Automatic Update of Windows 10 to 21H1 Begins
Windows 10 May 2021 Update, version 21H1, was released on May 18, 2021, after months of testing by Windows Insiders. Version 21H1 is another minor update. Versions 20H2 and 21H1 share commonalities with version 2004 (May 2020 Update) which was the last major Windows 10 update.
Microsoft has been teasing that a new version of Windows is coming, and it will be called Windows 11. Microsoft has scheduled a “reveal” event for June 24, 2021, to introduce this “next” generation of Windows.
Last week, Microsoft announced that it is now entering the next phase of the rollout, which means that devices running Windows 10 version 2004 will automatically be updated to version 21H1.
Windows 10, version 21H1 is available for users with devices running Windows 10, version 20H2 and version 2004 who manually select “Check for updates” via Windows Update. The recommended servicing status is Semi-Annual Channel.
We also started the first phase in our rollout for machine learning (ML) training, targeting devices on Windows 10, version 2004 to update automatically to Windows 10, version 21H1. We will continue to train our machine learning through all phases to intelligently rollout new versions of Windows 10 and deliver a smooth update experience.
Note We are initially throttling up availability over the coming weeks to ensure a reliable download experience. As a result, the update may not be offered to you right away. For more details, see How to get the Windows 10 May 2021 Update
Those who are running Windows 10 versions 2004 or version 20H2 and who would rather update on their own terms and schedules, can get the update by visiting this Microsoft page and clicking on the Update now button or downloading the Windows 10 update tool.
If you’re not sure what version of Windows 10 you’re running, type WINVER in the taskbar search. Press Enter or click “Open” when you see “WINVER run command” appear in the search results.
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I updated my HP desk computer shortly after this update was posted earlier and once completed was unable to get into my computer at all. It would boot up to my unlock page but refused my password, so tried several other passwords it might take, all were refused. After a week of trying all one password after another and one or two of tries of trying system restore (which the computer refused to access) I gave up and ended up buying a new Mac-air laptop! I hope and pray no one else runs into any problems with this new update! TC, hopefully if I run into any problems with this new laptop you and Darcy work on Macs as well! I have had several desktops in the past and always came to you over the years for service or managed to fix minor problems myself through your newsletters and InfoAve newsletters. Keep up the great work and the essays allow us to get to know you better and allows us to reflect on life and see ourselves in them!
Hi Darcy & TC,
Thank you for this info – you folks helped me out with helpful advice not that long ago. I read your articles all the time.
About this latest update, it appears to be optional at this point (at least for me-Win 20H2) -“When you’re ready for the update, select download and install”.
From the title I thought it would be automatic, I’m glad to see I have a choice.
I know your article gave info “updating on my own terms”, but I thought that was if I wanted to go to the MS website and do it from there.
I’m only posting this comment from after reading of Vicki’s experience – so others like myself don’t think it will happen “automatically”. I know that sometimes you folks may offer advice to “hold off for a bit”, just to see if the update is “good to go” – though I know there are never any guarantees.
Thank you both again for all the great things you do to help us and keep us safe.
With kind regards,
Marty
It’s rolling out slowly. It’s not optional for all users. Windows updates have gotten a seriously bad name and I’m not sure it’s well deserved. With one billion Windows 10 users, if fifteen million have problems and scream loudly — it appears that Windows update are all crappy. That’s not true. But people who don’t have problems with Windows updates don’t scream at all – they are silent, so all most people see are the vocal complainers. I’m not saying they shouldn’t complain, I’m saying the vast majority don’t have any problems. While fifteen or twenty million users is not an insignificant number (especially if you’re one of them), it’s a small number compared to the 985 or 980 million users who don’t have problems. Maybe I’ve been lucky, but I’ve got 2 Windows 10 laptops, one I bought in 2012 and one I bought in 2016 and I have not had any major problems with Windows 10 updates.
Those who intentionally avoid updates on the chance it may cause a problem are playing with their security. Many updates contain critical security patches intended to keep you safe. So, you may well not be “forced” to update (yet), it’s still a good idea to install Windows 10 (cumulative updates).