Everything You Need to Know About Windows 10 Update 20H2 – Size, Coverage, and More

The Complete Guide to Updating Windows 10 to Version 20H2

As technology enthusiasts, we’re always eager to get our hands on the latest Windows updates. The Windows 10 20H2 version promises new features, security enhancements, and performance improvements over previous iterations. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about updating to the 20H2 version.

What Exactly is Windows 10 Version 20H2?

Windows 10 version 20H2, also known as the October 2020 Update, builds upon the May 2020 Update (version 2004) with additional features and fixes. Some key changes include:

• Performance boosts for certain processors like Intel’s Lakefield.
• Improved tablet experience with touch keyboard enhancements.
• Updated graphics for business charts in Excel.
• New password protection for essential documents.
• Security updates for Windows Defender and Credential Guard.

Overall, 20H2 refines and augments the 2004 release to deliver a more polished Windows 10 experience. Microsoft positions this as a minor update relative to previous major releases like 1903 or 1909.

When does Windows 10 end?

The final version of Windows 10 is version 22H2, which will reach end of servicing on October 14, 2025. Beginning with Windows 10, version 21H2, feature updates for Windows 10 release are released annually, in the second half of the calendar year, to the General Availability Channel.

Why do I need Windows Update for Windows Security?

Windows Update downloads updates for Windows Security automatically to help keep your device safe and protect it from attacks. Need more help? Want more options? Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Should You Skip the 2004 Update Entirely?

Some Windows 10 users avoided upgrading to the 2004 version due to bugs. The good news is that you can go straight from an earlier Windows 10 edition (like 1903 or 1909) directly to 20H2.

Bypassing 2004 won’t cause any feature gaps or compatibility issues. Microsoft designed 20H2 as an iterative improvement over 2004, bundling all the fixes and updates released since May 2020 into one package.

So feel free to skip 2004 if you want the most refined and stable version of Windows 10 as of late 2020. Just make sure to thoroughly backup your system and data before initiating the upgrade process.

How Large Are the 20H2 Update Download and ISO Files?

The total download size for version 20H2 depends on your starting point:

• Upgrading from 2004 to 20H2 requires about3GBof data. This makes sense since you already have most of the shared 2004 components.

• Skipping 2004 and upgrading directly from an earlier build (e.g. 1903 or 1909) totals around4-5GB.

• Downloading the 20H2 ISO weighs in at4.7GBas it contains the full standalone installation package.

  When will Windows 10 lose support for future features & security updates?

  According to Microsoft’s current support plan, Windows 10 will lose support for future feature and security updates on October 14, 2025. After that date, any business, regardless of size, will incur a significant risk of liability for using Windows 10.

  Does Windows 10 have Windows Update?

  Windows 8 offered dual interfaces for Windows Update — one in the PC Settings app, and one in the older Control Panel. Windows 10 retains most of the old Control Panel, but the Windows Update interface has been removed. Instead, you’ll find Windows Update in the new Settings app under Update & security.

So while 20H2 itself is relatively compact, the actual download size varies based on your current Windows 10 edition. Just make sure you have sufficient bandwidth to avoid timeouts and interruptions which could corrupt the files.

Many users opt to upgrade overnight or leverage an unlimited business connection if possible. You can also order a bootable 20H2 USB drive directly from Microsoft to sidestep any download restrictions.

How to Initiate the 20H2 Update Process

Ready to take the plunge? Here are your options for installing Windows 10 version 20H2:

• Automatic Updates:20H2 will eventually arrive via Windows Update if you have automatic updates enabled. This occurs on a gradual rollout schedule, so you may not see it immediately.

• Update Assistant:For instant access, use Microsoft’s Update Assistant tool. This will let you upgrade directly to 20H2 regardless of your starting version.

• Media Creation Tool:You can utilize the Media Creation Tool to generate a 20H2 bootable USB or ISO. Then use that to perform a clean install or in-place upgrade.

• Manual Install:Finally, advanced users can download the 20H2 enablement package and integrate it manually. But for most, the Update Assistant provides the quickest and easiest path.

  How do I get Windows 10 updates?

  You’ll get these updates automatically after you download the Update Assistant. If you don’t want to wait for an automatic update, or if you want to check for quality updates (which are more frequent and include small fixes and security updates), you can update Windows 10 yourself. If you’re an IT professional, you can defer updates.

  When does Windows 10 end support?

  Windows 10 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025. The current version, 22H2, will be the final version of Windows 10, and all editions will remain in support with monthly security update releases through that date. Existing LTSC releases will continue to receive updates beyond that date based on their specific lifecycles.

  When should a Microsoft Security Update be applied?

  For details, see Microsoft’s Security Update Guide and the February 2022 Security Updates notes. What IT needs to know: Because this is a security update, it should be applied relatively soon. Over the next few weeks, check for reports about problematic issues, and if all seems well, apply the update.

No matter which method you select, be sure to backup your files, drivers, and settings beforehand in case of issues. Also temporarily disable security tools like anti-virus during installation to prevent conflicts.

We suggest setting aside an hour or two for the entire process. Actual upgrade time varies based on hardware specs and current OS optimization.

Verifying You’re Running Windows 10 Version 20H2

Once setup completes, here are a few quick ways to validate your upgrade to Windows 10 version 20H2:

• CheckSettings > System > About. Look for "Version 20H2" in the Windows Specifications section.

• Open a command prompt/Powershell and enterwinver. Confirm the Version lists 20H2 and the OS Build reads 19042.xxx or higher.

• Examine the main "About" screen accessible by typingms-settings:aboutin the search bar. This should report Version 20H2 and matching OS Build.

As long as you see 20H2 reflected in the version number, build, or release information, that confirms the upgrade finished successfully.

Get the Most Out of Windows 10 Version 20H2

Updating to the latest Windows release is only half the battle. You’ll want to tailor your experience by enabling new features, enhancing performance, and strengthening security:

When will Windows 10 be available?

Microsoft will continue to support Windows 10 until Oct. 14, 2025. (The Windows 10 November 2021 update is now available .) That gives you about four years to prepare as Microsoft slowly moves its billion-plus Windows users to Windows 11 . The company’s new OS will continue the Windows 11 rollout through mid-2022.

When do Windows 10 feature updates come out?

Beginning with Windows 10, version 21H2, feature updates for Windows 10 release are released annually, in the second half of the calendar year, to the General Availability Channel. They will be serviced with monthly quality updates for 18 or 30 months from the date of the release, depending on the lifecycle policy.

How often does Windows 10 update?

This is meant to sync Windows 10’s update schedule with Windows 11’s, which is also going to receive major feature updates once per year. Microsoft hasn’t committed to the number of yearly updates it will provide for Windows 10, but the company will support “at least one version” of the OS until update support ends in October of 2025.

How do I update my Device to Windows 10 version 22h2?

To update your device to Windows 10 version 22H2 using ISO files, follow these steps: Open File Explorer. Browse to the Downloads folder where the ISO image is located. Double-click “ Win10_22H2_v2_English_x64.iso ” file to mount it. In the folder, double-click Setup.exe. Accept terms and conditions. Click on Upgrade this PC.

• Turn on Wi-Fi sharing to transform your PC into a mobile hotspot.
• Enable GPU acceleration for Office apps to boost productivity.
• Manage ransomware protection under Virus & Threat Protection settings.
• Fine-tune notifications and focus modes to minimize distractions.
• Customize the touch keyboard with dictation, split layouts, and swipe actions.

Stay tuned as we dive deeper into all of the enhancements unlocked by Windows 10 version 20H2 in future posts!

Ready for What’s Next

By taking the time to upgrade and optimize Windows 10 20H2, you’ll reap the benefits of Microsoft’s continuous innovation. We look forward to sharing more tips and guidance as new features develop across the Windows ecosystem. Let us know if you have any other questions as you embark on the 20H2 journey!

References

1. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-20h2
2. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/status-windows-10-20h2