Windows 10 April 2018 Update - What You Need to Know

Microsoft has begun the roll-out of the latest major build of its Windows operating system known as 1803. Here is some advice on how to take charge of the update process and avoid any issues.

They can be annoying, but Windows updates are very important to keep you running smoothly and safe online (and off). The Windows 10 April 2018 update - version 1803, will begin arriving automatically on your PC from the start of May. The exact timing that your PC will be updated is not possible to say due to a phased roll-out process. PC's are essentially picked at random over the course of a few weeks to minimise load on the servers.

Like the last major update known as the Anniversary Update, this is another major one, essentially a full upgrade which requires several gigabytes to download. The installation process also takes more time than the usual regular updates which means you probably want some warning before this happens.

It’s often easiest to install this update manually at a time that suits you rather than when you're right in the middle of something, but you can just wait until it's your turn or defer the upgrade by weeks or even months to allow bugs to be ironed out.

Here are your options...

Do Nothing and wait for Windows Update

Windows update will automatically take care of things for your and process the updates when it's ready. You will be notified when the update is about to be installed so you can put it off for a while until you are ready (and not right in the middle of something). Devices that will receive it first are those that should, in theory, be best equipped to deal with it. Currently supported Microsoft Surface devices should be very high on this list.

If you would like to get started right away, you can do so by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for Windows Updates

One major change from past updates is better notifications. When you see this message, you can schedule a restart time to apply the changes or do so right away.

Just remember that if you choose to re-start this will begin the installation process which may take an hour or more hours to complete - during which time you will not be able to use your PC. However, if you have a good spec PC with a solid state hard drive it may only take 10 - 30 minutes.

Force the update...

Waiting for Windows Update is the simplest option, but it may lead to the update arriving at an inconvenient time such as when you're about to do a presentation!

An alternative is to force the update manually by going to the Windows 10 download page and clicking the "Update now" button. This will download the Windows 10 Update Assistant, which download the installation files in the background then allows you to schedule the upgrade.

On some low-end devices this may not work such at tablets that don't have enough storage capacity left. In this case you may need to do a fresh install using the Media Creation Tool which is also available for free from the Windows 10 download page. Note that the Media Creation Tool is more designed for complete re-install of Windows so make sure you have a backup of your software and data.

So what's new?

Microsoft^® have made a handy video to show you all the new features: https://youtu.be/_-enSu-m95E

There is also a video explaining improvements to Microsoft Edge: https://youtu.be/_XIDCA6BcE8

How do I get help?

Occasionally the major upgrades don't go to plan and a small number of users have issues during or after installation. Don't panic! Computer FX are here to help.

If you would like us to apply the update for you and check for any issues we can do this for your piece of mind. Similarly, if you encounter any problems, we can sort that out for you. Simply give us a call on 01653 694500 or email us on sales@computerfx.co.uk.