Windows 10 20H2 is now available to all Windows 10 users across every device type. While the 20H2 update comes from the second half of 2020, and many users are now upgrading to the Windows 10 May 2021 update, millions of Windows 10 users are stuck using version 2004—released in the first half of 2020.
Everyone Can Upgrade to Windows 10 20H2
The final hurdle blocking the update path was a series of faulty drivers affecting Conexant and Synaptics devices. Microsoft has now resolved those driver issues, paving the way for those running older Windows 10 versions to upgrade at last.
As per the version name, the newly available update was first launched in the second half of 2020. Windows 10 20H2 rolled out to the majority of users in October 2020. Whenever a Windows 10 update goes live, Microsoft restricts the initial rollout to check for unexpected bugs and other issues.
This phase of a Windows 10 update is known as the “targeted deployment” phase.
Windows 10 20H2 has now entered the “broad deployment” phase, which means it is now available to almost every device. As per the Microsoft TechNet article:
Broad deployment refers to the phase that follows targeted deployment, where your organizations’ pilots and targeted deployments have provided successful feedback and Windows has been vetted for deployment to most or all of your organization’s devices
The Windows 10 Version 20H2 Release Health page confirms that there are very few issues affecting this version of the operating system now, only a high-pitched noise when using 5.1 surround sound with certain settings, and Furigana input isn’t working as expected.
How to Update Windows 10 to the Latest Version
Windows 10 should give you a little prompt when the update is ready for you to download and install. However, if you don’t see an update prompt, you can seek it out yourself.
- Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings panel.
- Head to Update & Security > Windows Update and check for the update.
- Press Check for updates, then download and install any pending updates.
After downloading and installing the update, restart your system to confirm the changes.
After upgrading your system to Windows 10 version 20H2, you should check back again. You might find that you can upgrade to the latest version of Windows 10, the May 2021 update.
The Windows 10 20H2 Update has some nice new features for you to explore, too. For example, there is the shiny new Start menu, the addition of Microsoft’s new Fluent Design icons, additional support for Windows 10 dark mode, and the rollout of Microsoft’s Edge browser its new guise a Chromium-based browser.