HomeWinBuzzer TipsHow to Update to the Latest Windows 10 (20H1) Version via the...

How to Update to the Latest Windows 10 (20H1) Version via the Windows 10 Update Assistant

We show you how to update to the latest version of Windows 10 with the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant, cutting out individual cumulative update downloads.

-

For the most part, an update to the latest version build is a simple process via the OS' built-in features. However, this path quickly becomes a nuisance if you're on an earlier build, forcing you to apply numerous patches individually. In such cases, it's best to utilize the Windows 10 Update/Upgrade Assistant to get the latest version (Windows 10 20H1).

First, though, you may want to check what version your OS is currently running. It could be that automatically upgraded you to without you noticing. To do so, open System Information from the Start Menu. Under the “Version” tab, check your build. If you're on the Windows 10 May 2020 update, it will read Windows 10 2004, Windows 10 20H1, or Build 19041.

If you're still on an older version, that's quite normal. The Windows 10 May 2020 update is a staggered one, meaning Microsoft is rolling it in increments. We're going to show you how to bypass this with the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant and skip smaller time-consuming updates in the meantime.

How to Update to the Latest Windows 10 Version via Upgrade Assistant

To get to Windows 10 20H1 via this method, you'll want to disable any third-party anti-virus solutions that could interfere with this process. A small minority can cause issues during the upgrade that could result in an unsuccessful attempt or other issues.

  1. Download and run the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant


    While signed in as an administrator, visit the Microsoft software download site and click “Update now”, under the “Windows 10 May 2020 update” heading. When the prompted, click “Run”.

    Windows 10 - Edge - Download and Run Update Assistant

  2. Accept the admin prompt for the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant


    Windows 10 - Edge - Run Update Assistant - UAC confirmation

  3. Read the small print about your upgrade to Windows 10 2004 and click “Update Now”


    Windows 10 - - Update Assistant - Update Now

  4. Wait for compatibility checks to complete and press “Next”


    Windows 10 - - Update Assistant - Compatibility Check

  5. Wait for your Windows 10 20H1 install to download


    This process will take some time, but you can continue with whatever you're doing while it works in the background. Any new files you create will still be saved afterward.

    Windows 10 - - Update Assistant - Downloading newest Version of Windows 10

  6. Wait for the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant to update to the latest Windows 10 version


    Once the download has completed, the assistant will update your OS in the background. This will take some time, but again you can continue working while it does so – an advantage over installation media upgrade paths.

    Windows 10 - - Update Assistant - Updating Windows 10

  7. Click “Restart now” or wait for an automatic restart


    Windows 10 - - Update Assistant - Restart Now

  8. Wait for Windows 10 20H1 to install


    On restart, you'll be faced with Windows 10's dark blue screens and a message that it's “Working on updates”. Your PC may restart several times during this process, but it'll eventually boot to the normal login screen.

    Windows 10 - Restart - Feature Update Installation

  9. Log in to your Windows 10 account


    Windows will require your regular password to continue. If you'd like to turn this off in the future, check out our disable login screen guide.

    Windows 10 - Login after Update

  10. Read or close the Windows welcome experience


    This can be useful for some users, as it informs you of all the latest changes in the Windows 10 May 2020 update. Naturally, we recommend you read our Windows 10 20H1 roundup here instead.

    Windows 10 - Edge Welcome after Update

  11. Exit and uninstall the Windows 10 Update Assistant


    Uninstalling the update assistant after you're finished with it will remove the C:\Windows10Upgrade folder.

    Windows 10 - Exit Update Assistant - Kopie

Ryan Maskell
Ryan Maskellhttps://ryanmaskell.co.uk
Ryan has had a passion for gaming and technology since early childhood. Fusing the skills from his Creative Writing and Publishing degree with profound technical knowledge, he enjoys covering news about Microsoft. As an avid writer, he is also working on his debut novel.