Microsoft’s Windows 10 Fall Creators Update has officially been released, and it’s now available for download everywhere. This is the fourth major update the OS is getting, it’s referred as version 1709 (identifying the year and month completion), and it’s rolling out as a free update for all PCs already running Windows 10.
Windows 10 version 1709 is a big update that delivers a new set of features and enhancements that makes the OS more secure and more productive.
How to get the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update
Starting October 17, the update will begin downloading and installing automatically through Windows Update. If you want to force the download, you can always go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and click the Check for updates button.
Just remember that like previous releases, the new version will take months before reaching every device, this is because Microsoft will be first rolling out the update to devices that are known to work with the update, and the other devices will follow.
You can update manually now
If you can’t wait for the update to install automatically, Microsoft is offering a few ways to upgrade manually. For example, you can use the Media Creation Tool to do an in-place upgrade without losing your files, apps, or settings. It’s also possible to do a clean installation of Windows 10 with the Fall Creators Update to start fresh with the version 1709.
Usually, the company also makes available the Update Assistant tool that allows you to force the Fall Creators Update on your device if you’re having trouble getting it through Windows Update.
Alternatively, you can also download the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update ISO file (when available) to do a clean or in-place upgrade using a USB flash drive.
After the upgrade, Windows 10 will keep a copy of the previous version in case you need to rollback. However, the new version is working without a glitch you can free up space using these instructions.
What’s new on the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update
Windows 10 version 1709 is a big update with a number of features and improvements. You can check everything included in the Fall Creators Update in this guide, but here’s a short summary.
Some of the new changes you’ll find in this update, includes new visual changes part of the Microsoft Fluent Design System, which you will see in the Start menu, Action Center, Settings app, and other apps.
My People will get you connected more quickly with your contacts through a single interface. OneDrive File On-Demand brings placeholders back to Windows 10.
Cortana’s settings get relocated to the Settings app, and now you can use the assistant to shut down your device. In addition, Cortana now shows search result previews.
The Settings app gets updated, there are new features and options that you can manage without having to use Control Panel. For example, Remote Desktop is now part of the Settings app, you can now repair Microsoft Edge using the Apps section. It’s now possible to be more granular controlling bandwidth for download and upload system and updates. Ease of Access adds more features to make Windows 10 more accessible, and a lot more.
Microsoft Edge gets the Fluent Design treatment, you get more options to work with PDFs and EPUBs, and there is a new way to save your favorites.
Windows Defender as a new anti-ransomware feature called Controlled folder access, and more.
Additionally, the Fall Creators Update delivers a number of smaller improvements, such as Power Throttling to save battery life, GPU tracking in Task Manager, volume control for Windows Store apps, native support for emoji, improved handwriting experience, and many other tweaks.
Windows 10 Fall Creators Update tips
- How to disable Fluent Design effects on Windows 10
- How to use emoji with a hardware keyboard on Windows 10
- How to enable or disable My People on the taskbar on Windows 10
- How to check the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update is installed on your PC
- OneDrive Files On-Demand arrives to Windows 10
- How to quickly fix problems with Microsoft Edge on Windows 10
- How to automatically delete files in the Downloads folder on Windows 10
- How to get incoming call notifications on Windows 10
- How to shutdown your Windows 10 PC using Cortana voice command
- How to fix Xbox Live multiplayer and voice chat problems on Windows 10
- How to enable Remote Desktop on Windows 10
- How to enable ransomware protection feature on Windows Defender Antivirus
Wrapping things up
The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update is finally out, and while it’s simply a refresh that doesn’t drastic change, the new version includes a slew of smaller tweaks and welcome additions.
You can start downloading the update starting October 17, 2017, using Windows Update, but it’s also possible to upgrade using the Media Creation Tool and Update Assistant.
Are you running the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update? What do you think about the improvements? Tell us in the comments below.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].