General availability of "Windows 10 version 21H1" started ~ Twice a year major update-Mado no Mori

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Common name is "May 2021 Update". Upgradable in 3 ways

The "May 2021 Update" is a large-scale update of "Windows 10" following the "October 2020 Update (version 20H2)" released last fall. The changes are relatively minor, mainly focusing on multi-camera support for the authentication function "Windows Hello" and enhancement of security functions. The default web browser is the new Chromium-based Microsoft Edge, not including the old EdgeHTML-based old Edge. It will be supported for 18 months and will be available until December 13, 2022.

There are 3 ways to update to the "May 2021 Update", and you can choose the one you like.

Using "Windows Update"

The most recommended method is to use "Windows Update". Go to the Settings app > Update & Security > Windows Update section, press the Check for updates button, wait for a while, and then you'll see a message saying "Feature update for Windows 10, version 21H1". . If you press the [Download and Install] button here, the upgrade to the "May 2021 Update" should start.

　If the guide is not displayed, it is possible that the device you are using is known to be compatible and has been excluded from the upgrade distribution to avoid trouble. Check back later.

　Updates are downloaded in the background, and when preparations are complete, the user can choose when to install and restart the OS. Don't worry, you won't be upgraded on your own.

In addition, the OS core is common to "May 2020 Update" (version 2004) and later, and the unique functions of "May 2021 Update" are activated simply by applying a small patch called "enablement package". It's how it works. Therefore, the upgrade time is not much different from the regular monthly update.

Using "Windows 10 Update Assistant"

If you cannot upgrade from "Windows Update", we recommend that you wait for a while until your device is eligible for feature updates. But if you really want to upgrade, there's also a way to manually update.

The manual update tool "Windows 10 Update Assistant" can be obtained from the [Update Now] button on the "Windows 10" download site.

When upgrading using this method, we recommend that you check the support site for known upgrade issues.

Creating installation media with the "Media Creation Tool"

If you want to upgrade other environments or upgrade multiple environments at once, use the "Media Creation Tool" to create installation media (USB memory or ISO image file).

　The "Media Creation Tool" can be obtained from [Download the tool now] at the bottom of the "Windows 10" download site. During the wizard, you can choose to upgrade your device or create installation media.