Windows 10 Creators Update

Prior to Windows 10, Microsoft released new versions of Windows every few years. This traditional schedule imposed a burden on users because the feature revisions were often significant. That schedule also meant waiting long periods without new features - a scenario that doesn’t work in today’s rapidly changing world, a world in which new security, management, and capabilities are necessary to address challenges.

With Windows 10, things have changed a bit. For one thing, Microsoft claims there will be no newer versions of Windows - Windows 10 is here to stay. Microsoft has also done away with service packs, instead to address the above issues, with the launch of Windows 10, Microsoft has moved to release two big builds each year and giving them fun names—the next big one (or rather, current) being the Creators Update (or Version 1703) in Spring, 2017. This is the third major release the company is making available with new features and a several improvements to make your computer more secure and productive.

In this article, I'll walk you through the different ways:

• To check which version of Windows you are running
• How to download and install the Creators Update on your PC, laptop, or tablet, and,
• The overview of the new features available when the new update is installed.

How To Check Which Version Of Windows 10 You Have

There are two ways you can check the version of Windows 10 your device is currently running.

1. Settings App:

Open Settings App from Start. Select the Start button, then select Settings. Alternatively, Settings can be opened by using the shortcut Windows + I keys. Once the Settings is open, navigate to System > About. Here you will find the Windows Edition, Version and Build.

2. WINVER:

You can also use the old standby Windows Version (winver) tool to find some of this information. Hit Start, type “winver,” and then press Enter. You could also press Windows + R keys, type “winver” into the Run dialog, and press Enter.

This opens the About Windows box, which again gives you the same information we saw earlier in Settings.

*Note: The version number is in the form YYMM - so 1607 means the 7th month of 2016, or 1703 means the 3rd month of 2017*

If the version of your Windows 10 is less than 1703 (previous/current being 1607), this means your device does not have the latest Creators Update installed and can be updated.

How To Get The Windows 10 Creators Update

The update will download and install automatically as it will be available for your device, but if you can't wait there are a few ways to force the Creators Update. I am going to discuss three most common (and simple) ways to install the Update on your device.

1. How to get Creators Update using Windows Update
2. How to get Creators Update using Update Assistant
3. How to get Creators Update using Media Creation Tool
   

Using Windows Update

The easiest way to get the Creators Update on your device is using Windows Update. Once it becomes available, you can force the update using these steps:

1. Automatically get the update via the phased rollout

When your device becomes eligible for the Creators Update rollout, you’ll be prompted to Update your device to the latest update. At this point, you will have the option to choose whether to restart, and start updating right away, or Snooze, or Pick a time and schedule it according to your convenience.

2. Manually Update from Update & Security

• Open Settings
• Click on Update & Security
• Click the Check for Updates button
  

• Once you check for the updates, it will check, if your device is known to work with the new update. Once this check is complete, it will start downloading and install. All you will need to do is just click on Restart Now button to complete the installation.

Using The Update Assistant

Microsoft offers the "Windows 10 Update Assistant," which is a tool designed specifically to manually update a supported device to the latest version of the OS.

• Open the Microsoft Support Website, and click on Update now to download the Update Assistant (or direct download link here)

• Double-Click the downloaded file Windows10Upgrade.exe to start the process
• Click the Update Now button
  

• If your device passes the system check, click the Next button to begin the upgrade

• Once the update is ready, click the Restart Now button to apply it.