The Windows 10 2004 Update: What You Need to Know
The Windows 10 May 2020 Update, also known as version 2004, is now available for download. This major update for Windows 10 provides a host of new features, enhancements, and improvements that aim to boost productivity, performance, and the overall user experience. In this post, we’ll take a comprehensive look at everything you need to know about the Windows 10 2004 update.
When Was the Windows 10 2004 Update Released?
Microsoft began rolling out the Windows 10 2004 update on May 27, 2020. However, not everyone received it right away. The update is gradually released in phases, with newer devices generally receiving it first. The staggered rollout helps ensure system stability and give Microsoft time to monitor feedback and fix any major issues before deploying to more devices.
By early June 2020, the Windows 10 2004 update was available for everyone to manually download and install. You can get the May 2020 Update by checking for updates in Windows Update. If you don’t want to wait, you can use the Windows 10 Update Assistant to force the installation.
How to install Windows 10 2004?
To Install Windows 10 2004 automatically via Windows Update, click Restart now. Your computer will restart and start installing the latest update. During the update, your PC will restart several times.
When will Windows 10 version 2004 be available?
“ [As of July 22, 2020] Windows 10, version 2004 is available for users with devices running Windows 10, versions 1903 and 1909, who manually seek to “Check for updates” via Windows Update. We are now starting a new phase in our rollout,” Microsoft said.
What’s New in the Windows 10 2004 Update?
The May 2020 Update for Windows 10 comes jam-packed with new features and enhancements that refine the Windows 10 experience. Let’s look at some of the most notable improvements:
Improved Performance
The Windows 10 2004 update includes optimizations that improve overall system performance and efficiency. For example, adjustments to Windows Search reduce disk and CPU usage, resulting in faster searches. The update also introduces the new Windows Subsystem for Linux 2, which provides dramatic performance gains for running Linux apps on Windows.
Streamlined Productivity Features
Productivity gets a boost with a revamped Cortana experience that allows typing queries. There’s also easier access to Bluetooth peripherals, virtual desktop renaming, and integration with Android phones via the Your Phone app. The Task Manager has also been updated with a new GPU temperature monitoring tool.
Enhanced Gaming Capabilities
Gaming on Windows gets better with the introduction of DirectX 12 Ultimate. This provides a common framework for graphics across Xbox and Windows, unlocking new capabilities for immersive gaming experiences. There are also optimizations that improve overall graphics performance.
When is Windows 10 May 2021 update (21h1) available?
Starting May 18, 2021, the Windows 10 May 2021 Update (21H1) is officially available, and you can upgrade your computer to the latest version manually whether it has version 20H2, 2004, 1909, or an older release.
How do I download and install Windows Update?
If the new feature update is not available for you to download and install automatically via Windows Update, follow the steps in this guide to install it manually. Finally, on the Windows Update screen, if the update is available, click Download and install.
Does update assistant reinstall Windows 10?
Since version 21H2 is based on version 2004, the Update Assistant is only recommended for devices running an older version like Windows 10 version 1909. If you use the tool on a computer running version 2004, 20H2, or 21H1, the process will do a complete reinstallation, which is unnecessary, and you end up with more upgrade issues.
Improved Accessibility
Users who rely on accessibility tools will appreciate new improvements in the Windows 10 2004 update. These include enhanced narrator features, text cursor indicators, Magnifier options, and more. The update ensures Windows 10 remains at the forefront of accessible operating systems.
Security Enhancements
Behind the scenes, the May 2020 Update implements a number of security changes to help keep devices safe. For instance, the update hardens Windows Defender Application Guard, improves Windows Hello passwords alternatives, and expands the Windows Sandbox, among other security enhancements.
Kaomoji Support
This fun new feature allows entering Japanese Kaomoji emoticons into text fields across Windows. Users can now insert Kaomojis to add visual flair to documents, messaging, social posts, and more. It’s a simple change but enables more personalization and expression.
How to Get the Windows 10 2004 Update
If your device hasn’t received the May 2020 Update automatically, you have a few options to get it manually:
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Use theWindows Updatesettings to check for updates. On Windows Update, click "Check for updates" and install any available ones.
How do I install Windows 10 v2004?
To use the Windows 10 Update Assistant to install Windows 10 v2004, the May 2020 Update, please follow these steps: Go to the ‘ Download Windows 10 ‘ page at Microsoft and click on the Update now button to download the Windows 10 Update Assistant.
What is the difference between Windows 10 21h1 and 20h2?
Version 21H1, much like 20H2, is more of an enablement update. Currently, Windows 10 versions 21H1, 20H2, and 2004 are all getting the same cumulative updates. The difference between these versions is the enablements package. The enablement packages enable existing features and increase the build number by one.
How do I update to Windows 10 version 2004?
Go to the ‘ Download Windows 10 ‘ page at Microsoft and click on the Update now button to download the Windows 10 Update Assistant. After the Windows10Upgrade9252.exe file has been downloaded, double-click on it to launch the program, and you will be greeted with the main page asking if you wish to update to Windows 10 version 2004.
What is the Windows 10 May 2021 update?
This article lists new and updated features and content that is of interest to IT Pros for Windows 10, version 21H1, also known as the Windows 10 May 2021 Update. This update also contains all features and fixes included in previous cumulative updates to Windows 10, version 20H2.
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Download theWindows 10 Update Assistanttool, which can force the installation. This desktop app bypasses Windows Update to deliver the latest feature release.
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Install from Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) if your device gets updates from centralized enterprise servers. The 2004 update should be available on WSUS.
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Use theWindows 10 ISOvia the Media Creation Tool to perform a clean install or upgrade. The Windows 10 2004 ISO allows installing the May 2020 Update from scratch.
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SelectWindows Insider Programin Settings to gain early access to beta releases. Insider builds provide the 2004 features ahead of general availability.
Once installed, the Windows 10 2004 update will deliver a host of improvements across the operating system. Overall, it’s a worthwhile upgrade that refines the Windows 10 experience.
Is Windows 10 20h2 a full-blown update?
Like Windows 10 20H2, this is more like a large cumulative update (formerly known as a Service Pack) than a full-blown update. Microsoft announced version 21H1 availability on Tuesday with Microsoft exec John Cable writing: Today marks the beginning of Windows 10, version 21H1 availability.
How do I get Windows 10 May 2020 update?
Here’s how to install the latest version on your PC. The easiest way to get the Windows 10 May 2020 Update is by manually checking Windows Update. Head to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check. If Windows Update thinks your system is ready for the update it will show up. Simply click on the “Download and install now” link.
The Bottom Line
The Windows 10 May 2020 Update introduces an array of new capabilities and enhancements designed to improve productivity, boost performance, enhance gaming, strengthen security, and deliver quality-of-life improvements across the operating system. With a streamlined Cortana, faster searches, WSL 2 integration, DirectX 12 Ultimate, and many other optimizations, the 2004 update is recommended for all compatible Windows 10 devices.
To get the latest Windows 10 features today, check for the May 2020 Update or use the Update Assistant. For more details about the new changes and enhancements included in the Windows 10 2004 update, visit Microsoft’s site here .
