Download Windows 10 1809 (October 2018 Update)

Windows 10 version 1809, October 2018 Update, releases — download it now

The October 2018 Update for Windows 10 (version 1809) is finally rolling out worldwide delivering a slew of changes and new features — Here's how to get it.

The October 2018 Update (version 1809) for Windows 10 is now available as a free update for compatible devices. This is the sixth major update that Microsoft is rolling out for its desktop operating system with a new set of improvements and new features to improve the overall experience.

Important: If you can’t download the update, just be patient, wait a few hours, and then try again.

How to download Windows 10 version 1809

According to the company, beginning October 2, 2018, the new version is available as a manual download using the Media Creation Tool, Update Assistant, or clicking the Check for Updates button in the Windows Update settings. Starting October 9, 2018, the feature update will be available through Windows Update for a select number of devices. This means that if your device is compatible, you’ll soon get a desktop notification confirming that the update is ready.

Once you click the Install button, your device will reboot, and complete the upgrade process automatically, just like when installing a cumulative update. The only difference is that this process will take a little more time.

Upgrading to the October 2018 Update

If you can’t wait for the new version to install automatically, you can also upgrade in a few other ways. You can use the Media Creation Tool to perform an in-place upgrade without losing your files, apps, or settings. Or you can even use the same tool to perform a clean install of the October 2018 Update that can help to fix many performance issues.

Microsoft is also making available the Update Assistant, which is a tool that allows you to force the installation of the Windows 10 October 2018 Update when having problems with Windows Update.

Alternatively, you can download the ISO file with version 1809 to do a clean or in-place upgrade using a USB bootable media.

What’s new with Windows 10 October 2018 Update

In this second semi-annual update, Windows 10 is introducing a slew of improvements and several new features, including clipboard history, a new feature that allows to finally see and keep track of those things you copy, and now, your content can sync across devices.

Windows 10 is introducing a dark theme for File Explorer, which you can easily enable using the Colors settings page.

This new version also delivers improvements to the search experience with a number of tweaks and a wider interface for search.

On Storage sense, you’ll find a new option that makes unused OneDrive content available only online to free up space on the hard drive. You can once again change the system font size, and install fonts to your account without the need of elevated privileges.

Microsoft is adding Snip & Sketch, which is a new app to take screenshots on Windows 10, and the Your Phone app allows you to connect to your phone to access recent pictures and check text messages.

Other smaller features and improvements include new HDR and WCG settings for supported displays. Option to adjust video based on the lighting around you. Artificial Intelligence to improve the Windows Update reboot logic when installing updates. Also, you’re getting Typing insights, SwiftKey, and a bunch of improvements for Microsoft Edge.

Windows 10 version 1809 tutorials

Here’s a list of guides that will get you started with the October 2018 Update:

The new version won’t significantly change the way you use Windows 10, but it should improve the experience.

You can start downloading the new semi-annual feature update starting October 2. If you want to avoid problems during and after the upgrade, you can use this guide with a number of tips for a successful upgrade.

If you’re not ready for the update, you can use this guide to block and postpone the October 2018 Update on your computer.

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.