The period when you could upgrade your computer to Windows 10 for free is long over. However, there are still some possibilities remaining. Therefore, how to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10, as well as version 8, XP or Vista, will be discussed later in this article.

Microsoft, having released version 10, decided to please all fans previous versions. Taking into account all the disadvantages and advantages of XP, Vista, 7 and 8 versions, Microsoft decided to make a generous gift in the form free update. Ten was intended to be the last version of the famous OS and now only updates will be available, but the version will always be the same.

It is clear that not everyone rushed to update, and not only for some subjective reasons. It is impossible to instantly release an ideal software product, and for some time it takes time to refine it and bring it to a fully operational state. Many manufacturers of computer components and peripherals, even very well-known and serious ones, have still not been able to release fully working drivers for Windows 10 for their equipment.

Of course, this constant discussion on the Internet about version 10 spying on its users also made us think and “sleep through” the free update period.

But don’t be alarmed, some update opportunities still remain in 2018, and we decided to devote this article to such an update. Also discussed here is the issue of difference different configurations. We really hope that this article will be useful to you.

Initially, after release, we received not just a “crude” operating system, but with a really large number of not yet resolved “bugs,” which made it difficult to work on.

Currently, all the main problems have already been solved, and equipment manufacturers have also managed to create new drivers for their hardware. Of course, owners of older PCs and laptops need to be careful and make sure they have everything they need before upgrading. To do this, go to the official websites of the manufacturers. Then you can look for drivers for the top ten on the Internet. As an option, there is a direct request to the manufacturer for e-mail. Often developers agree to a meeting and will be able to release the necessary update for you.

Requirements for installing Windows 10

A new version Microsoft Windows turned out to be quite demanding.

For Windows 10, your PC needs to have:

  • Least 20 GB free hard disk space if you have a 64-bit operating system and 16 GB for a 32-bit operating system. Of course these are the most minimum requirements, and it’s worth having even more space, otherwise, believe me, your computer or laptop will slow down quite often, and some programs will take much longer to open than before.
  • CPU: at least one gigahertz. Possible use of SoC.
  • RAM: for 64 bit it is 2 GB, for 32 bit 1 GB.
  • Video card: DirectX at least 9th generation with support for WDDM 1.0 driver.
  • Display resolution: At least 800 x 600 pixels.

You can see that the requirements are almost similar to the requirements of Windows 7 and 8.1, and this was done specifically so that you can update the same Windows 7 and 8 to Windows 10 without requiring changes in hardware.

The update is intended for people who, for some reason, have limited capabilities and therefore use special Windows technologies (narrator, screen magnifier, high contrast, and so on).

To download the update, before you start downloading the 3GB download files, you must confirm that you are using accessibility features:

This Windows 10 Upgrade utility downloads the OS distribution and the upgrade to Windows 10 is ready to launch.

To install you may need bootable media, it can be a flash drive or DVD.

Update with license

If you do not think that your capabilities are limited, you can purchase and install full version Windows 10. Finding a store nowadays is not a trivial task, and if you try to look for some cheaper online store, you will quickly find many offering licenses at strange and surprisingly low prices, up to 1000 rubles.

All such licenses are gray and by purchasing them you, in fact, do not become the real owner, and from Microsoft’s point of view, you will be the person who “spied” someone’s license number and entered it during activation. In fact, this is theft.

Therefore, we provide here a link to the online store where we recommend going to purchase a license. Choose the Windows 10 option that suits you: Home, Professional. The main difference between the Home version and the Professional version is that only the latter can work in a domain. OEM options. They are cheaper, but the license is forever tied to a specific PC or laptop.

Now, if you want to upgrade to Windows 10 using a purchased license, you can do this using the Media tool Creation Tool. You can download this utility at https://www.microsoft.com/ru-RU/software-download/windows10

After launching the utility, when you see the “What do you want to do?” window, select the first item, which will update your PC or laptop.

Windows XP or Vista

Now let's move on to answering the question of how to update from Windows Vista or Windows update XP to Windows 10. You won't be able to update directly. In fact, you will have to install Windows 10 again. And for this you need to create bootable media.

Download the special program at https://www.microsoft.com/ru-RU/software-download/windows10

After launch software tool, in the “What do you want to do?” window, select the second option and create installation media.

There are many ways and software products, with which you can create, as well as a DVD.

Just run the Windows 10 installation from a flash drive or disk, follow simple actions, which will be described in each window.

What else is important to know about this update?

Remember that Ten does not install quickly. Even a miracle of modern technology will update for at least an hour, and an old laptop will take even longer.

And we repeat once again: if you have an old computer, then before upgrading, be sure to make sure that you have drivers that work under Windows 10 for all computer components. This is especially true for the motherboard, sound card and video adapter. Don't forget to also check for compatible drivers for external devices type of printer and scanner.

Technical support for some laptop manufacturers does not yet advise updating the system due to the ongoing debugging of drivers released for Windows 10. For example, after the update, the sound may not work, the video may not be displayed correctly, and so on.

We sincerely hope that our guide to upgrading to Windows 10 was really useful and interesting for you. Be sure to visit other articles on our website, and also share this information with your friends and acquaintances, and we will try to make even more quality content.

Video on the topic

Installing a new update operating system Windows 10 may cause critical errors, which will provoke the loss of important personal data. In addition, new files may not be written due to lack of free space on the disk or BIOS errors may occur. For this reason, many users do not know how to update Windows 10 to version 1803 correctly. .

Preparing for installation

To avoid all sorts of problems with installing the update, you should check the compatibility of your equipment.

You should not pay attention to the standard hardware characteristics - processor frequency, amount of RAM or video memory. Operating system supported by weak Chinese tablets, so the PC will definitely handle it.

The main thing that experienced users pay attention to is correct installed drivers. Without them, the computer will not be able to work normally, even if high performance is claimed.

Ways to update Windows 10 to version 1803

Updating the operating system should not be associated with the loss of personal data. This happens on rare occasions. Before running the installer, it is recommended to create a restore point so that you can restore the settings.

Let's consider several ways.

Update centre

Easiest installation option since no download required additional programs. Everything you need is already in the OS. The procedure is carried out in a clear sequence:

  • Go to “System Settings”. You can see how to do this in the screenshot.
  • Select the “Update and Security” item.

  • In the central part of the screen there is a single button that needs to be clicked.

Now you can see how the process went windows downloads April 10 update. The procedure will take a few minutes, depending on your Internet speed. After downloading all files, automatic installation will begin.

Successful installation will require restarting your computer or laptop. During the system restart, updates will take place, which will take a few minutes.

Media Creation Tool 1803

After downloading additional software, proceed to launch it. To do this, you need to open the application as an administrator ( right click mouse on the exe file). All subsequent actions are performed according to the following algorithm:

  • A window opens in which you must accept license agreement.
  • In the resulting list of options, the first one is selected. Click “Next”.

  • Next, the system will launch the distribution, create new media and begin receiving updates. When the search ends required components– click “Install”.

  • The Windows 10 update to version 1803 has begun.

The operating system will reboot itself and start updated.

System image

Both of the first options have one drawback - on drive C or another, where the operating system is located, an “ESD” folder is automatically created with a total volume of several gigabytes. It contains temporary update files.

The third method involves downloading an image that contains updates.

To avoid such a negative phenomenon, and perceive the update of functions to Windows 10 version 1803 positively, you should follow the following sequence:

  • Launch the Media Creation Tool 1803 application.
  • Agree to the license and select the second option.

  • In the window that appears, leave the parameters unchanged.
  • Select ISO file as the media.

  • Select a storage location on your hard drive. Click "Done".
  • Open the image in Explorer and select the setup.exe file.
  • A window will appear - select the “Not Now” radio button.

  • The agreement is accepted and the system is prepared. Click “Install”.

The computer will begin installing files and reboot. After accepting the privacy settings, the user will be greeted with an updated system.

Windows 10 update version 1803: Video

In this article we will answer the question, how to update Windows features 10 And install cumulative updates. Availability on the computer not only of the latest version operating system, but also all current patches for it significantly increases the safety of its use. Obsolete software is one of the most common reasons why viruses penetrate a PC. It is not only Microsoft that recommends keeping Windows 10 up to date, but also all major antivirus laboratories peace.

In general, all the latest updates in Windows 10 are installed automatically by default. This applies to both small patches and major upgrades. The question of forced renewal stimulation, which is almost certainly of interest to readers of this article, may arise in several cases:

  • Immediately after clean Windows installations 10. Even the latest version of the OS installation image needs to be updated.
  • When there is news about another major update or important security update. Many people want to be among the first to try out a new product.
  • Before temporarily disabling the update center (for example, before going on a business trip or to the country, where downloading large packages will be impossible due to a limited Internet connection). By the way, we have an article where you can read how to temporarily turn off Windows 10 updates.

There are four main ways to update Windows 10.

Method 1: Update Windows 10 features using built-in OS tools

The very first and most obvious method of obtaining the latest version of Ten is to use the Update Center built into the operating system. In order to open it, you need to:

  1. Go to Options(gear icon in the Start menu or in the Notification panel, or faster - key combination Win+i).
  2. Then go to the " Update and Security».
  3. And press the button Check for an update».

Unfortunately, this method does not always work quickly. The fact is that from a purely technical point of view, it is impossible to simultaneously distribute update packages to all Windows 10 computers in the world. Inevitably, a kind of queue arises in which updates and upgrades (smaller and larger updates) are distributed in waves. This process, depending on the size of the downloaded files, can take days or even weeks. In this regard, the question arises: Is it possible to speed up the Update Center?Answer: yes!

Accelerate updates using built-in Windows 10 tools

Activate faster receipt latest updates Windows 10 with new features is possible by changing just one setting in the Settings menu. Finding it yourself is quite difficult.

  1. It is located in the already mentioned “Update and Security” item.
  2. Click on the “Advanced options” link.
  3. There we select the link “ Delivery optimization».
  4. Here you can activate the “ Allow downloads from other computers" and select sources " PC in local network and PC on the Internet».

Enabling this option in Settings may Get the latest Windows 10 updates faster. This is due to the fact that files will be downloaded not only from Microsoft servers, but also from the computers of ordinary users (this is exactly how torrents work). In this case, your computer will also distribute parts of already downloaded updates to other users on the Internet. With a metered Internet connection, such transmission will be stopped. If further in this paragraph of parameters you click on another link “ Extra options", then you can do it yourself limit download speed from others Windows users 10 on the Internet, as well as giving them your updates.

Here you can set a monthly traffic limit for downloading downloaded update packages (from 5 to 500 GB). If you have a slow Internet (up to 10 Mb/s), then it would be reasonable to set the return rates to a minimum: 5% of the channel width and 5 GB.

Method 2: Program to update Windows 10

This option is only suitable for Speed ​​up your big annual Windows 10 update, which is usually published every six months and announced in the media. This method is not suitable for installing regular small patches.
First you need to go to the downloads section of the official Microsoft website and select the button “ Update now", download and run the Windows10Upgrade program.

The program will check the installed this moment version of Windows 10 to see if it is possible to receive the update and, if possible, install it. If the computer does not need to update its operating system, the message “Thank you for updating to the latest Windows versions 10" and the "Exit" button.

Method 3: Download Windows 10 update

It is also relevant only for receiving large and rare improvements to the OS, which its creators themselves call upgrades.
On the already mentioned download page Microsoft official website can be downloaded full image latest Windows 10 and then, as they say, “roll” it on top of the old one. To do this, select the second button “ Download the tool now"(seen in the screenshot above). The installation image of the Media Creation Tool program will be downloaded to your computer. To understand whether there is a new version of Windows 10 for your computer, you need to compare the “ten” build on the PC and in the program. For this:

  • Click right key mouse on the downloaded Media Creation Tool program file, select “ Properties" and go to the tab " Details" Let's watch the story.
  • Right click on the menu Start and select the item “ System" We look at the build number.

In both cases, we are only interested in the 5-digit number. By comparing the version and build of the operating system here and there, you can understand whether it is worth downloading the update. The picture below shows that this makes no sense. The same is installed on the computer version 16299, which is also offered in the program for updating.

There are also cases when more than one latest version Windows 10 than what is offered in the program.

If there is a major update for your computer, then launch this utility and it gives us the opportunity to choose actions to install it: either, as in the previous method with Windows10Upgrade, by updating, or by downloading the full image to the computer and its manual installation. For the second method, when starting the program, select “ Create installation media" Burn full image latest Windows 10 will be possible both on a flash drive and on HDD computer (in this case, select “ISO file”). After downloading, in both cases the installation program is launched by clicking on the application setup in the folder with downloaded files. The ISO image must first be unzipped.

Method 4: Cumulative Windows 10 updates from the official website

This method is suitable for finding and installing small, so-called cumulative, or cumulative updates from an official source. Like major upgrades, they can be obtained not only through the automatic Update Center built into Windows 10, but also directly from the official “ Microsoft Update Catalog" To find updates for your computer, you need to search bar portal, enter the build number of your OS (for example, 16299). Let us remind you that you can view it by selecting “System” when clicking on the Start menu with the RIGHT mouse button. Besides cumulative updates The list will contain driver updates for all types of hardware. Needless to say, they need to be installed only with a clear understanding of the need for this action.

Please note that use this method Receiving and installing cumulative updates carries an additional risk of their incompatibility with your computer. The fact is that if problems arise with specific updates for certain brands of laptops or motherboards computers, Microsoft usually pauses their installation through Update Center quite quickly and gradually resolves the problems. By downloading such packages manually and essentially installing them forcibly, you risk encountering incompatibility problems. This happens quite rarely, but you need to keep it in mind. It is most convenient to use the official catalog to download cumulative updates with a clean reinstalling Windows 10. To be on the safe side, you can see in advance which updates have already been installed on your computer before.

Where to find installed updates in Windows 10 and how to remove them

To view a list of all Windows 10 updates installed on your computer, you need to open Settings (Win+i), go to the “Updates and Security” tab and click on the link “ View log installed updates " Here they will be presented as
component updates and fixes, as well as driver updates, the installation of which in the “top ten” occurs automatically in the vast majority of cases.

Uninstall specific Windows 10 updates This is done as follows: at the very top of the update log, you need to select the “Delete updates” link, and then in the window that opens, select the items that are no longer needed and, by right-clicking on them, click “Delete”.

Conclusion: Which Windows 10 update method is best to use?

Finally, let's summarize. In this article we have described all the main methods update Windows 10 features, receive cumulative or major updates. However, in our opinion, the preferred method is the one described first - this is Windows 10 update using built-in tools. Using the mentioned option " Delivery optimization", you can most in a safe way receive all the necessary updates and upgrades faster than other users. Thus, once again we can conclude that “ten” in most cases is already configured optimally by default. Manual solutions here should be used when there is an urgent need or an irresistible attack of curiosity. For example, they are suitable for those who want to receive announcements in the media latest features Windows 10 here and now, and not wait a few days until the update spreads in waves to all computers on the Internet automatic mode. You can especially safely experiment if it is not difficult for you

Despite the fact that Windows 10 has been on sale for quite some time, it is still considered a “young” operating system. Developers work every day to improve it to make the user experience more comfortable. All changes made, no matter how useful they may be, are carefully packaged and come to the computer in the form of constant updates, so it is so important to know what they contain and how to install them correctly.

Do I need to update Windows 10

The issue of the need for Windows updates has always been acute, and for good reason. There is still no consensus, so in order to decide whether to update the system, it is necessary to consider all the arguments for and against.

Why you shouldn't update Windows 10

The wisdom of updates to the Windows operating system line has always been in question.

If we talk about operating rooms Windows systems 7, 8 and 8.1, then almost all updates did not bring anything new or made changes to functions that were not in demand for ordinary users. With the release of Windows 10, this tradition was partially preserved. Most updates to this OS add only new corporate, server and other narrowly focused functions, as well as fix old ones and add new small errors.

Windows 10 updates take a long time to install and require a restart of the computer. There would be nothing wrong with this if they came out less often than once every two weeks. For the most part, Microsoft’s corporate policy is to blame for this frequency, thanks to which everything new is immediately packaged and sent to work without thorough checking and testing.

Windows 10 updates take a very long time to install and at the most inopportune times

Windows 10 doesn't ask users whether they need an update or not, and installs everything automatically when the system reboots. This can catch a user by surprise who decides to quickly reboot the computer. Some Windows 10 updates can take up to two hours to install, depending on your device's specifications. In addition, downloading them can eat up all Internet traffic, and sometimes even computer resources.

Also in Windows 10 there is such a thing as advertising. And on free versions systems, it is often accompanied by the forced installation of unpopular and low-grade software from Microsoft. Updates to advertising services are also included in the general Windows update list.

Why you need to update Windows 10

It is imperative to install the first update immediately after installing the system. The fact is that there are many more varieties of Windows 10 than might seem at first glance.

First, the general non-personalized version of the system is installed. After installing the drivers and the first update, the OS changes to a version that best matches the hardware configuration, which improves the overall Windows performance 10 and its compatibility with the computer.

Now let's talk about the advantages of regularly updating Windows 10. Surely you have heard about the spying functions of this system. In many ways, such services work with a single goal: collecting and sending statistics to the center technical support. This allows developers to monitor Windows operation 10 on different computers and under different conditions in order to regularly improve the system by releasing updates. It is thanks to the active collection of information that some Windows 10 updates are truly valuable and can make the user experience more comfortable.

It’s worth mentioning separately about the security system update. Every second Windows 10 update improves system protection against viruses and other external threats.

Given the high activity of ransomware and cybercrime in Lately updating of security systems is current. Even if the computer has good antivirus, which you fully trust, does not provide guaranteed protection against threats that target vulnerabilities in Windows itself.

IN general update Windows 10 includes vulnerability fixes and security updates

Windows 10 updates are especially important for owners of older hardware. After installing Windows 10, most drivers are downloaded automatically: this process often includes some steps to improve compatibility to further ensure better performance computer. Unfortunately, the base Microsoft data is far from complete, which especially affects outdated hardware. But such information is collected very quickly, and with the next update a package may arrive that is intended exclusively for one of the computer components.

All types of Windows 10 updates and misconceptions associated with them

By “updating the operating system”, many users sometimes understand completely different things. To avoid confusion, it’s first worth taking a closer look at a couple of points: what an update is, what it can be, and what it cannot be.

The confusion about the types of updates is quite serious. It arose due to the inaccurate translation of English words into Russian. For example, version - version, edition - version, build - version and the like.

Table: what is called “Windows 10 Update”

Switching to Windows 10 (Version update)This procedure is also often referred to as “Upgrading to Windows 10” or “Windows Upgrade,” which sounds very ambiguous. Switching to Windows 10 means upgrading from Windows 7 (or 8, or 8.1) to Windows 10. This is the only procedure that literally translates as “Version Update”.
Windows 10 also has internal divisions into versions, for example, version 1607. Such versions are updated through Windows Update. In fact, this is an update to the assembly, which is called a version for beauty.
The transition to Windows 10 can be done through the Windows10Upgrade utility, which is described below.
Changing the Windows edition/edition (Edition update)Microsoft also refers to this procedure as "Windows Update". It literally translates as “Edition Update.” Changing the edition implies, for example, upgrading from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Professional or another “tariff change”.
The article below explains how to do this.
Update Windows builds 10 (Build update)The correct name for this procedure is “Build Upgrade”. However, when many users say “Updating Windows 10”, this is what they mean, so in the future we will call this procedure that way.
Updating the build means updating Windows 10. The main way is automatic update Windows via Update Center. However, there are others, which will be discussed below.
Windows Additional Resources Update It means everything that is an important application to the system, but is not officially part of it. This includes security features, components, some services, firmware, and more. When Windows 10 says it is updating, in most cases it means updating resources. In Windows 10, it is almost inseparable from a build update, so it should be considered part of the “Windows 10 Update”.

What is meant by “Windows 10 Update”

Windows Update is responsible for updating the system in Windows 10. When it starts, it automatically checks for new assemblies and additional resources, and if anything is found, it begins immediately downloading and installing. There are other ways to start the update, but the procedure itself is always the same.

"Windows 10 Update" is "Windows 10 Build Update" plus "Windows Additional Resources Update". This procedure is indivisible and unique possible option updating your system.

Updating Windows 10 involves updating the operating system and some of its components

There are no update methods

Due to various misconceptions and user memory about Windows 7, you can often find mention of update methods that actually do not exist.

Selective update

Many users mistakenly believe that selective system updates are allowed in Windows 10. Once upon a time there was indeed information that Microsoft would make such an opportunity for owners of the Windows 10 Professional release. However, this idea was not continued, and users are not expected to have any choice in the near future.

All Windows 10 updates are downloading in one package, and it is impossible to separate what is needed from everything else. There are also no special programs or utilities that allow you to implement this function. And although there are ways that allow you to update the system to a certain version, excluding subsequent ones, you will not be able to choose what to install from this update and what not.

All updates for Windows 10 are packaged in one package that cannot be separated in any way

Manual update

Manual updating of Windows 10 can be considered synonymous with selective updating: that’s exactly what it means. Windows 10 only has automatic updates, which you can run manually. It’s just that it either starts itself or at the user’s request, and Windows 10 always updates the same way.

Manual update can be called offline update via MSU file, downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog

Upgrade to Game Mode

Game mode is enabled in the settings:

  1. Click on the Start button and click on the gear icon to open Settings.

    Click on the "Start" button and click on the gear to open "Settings"

  2. In the window that appears, click on “Games”.

    In the window that appears, click on “Games”

  3. On the left side of the window, click on “Game Mode” and activate the single switch.

    On the left side of the window, click on “Game Mode” and activate the only switch

If you don’t have a game mode in your settings, simply update the system using any of the suggested methods and try again.

Installing a specific update

It is recommended to download only the latest Windows 10 update, which is what the system itself does. Any update package is installed completely and includes changes to all previous updates OS. You won't be able to skip any specific update.

Update packages include changes from all previous ones, unless they have been excluded by newer ones. Also, if problems arise after updating to the latest version, you can update to any previous version. How to do this is described in the chapter “Updating to a specific version”. However, remember that any subsequent update of the system will return all changes.

How much do updates weigh and how long does installation take?

The Update Center downloads only the latest update, which is enough to keep the operating system up to date. Several packages are downloaded simultaneously only if the internal version of Windows 10 is changed. In this case, their weight is summed up. The updates themselves do not accumulate in any way, but simply replace each other. Their sizes are approximately 500 MB for x86 systems and 1 GB for x64.

After applying the changes, the update package itself is removed, but the amount of free space on your hard drive will change:

  • the size of the operating system can change up or down within 1 GB (the weight of the update itself does not affect this);
  • The update cache will remain on drive C, which weighs 50–80% of the update itself.

The update cache is designed to restore the system in case of failure. Usually it is deleted on its own after some time if there is not enough free space on the disk. The update cache is located at C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\. This is the only trace left. To remove it, you need to disable Update Center and start the system in safe mode. How to do both is written in the chapter “How to stop updating Windows 10”.

Deleting the update cache will not harm the system in any way

The time it will take for the system to update is difficult to predict, since it depends on the capabilities of the computer and Internet speed. The update may take from 15 minutes to two hours.

If you run the update check yourself, the weight of the update will be shown before it starts downloading. If the system starts the process itself, and there is little space on the computer, it will notify the user about this. The table below shows the sizes of the latest update packages for all internal versions of Windows 10 that the system will download.

Table: weight of the latest Windows 10 update packages

Windows 10 versionUpdate packageWeight for x86, MBWeight for x64, MB
1703 KB4034674498,1 862,2
1607 KB4039396612,8 1150,8
1511 KB4034660577,5 1092,9
First version of Windows 10KB4034668450,5 852

How to update Windows 10

Typically, Windows 10 updates are launched without the user's knowledge. Either the system receives a message about the appearance of something new, or it checks for updates using a timer on its own. If information about the availability of updates is confirmed, their background download will begin, and the user will learn about this only after the computer is rebooted.

However, you can request to check for updates yourself.

Basic method

The easiest way to run the scan is through Windows Update, which is located in the Settings window.

  1. Click on the “Start” button and open “Settings” by clicking on the gear icon.

    Click on the “Start” button and open “Settings” by clicking on the gear

  2. In the window that opens, click on “Update and Security”.

    In the window that opens, click on “Update and Security”

  3. Click on the "Check for updates" button.

    Click on the "Check for updates" button

Video: How to check for updates in Windows 10

Via “Command Line” (forced)

Checking for updates may be disabled by various settings systems. If this is the case, update in a general way you won't succeed. In this case, you should use the “Command Line” to force the search for updates to begin.


Through utilities

Windows 10 can also be updated via special programs designed specifically for this purpose.

The utilities will not provide any special features. They do not contain the updates themselves, but only redirect the system to the Microsoft server to search for them.

Both applications described below are located on the official Microsoft website in the “Software Downloads” section.

Utilities for updating Windows 10 can be downloaded from the official Microsoft website

Media Creation Tool


Windows10Upgrade (+ transition to Windows 10)

Here everything is even simpler, since you only have to press one button in the application itself, but it will be installed on your computer. It also allows you to upgrade to Windows 10 from version 8.1 and earlier.

Download the application from the official Microsoft website, run it as an administrator and click “Update now”.

Run Windows10Upgrade as an administrator and click "Upgrade Now"

Updating to a specific version

These methods can also be considered as updating without an internet connection. They differ from the previous ones in that now the search current version Windows 10 will not run on Microsoft server, but on a Windows 10 image or a special file.

Via ISO image


Video: how to download the official Windows 10 image

Via CAB or MSU file

Files with CAB and MSU format - special updates Windows 10, which are designed to update systems that do not have access to the Internet. You can download them from the official Microsoft website. Update files should open like regular .exe files, but if this does not happen, they can be launched via the Command Prompt.

Launch Command Prompt as an administrator and enter one of the following commands:


Changing Windows 10 edition (without reinstallation and data loss)

Changing the edition of Windows 10 is only possible to a more “expensive” version of the system. If you want, for example, to change from Enterprise to Professional, the only thing that will help you is a complete reinstallation of the system: Enterprise is the most expensive edition. But from the Home version the transition is more than possible.

  1. Click on the "Start" button and click on the gear to go to "Settings".

    Click on the "Start" button and click on the gear to go to "Settings"

  2. In the window that opens, click on the “Update and Security” section.

    Click on the "Update and Security" section

  3. On the left side of the window, select Activation and click Change Product Key.

    Select the Activation tab and click Change Product Key

  4. Enter one of the following keys (the keys are conditional: they allow you to change the version, but do not activate it):
  5. If the update does not start automatically, select Windows Update on the left side of the window and click Check for Updates.

    Select the "Winodws Update" tab and click "Check for updates"

How to stop updating Windows 10

If you urgently need to interrupt a Windows 10 update that has started, quickly disconnect your Internet connection. Now you need to launch Command Prompt as an administrator and enter the following commands one by one: net stop wuauserv, net stop bits and net stop dosvc.

Open the Start menu, type “cmd” in the search, right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator”

If you want to prevent downloading updates, the easiest way to do this is through services.

  1. Open the Start menu, enter “services.msc” and run the found utility.

    Expand the Troubleshooting tab and select your problem

Regularly updating Windows 10 is a useful thing, but not always convenient. However, periodic updates for this system are almost vital. It’s better to endure an hour-long system update once again than to try to cope with more serious problems computer.

There is no simpler task than updating Windows 10. Unless, of course, the administrator has prohibited this operation through group policies. However, then you need to ask him for the answer. The final release is installed automatically. Yes, to tell the truth, there are not many versions today. It has been impossible to update for six months now (since the end of July 2016), and build 1607 is considered the latest. There are rumors on the Internet that the eleventh version will not be coming soon. So we will be installing the latest versions of the top ten for a long time. However, we find it hard to believe that there are people in the world who are completely unaware of how to update Windows 10.

All you need is access to the network. Is it for wireless communication there may be a limitation. In all other cases, Windows 10 is updated to the latest version automatically. How to detect the presence of a fresh package? The new version doesn't stand out in anything special. But next to the update there will be an explanatory note about what it is. The final release is also not marked in any way. There just isn't a fresher one available.

Check via Microsoft website

This is the best way to install a new build if it has already been released. The fastest way to check if a new edition has appeared is directly on the Microsoft website.

Through settings

Many people have noticed the absence of the old update center. It is no longer available in the interface as such. Here are the new instructions:


In this case, the system installs a regular defender update. Is not new build. Otherwise the explanation would have stated this directly. No updates required for now.

From the command line

According to user reviews, update from command line not worth it. The operation is not always successful. Therefore, we will not consider this process.

Restart options

Sometimes after installing updates you need to restart your PC. In this case, a warning message will appear. After postponing the installation, you can go to the Restart options link (see previous screen) to install:

  • Date.
  • Time.

The PC will start updating according to schedule.

Media Creation Tool

Microsoft has prepared another update utility for us. So, if you don’t like the previous one, you’re welcome! The address is the same, but the link is just below (microsoft.com/ru-ru/software-download/windows10).

We go through the welcome screens and accept the license agreement. When offered, we agree to update this PC immediately.

The remedy will take a long time to think about.

Attention! Updating using the Media Creation Tool takes significantly longer than when using a special utility.

The system image will be loaded, which takes up traffic and PC resources, and then some other task will begin to be performed. But this is a good way to update the image itself. Which over time can become overgrown with errors (and then restore it through dism and check system files command sfc /scannow). But that's a completely different story.

Through the image

The image of a dozen can be obtained in dozens of ways, but the easiest way is to save it to disk using the Media Creation Tool.


Note that this method is also not very fast, which is why it is described among the last. Although our PC is already updated, the utility didn’t even bother to compare versions. Coming up with an effective installation flow is different from calling users in the plural. Here you need ingenuity, and not just the ability to communicate rudely. However, to each his own.

How to update?

From the information obtained above it should be clear that the most in the best ways update are:

  1. Standard, via Win + I.
  2. Windows10Upgrade utility (microsoft.com/ru-ru/software-download/windows10), available at the Update now link.

Use both, and remember the rest only if problems arise. Here is another confirmation of our words: the installer with ISO image is going to update us. Even for the sake of the readers, we won’t go through such ordeals (everything is already worth it).

You can update the system with Microsoft programs. To do this, simply go to Advanced Update Settings and check the appropriate box.