(Video) Upgrade Windows 10 v1909 to Windows 10 21H1 [Full Guide]
Starting on May 18, the Windows 10 May 2021 Update is available for anyone who wants to install it. It's a simple enablement package, with no new features for end users*.
While it is a feature update, the Windows 10 May 2021 is relatively small in terms of new features and noticeable changes. Microsoft designed the Windows 10 May 2021 Update to be minor since a much more significant update, which is codenamed Sun Valley, is on the way later this year.
The biggest change in this Windows 10 update is that it comes preinstalled with the Chromium-based Microsoft Edge rather than the legacy version of Edge. The new Edge has been available for over a year, but this is the first time that it's been preinstalled in Windows 10.
PLEASE NOTE: The Windows 10 May 2021 Update (version 21H1) will roll out in waves, so you may not see it through Windows Update just yet.
You should only use the Media Creation Tool if the computer is running the November 2019 Update or an older release. If you have the October 2020 Update or May 2020 Update, you should use the Windows Update option, as the tool will perform a full installation, which in most cases is not necessary unless you are already having issues with the current setup.
WHAT'S NEW IN MAY 2021 UPDATE?
The Windows 10 May 2021 Update also allows PCs with multiple Windows Hello peripherals to set a default device.
Here's everything that's new with this update:
● Windows Hello multicamera support to set the default as the external camera when both external and internal Windows Hello cameras are present.
● Windows Defender Application Guard performance improvements, including optimizing document opening scenario times.
● Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) Group Policy Service (GPSVC) updating performance improvement to support remote work scenarios.
● Removes the Microsoft Edge Legacy desktop application that is out of support and installs the new Microsoft Edge.
Along with the short list of new features, the update includes several bug fixes and general improvements.
HERE'S HOW TO GET IT USING UPDATE ASSISTANT
Since version 21H1 is based on version 2004, the Update Assistant is only recommended for computers running older versions (i.e. version 1909).
To upgrade Windows 10 to the May 2021 Update with the Media Creation Tool, use these steps:
1. Open this Microsoft support website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/softw...
2. Click the Download tool now button to save the installer on the computer.
3. Double-click the MediaCreationToolxxxx.exe file to begin the in-place upgrade process.
4. Click the Accept button to agree to the terms.
5. Select the Upgrade this PC now option.
6. Click the Accept button again to agree to the licensing terms.
7. Confirm the Keep personal files and apps option is selected.
NOTE: By default, the option is selected, but if it is not, click the Change what to keep option to choose to preserve your apps, settings, and files after the upgrade.
8. Click the Install button.
Once you complete the steps, the Media Creation Tool will upgrade the device to Windows 10 version 21H1 from any previous releases, preserving your apps, settings, and files.
If the new version does not apply successfully, use the Media Creation Tool to create a USB bootable media and continue with a clean installation of Windows 10.
In the case the device has the version 1909 or an older release, the version 2004 will install as a regular upgrade, and then you will be able to apply the May 2021 Update.
Computers still on an older release of Windows 10 will also receive this new version as an optional upgrade. However, a full upgrade to version 2004 will be required before installing version 21H1. The only exception is if the device has a version nearing the end of service. If this is the case, the computer will eventually automatically upgrade to prevent interruption of security and maintenance updates.