What’s Windows 10 version 20H2, October 2020 Update?

Windows 10 version 20H2 (October 2020 Update) is the next major refresh of the OS, and it'll be a small update that won't require reinstallation.

Windows 10 About page version 20H2
Windows 10 About page version 20H2

Windows 10 20H2, October 2020 Update, is the tenth feature update for the desktop operating system from Microsoft, and it won’t be a significant update. Instead, it’ll be an incremental release that will be delivered as a monthly update, similar to a service pack, like version 1909.

The update will be available for devices already running Windows 10 version 2004, and it won’t required reinstallation. However, if you’ll be upgrading from an older version (such as November 2019 Update or May 2019 Update), then the process to upgrade to version 20H2 won’t change, and full reinstallation will be required.

The upcoming refresh for the operating system will include some new features and enhancements to improve the overall experience, nothing significant. Perhaps the most noticeable change with Windows 10 20H2 will be the integration of the Chromium version of Microsoft Edge. This new version will introduced an updated version of the Start menu that removes the solid color backplates behind the icon in the apps list and applies a partially transparent background to the tiles, matching the menu color scheme that should help to make easier to scan and find apps faster. Also, there will be a new more personalized version of the taskbar that will pin apps according to your device activities, you’ll find some tweaks in the Settings app, and more.

Although Microsoft is changing the version name scheme to reflect the year and part of the calendar that the update will available, the company will continue to use friendly names to communicate with consumers. In this case, the version will be known as the “October 2020 Update.”

If you want to start testing the upcoming version, Microsoft has also made available the ISO file of the final version for testing purposes, or you can also enroll your device in the Beta Channel (formerly Slow ring) to upgrade automatically.

About the author

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.