Windows 10 October 2020 Update Version 20H2 is already available to Windows Insiders Release Preview Channel. If you are a Windows Insider, you can download and install Windows 10 October 2020 Update from the Release Preview ring.
The exact Insider Preview build is 19042.508 (KB4571756). While this may not be the exact build of the stable version as Microsoft plans to continue improving features and stability until its final release, it will be closer to this number.
In this article, we will discuss the possible release date of Windows 10 October 2020 Update and the expected new features included in this feature update.
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Windows 10 October 2020 Update Release Date
Although it is not publicly available, Microsoft has announced that the 20H2 update is available to download as an optional feature for Windows Insider users. Here is a complete guide on how you can join the Insider Programs and download the 20H2 version.
The release date for Windows 10 October 2020 Update (Version 20H2) is 20th October 2020.
Download Windows 10 October 2020 Update ISO from here.
How do we guess this exact date? Let’s discuss further.
You can find the Windows 10 release information for all versions here.
The last date of servicing Windows 10 Version 1507 LTSB branch is 13th October 2020. This is exactly when a new version of Windows 10 should be released.
Windows 10 20H2 Technical Specifications
- Codename: Windows 10 20H2 (20H2 means this update is released in the second half of 2020)
- Version: 2009 (means this version is available on the 9th month (September) of 2020)
- Build: 19042.572
- Release date: Mid October 2020 (20th October 2020)
- Kernel: WinNT 10.0
- Architecture: ARM64, x64, x86
- Languages: Available in 35+ languages
- SKU: Education, Enterprise, Home, Pro (The N, KN, and Chinese editions are also included).
- Price: This update is free for all users who are already using Windows 10.
Windows 10 October 2020 Update seems to be a very small update. If you install it from Insider Preview, it will take just 15 to 20 minutes to download, install and upgrade your system.
What’s new in Windows 10 20H2?
Microsoft has designed the v20H2 with the user’s convenience and ease in their minds. Windows 10 20H2 adds a more seasoned look to its display and general ambiance.
Microsoft has a history of releasing one feature update and one service pack a year. The 20H2 update is a service pack-style update which enables some hidden features in v2004, and introduces a few new ones as well. This service pack is relatively smaller in size than a feature update, which is usually released in the first half of a year, such as v2004 and v1903.
Let’s go through some of the new features that you will get in the upcoming Windows version.
Redesigned Start Menu
The Start Menu is redesigned to catch the user’s eye. It has been made to complement the theme of the computer by removing the solid colors in the background and highlighting the icon itself. The Start Menu in general has been made slightly transparent to look more appealing.
Personalized Taskbar
Microsoft has worked to make the Windows 10 20H2 user experience the best of its kind. The Taskbar is now automated to pin programs and applications most used by its users. For example, if a user frequently connects their phone to their computer, it will pin the Phone app to the Taskbar.
Improved Notification Management
Windows 10 came with a Focus Assist feature that let’s users customize their notification prompts in the Notification Tray. However, the Focus Assist had its own notifications which were a distraction. With the 20H2 update, the Focus Assist notifications are turned off by default.
Moreover, an “X” button has been added to the popup notifications that will dismiss the notification, as opposed to the previous arrow button which only moved the notification into the tray.
Advanced refresh rate settings
People with monitors that support various refresh rates can now easily switch between their preferred settings directly through the Windows settings. A new category has been introduced as the Refresh Rate in the Advanced Display Settings from where the users can choose their preferred setting.
New Chromium Edge
Windows 10 20H2 now comes with a new Chromium based Microsoft Edge browser which is set to become the default browser. The legacy Edge browser has been removed.
Moreover, the Alt + Tab shortcut keys can now be a big time-saver for the people who enjoy multitasking. After installing the update, you can now navigate to Settings -> System -> Multitasking to customize how your Alt + Tab shortcut keys behave. You can choose between any one of the following options:
- Open windows and all tabs on Edge
- Open windows and 5 most recent tabs on Edge
- Open windows and 3 most recent tabs on Edge
- Open windows only
Enhanced tablet experience
With the new update, users will go directly into tablet mode with a touch-sensitive device and no attached keyboard. This will remove the notification the users used to receive from which they were able to select the desired mode.
Other changes to the interface have also been made, such as more space between the tiles to eliminate accidental touches, etc.
Installing the 20H2 update
Since this update is more of a service pack update and does not require OS reinstallation, it is less risky to get an upgrade early. If you are running Windows 10 Version 2004, you can easily upgrade to 20H2 using Windows Update (when it’s available).
Windows 10 20H2 update is marked as optional by Microsoft. You will need to go to Windows Update and install it manually. Otherwise, Microsoft won’t force it upon you. But it is always recommended to keep your system up to date with the latest security patches and bug fixes to be safe.
These are some of the key features of Windows 10 20H2 among other performance changes.