Windows 10 April 2018 Update, version 1803, releases — download it now

The April 2018 Update for Windows 10 (version 1803) is finally rolling out worldwide delivering a slew of changes and new features — Here's how to get it.

Windows 10 April update (version 1803) releases
Windows 10 April update (version 1803) releases

On the last day of April 2018, Microsoft is finally releasing Windows 10 version 1803 after delaying the update due a blocking bug, but now it’s available worldwide for compatible devices. This is the fifth major update for the operating system, and it’s officially known as the “April 2018 Update”.

Windows 10 April 2018 Update is available as a free update for devices already running a previous version of Windows 10, and it delivers a new set of features and changes to improve the overall experience, including performance, security, and productivity.

Important: Microsoft usually releases new updates after 2PM ET. If you can’t download the update, just be patient wait a few hours, and then try again.

How to download Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803)

Starting on April 30, the update will be available as a manual download before it’s more broadly available on May 8 through Windows Update. Just remember that the new feature update is rolling out slowly to devices known to work with the new version first, and it’ll take a month before it reaches every device.

Upgrading to Windows 10 version 1083

If you can’t wait for the update to install automatically, Microsoft is offering a few ways to upgrade manually. You can use the Media Creation Tool to do an in-place upgrade without losing your files, apps, or settings. Also, you can use the same tool to do a clean installation of Windows 10 with the April update to start fresh with the version 1803.

In addition, the company making available the Update Assistant tool that allows you to force version 1803 on your device if you’re having trouble getting it through Windows Update.

Alternatively, you can also download Windows 10 version 1803 (April 2018 Update) ISO file 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, if the new version is working without a glitch, you can free up space using these instructions.

What’s new on Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803)

In the Windows 10 April 2018 Update, Microsoft is introducing a ton of new features and improvements, including Timeline, a new feature that allows you to resume activities you were working in the past on any PC running Windows 10 and iOS or Android phone connected with your Microsoft account.

Nearby sharing is also a new feature to share files, pictures, links with minimal effort wirelessly to nearby devices using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity.

Windows 10 also makes it easier to connect Bluetooth devices. Starting with version 1803, the operating system will be able to detect when a Bluetooth device is in range and ready to pair and it’ll pop a toast notification to quickly complete the setup with one-click.

If your computer uses multiple GPUs, you’ll now be able to set which graphics processor an app can use through the Settings app that can help to improve performance and battery life.

The April update adds the ability to manage fonts using the Settings app, and you can now download new font families through the Microsoft Store.

You can now review and delete the collected telemetry data that the company uses to improve the experience of Windows 10. In addition, Windows 10 1803 continues the gradual implementation of Fluent Design, and you’ll find tweaks and new elements using this new interface design.

You can check all the new features and changes for the Windows 10 April update here.

Although we all are exciting waiting for version 1803 to release, during the early days major updates are known to include unknown issues and bugs. This means that if you’re planning to wait a little longer, it’s now the time to configure your system to prevent Windows 10 from installing the April update to a later date.

Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803) tips

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

This new version of Windows 10 is finally rolling out after days of delay, and it delivers several new features and a slew of new improvements that will not dramatically redefine the way you use computers, but they should improve the overall experience.

You can start downloading the new feature update starting April 30, but remember that it’ll be available on Windows Update starting May 8 (Patch Tuesday). If you want to avoid problems during and after the installation, you want to make sure to follow this guide. Alternatively, if you’re not ready for the new version, you can use this guide to block and postpone the April 2018 Update on your device.

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.