UPDATED 2/26/2021: Windows 10 20H2 (October 2020 Update) is now slowly rolling out to compatible devices, and here is how to install the feature update manually on devices running version 2004, 1909, or an older version.
Although it’s recommended to wait until Windows Update offers the new feature update automatically to make sure you don’t run into problems, there are at least a couple of ways to upgrade manually using the Windows Update settings and Media Creation Tool.
If you have a device already running version 2004, the best way to install version 20H2 is using Windows Update. The reason is that both versions of Windows 10 are virtually the same, and you only need an enablement package to switch versions without reinstallation.
On the other hand, if you have a computer with version 1909 or an older version, you can also use the Windows Update settings, but it might take a while until you receive the new version. If you want to force the upgrade, you can use the Microsoft Media Creation Tool to perform an in-place upgrade, which is virtually the same as using Windows Update or Update Assistant. During the process, your files, apps, and settings will not be affected.
In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to upgrade version 2004, 1909, or an older version to the Windows 10 October 2020 Update.
Upgrade to Windows 10 20H2 on version 2004
To install Windows 10 20H2 manually on a device running version 2004, use these steps:
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Open Settings on Windows 10.
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Click on Update & Security.
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Click on Windows Update.
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Click the Check for updates button (if applicable).
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Under the “Optional updates available” section, click the Download and Install now button.
Windows 10 feature update install Quick tip: If you see the option, click the Check for updates button. In the case that you still don’t see the option, then the update may not be ready for your device. -
Click the Restart now button.
Once you complete the steps, the feature update will install as a regular monthly update on your device without the need for full reinstallation.
You can also watch this video tutorial with the instructions to quickly upgrade from version 2004 to Windows 10 20H2:
Upgrade to Windows 10 20H2 on version 1909
If you can’t wait to get the October 2020 Update automatically, you can use the Media Creation Tool to upgrade any version of Windows 10 to version 20H2.
To install Windows 10 20H2 on a computer running version 1909 or an older release, use these steps:
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Under the “Create Windows 10 installation media” section, click the Download tool now button.
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Save the installer to the device.
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Double-click the MediaCreationTool20H2.exe file to launch the tool.
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Click the Accept button.
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Select the Upgrade this PC now option.
Upgrade this PC now -
Click the Accept button again.
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Select the option to keep your files and apps (if it’s not already selected).
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Click the Install button.
Media Creation Tool install option
If you’re looking to upgrade quickly or the device is having problems getting the update automatically, this video tutorial outlines the steps to upgrade your computer to the October 2020 Update. You can also check these tips to avoid common problems during the installation process of Windows 10.
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 14 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 20 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].