Microsoft released the latest version of its desktop operating system last night. Windows 10 October 2018 Update brings a number of new features and improvements, including a new screenshot tool, dark mode for File Explorer, Your Phone app, emoji 11, and more Fluent Design hints. You can read more about the top features in our earlier coverage.
Windows 10 October 2018 Update will be made available to more devices on October 9
Windows 10 October 2018 Update was made available to the public last night, skipping the release for the Release Preview Insiders. Unlike the last few updates that were rolled out in multiple phases, it appeared that Version 1809 was being released to everyone.
However, not "everyone" is actually getting the latest Windows 10 version right away. We tested its availability on several machines and the October 2018 Update was available for download on all. But, Microsoft confirmed in an email to Wccftech that the "broader rollout" will begin next Tuesday "in a measured, deliberate way to ensure quality experience for all."
While the initial release seems broader when compared to the past few releases, the Windows 10 October 2019 Update is being rolled out to devices potentially with higher specs. Along with Surface, popular brands, including Lenovo, HP, Dell, and ASUS, are the first in the rollout strategy.
"It will begin with devices that are ready for the October 2018 Update based on specs to ensure the highest levels of compatibility and rollout to the more than 700 million devices running Windows 10 over time," Microsoft wrote in its statement to Wccftech.
We have already shared the checklist of minimum specifications. As noted previously these minimum specs might be okay enough for you to run the latest Windows 10 version, but the company does seem to prefer devices with better specs to ensure the highest level of compatibility and to avoid issues that have been experienced in the past.
It will take at least a few days to really know how Windows 10 October 2018 Update performs in the real world. We certainly hope it doesn't experience the same level of issues that plagued the release of Windows 10 April 2018 Update.
Can't wait for October 9? Here's how to install Windows 10 1809 right away
If you have been worried about not seeing the latest version in the Windows Update settings, you can manually install the update on your machines. Follow these links:
- How to Clean Install Windows 10 1809 and Get the Newest Version Before Everyone Else
- Download Official October 2018 Update ISO Files (32-bit / 64-bit)
Or, if you can wait a few days, Microsoft has promised a broader rollout starting October 9, which is when more devices should be able to receive the latest Windows 10 1809 through their Windows Update settings. It is highly recommended to wait until the company makes Windows 10 1809 available for your PCs to avoid any compatibility problems.
"We are also streamlining the ability for users who seek to manually check for updates by limiting this to devices with no known key blocking issues, based on our ML model," Microsoft wrote. "If we detect that your device has a compatibility issue, we will not install the update until that issue is resolved, even if you 'Check for updates'."
