Microsoft makes it easy for you to opt into beta testing, but not as easy to opt out. Complicating matters somewhat, if your computer meets the Windows 11 hardware requirements, you might additionally see that OS as available for installation in Windows Update. My advice is to hold off installing either release for the time being. I always use the release of a new feature update to be the sign that I need to ensure that all of my main computers are on the prior release.
Based on the prior feature release processes, for example, I know that at the office I will need to deal with repairing PDF printers that will be impacted by the feature update. I use various software products from Intuit, and I have to use the PDF repair tool to fix up my QuickBooks after the feature update process.
I also check that backup software and other applications that I have installed on my standalone computers and workstations are happy after the feature update. Conversely, Windows 11 offers a new interface and a range of other new features, so there is potentially a lot that could go wrong with it. The good news is that neither version will be shoved onto your PC as happened in the early days of Windows 10 ; you have to specifically opt into obtaining them.
In fact, you may not see Windows 10 21H2 in Windows Update as soon as Microsoft announces its availability; the company pushes it out to various systems over time, with zero communication as to who gets it when.
Similarly, although Windows 11 was released in early October, it has not yet been pushed to most PCs that meet its requirements. Microsoft expects the rollout to extend into early Take note of both the edition Pro, Home, Education, Enterprise and the version.
For Home, Pro, Education, and Enterprise customers, windows 10 home edition 1809 update free download last security update for Windows 10 version is going to be released on December 14, That means starting in Januaryall editions of Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates. You must move on from As these releases reach end of support, you should start seeing increasing notifications that your machine is ready for 21H1.
At this point 21H1 has been tested well enough that I recommend updating to that version at this time. First back up everythingthen follow the steps in the Windows Update Assistant.
Whatever you do, move quickly: When the 21H2 update is publicly released in November, the Windows Update Assistant as well as Windows Update on your computer will begin to offer up the 21H2 release instead of 21H1. For those windows 10 home edition 1809 update free download are comfortable with editing the Windows registry and have admin privileges to do sothere is a more sure-fire way to defer 21H2 and Windows You can alternatively download a registry key from the AskWoody website that automates this process, keeping the version on 21H1.
Feel free to open up the. Using these registry keys also ensures that your systems will stay on Windows 10 even if your computers meet the Windows 11 hardware requirements.
Alternatively, you windows 10 home edition 1809 update free download push registry key settings out to your workstations. Take the time now to prepare your machine by ensuring you have a backup and setting in place deferrals for this upcoming feature release. Moving forward, keep an eye out for any conflicts windows 10 home edition 1809 update free download 21H2 by checking with your key software vendors to ensure that there are no side effects.
Only when you know your systems are compatible with 21H2 should you consider moving to it. As always, we follow all things patches on AskWoody.
This article was originally published in October and most recently updated in October Here are the latest Insider stories. More Insider Sign Out. Sign In Register. Sign Out Sign In Register.
Latest Insider. Check out the latest Insider stories here. More from the IDG Network. Windows 10 Insider Previews: A guide to the builds. Not yet running Windows 10 21H1? Getting ready for 21H2 and maybe Windows Windows 10 21H2, the bashful one, arrives.
