphone than the Android OS. Therefore, it is worth thinking carefully about the feasibility of such changes.
However, there is an option when you can install Windows without flashing, but by overlaying one system on another. So, you will need to download the sdl.zip archive and the special sdlapp program, which is presented in the .apk format.
After that, the application is installed on the smartphone, and the data is extracted to the SDL folder. The system image file is also copied here in the future.
Now it remains only to run the Installation Wizard and wait for the process to be completed.
Of course, you should always keep your OS up to date, but many do not. We highly recommend that everyone download updates for Windows 10, it's free and makes using your device much safer. Even a powerful one will not save you from viruses if you have an outdated version of the OS.
Peculiarities
Windows 10 updates happen through the Update Center. It is simply impossible to download updates without this software. All sites that offer to download some third-party updates either provide incorrect information or want to take advantage of your ignorance. Therefore, we warn you - you cannot download the update program, this program is an indivisible part of Windows 10, and you need to update through it.Where to download updates for Windows 10
Update Center - Windows Update, was in some previous versions of the OS. However, before, it was still possible to download updates bypassing Windows Update. With the release of Windows 10, a lot has changed, including the ability to update "on the side". So the answer to the question - where to download updates: only in Windows Update.Upgrade options
As we keep repeating, you need to update as often as the developer himself uploads new versions and fresh updates. You, as a user of a computer, laptop or tablet on Windows 10, have two ways to update:- Automatically;
- Manually;
On this page, we offer you to download updates for your device's driver database. They also need to be updated
windows 10 update
Upgrading to Windows 10, Upgrading Windows 7 and Windows 8 to Windows 10
direct upgrade to Windows 10 available for Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. During the first year after the release of Windows 10 (from July 29, 2015 to July 29, 2016), you could get the update for free. Users of Windows Vista, Windows XP and older versions of Windows cannot upgrade directly to Windows 10 - you must install Windows 10 as a new system.
The update is carried out using the Windows 10 Installer application. Owners of Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows 8.1 Professional will be able to upgrade to Windows 10 Professional.
Download "Windows 10 Installer" from the link above, run it, in the window that opens, select "Upgrade this PC now" and click on the "Next" button. The installation files will download to your computer. Installation on average can take about an hour.
You can also select "Create installation media for another computer" to create your own installation media using a USB flash drive or DVD if you want to install Windows 10 on your computer as a new operating system from scratch.
Attention!
To upgrade to Windows 10 or download an ISO file (create installation media), you must have at least 4 GB. free space on drive C.