Earlier in the week, we reported on the release of the Creators Update for Windows 10 Mobile. There are only 13 officially eligible handsets that can be the jump to the latest Windows build. However, Microsoft said there was a path for Windows Phone users on older device to get the upgrade. The company has now expanded on how that can be achieved.
In a new post on the Feedback Hub, the company explains how users can upgrade to the Creators Update across the board.
Firstly, you should remember that you need the Windows 10 Feedback Hub just to see the post. The company starts by guiding users who are on supported devices. For those 13 handsets, the Windows Insider Release Preview Ring shows cumulative update 15063.251.
For those users on myriad unsupported Windows Phone and Windows 10 Mobile devices, there is more to do. Specifically, there are two options, one for those already on the Creators Update and those who are not.
Customers on unsupported devices but already on the Windows 10 Creators Update (Build 15063): Head to Settings>Update & Security>Windows Insider Program and select the Release Preview. This will allow users to keep receiving Cumulative Update for Build 15063 when they arrive. Build 15063.251 is rolling out today.
Customers on unsupported device and without the Windows Creators Update (Build 15063): Join the Windows Insider Program on the Fast or Slow Ring. From here a device will jump through numerous builds until it reached build 15063. Once it is on the required build, move the handset to the Release Preview Ring.
Expanding Compatibility
Microsoft also points out that users can return to a fully supported state on older devices by heading to the Windows Device Recovery Tool. However, doing this will send you back to the Anniversary Update.
Sure, it would have been nice for more devices to be supported through the Creators Update, but this is still a satisfactory solution. As a reminder, here are the smartphones officially supported by Microsoft:
- HP Elite x3
- Microsoft Lumia 550
- Microsoft Lumia 640/640XL
- Lumia 650
- Microsoft Lumia 950/950 XL
- Alcatel IDOL 4S
- Alcatel OneTouch Fierce XL
- SoftBank 503LV
- VAIO Phone Biz
- MouseComputer MADOSMA Q601
- Trinity NuAns NEO
