Microsoft has selected Windows 10 Build 19043.928, which was delivered to testers in mid-April, as the basis for the official Windows 10 May 2021 update, also known as the update to Windows 10 “21H1”. It has not yet been released for all Windows 10 users.
Before that happens, the voluntary participants in the Windows Insider Program who have not yet explicitly taken part in testing 21H1 will now also receive this update. However, this does not happen automatically, but only after a manual search in Windows Update. The circle of testers and thus the likelihood that errors still contained will be discovered is nevertheless expanded once again in this way. If nothing comes up, all regular Windows 10 users should soon receive the update. Microsoft is already preparing this step.
Fast upgrade thanks to background installation
As with the last big update 20H2 in autumn, 21H1 will be installed for release (in waves) like a normal update for the monthly patch day, because all the essential preparations have already been made in the background. The innovations are only activated in the end. It is assumed that one of the two major updates from last year (20H1 alias version 2004 or 20H2) is already available on the system. Older Windows 10 versions, on the other hand, take longer for the update because the entire process requires Windows not to be loaded.
The update can be pushed again will
If 21H1 is distributed, users do not need to install the new major version immediately. Up until the end of 2018, the installation of the updates to a new major version (“feature update”), which was distributed twice a year, was initiated automatically as soon as Microsoft marked the corresponding system as compatible. Since spring 2019 there will only be a hint in the settings of Windows 10.
When users want to install the new main version, they decide for themselves. Unless the version currently in use is nearing the end of support – in which case Microsoft will force the installation again. Without it, users would no longer receive any monthly updates after the support phase-out of their version. Microsoft currently grants users of Windows 10 Home and Pro the last variant 18 months of support after the availability of a new main version.
The new features in Windows 10 May 2021 update alias “21H1”
Two years ago, Microsoft abandoned the approach of providing Windows 10 with essential new functions twice a year; Since then there have been far-reaching innovations only with the update for the second half of the year. But 21H1 cannot do without innovations either.
The corona pandemic and the needs derived from it, such as better use of webcams, will also provide a central theme for the next Windows update. For example, Windows 10 21H1 should be able to configure an externally connected, potentially better webcam than a standard webcam, so far the internal variant has always been the first choice. According to Microsoft, the Windows Defender Application Guard, which enables documents to be opened more quickly, has also been significantly optimized. Of particular interest to IT departments in large companies are adjustments to the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) Group Policy Service (GPSVC), which is intended to simplify the updating and maintenance of end devices in the home office.
It will also be possible in the future to display personalized messages and interests with just one click directly on the taskbar. According to Microsoft, the so-called “feed” should be able to be adapted to suit one's own preferences and put an end to the constant change between PC and smartphone. With this, the company would like to enable users to stay up to date on the PC at all times. Floating menus, on the other hand, are only planned for the major update Windows 10 21H2.
When do you usually update Windows 10?
- Manually as quickly as possible
- Manually after a certain waiting period
- If Windows 10 automatically offers the update
- If Windows 10 forces me to
- Not at all, I prevent Windows 10 updates
- Abstain (show result)
Please log in to vote! Update 05/18/2021 8:45 p.m.
Microsoft has released the “21H1” big spring update for Windows 10 – in version 19043.928, which was already planned three weeks ago. From now on it is no longer only available to participants in the Windows Insider Program, but to ordinary users of Windows 10. Depending on whether the update is to be carried out manually or automatically, it can be installed immediately, or it can be a long time coming.
Immediately manual with risk
If you are in a hurry, you can download Windows 10 version 19043 (as of 21H1) as an ISO file, the Windows 10 ISO download is also already possible via the ComputerBase server. Alternatively, the update can be initiated on a PC using the new Windows 10 Media Creation Tool or a USB stick can be created to install the new version on another computer. Alternatively, there is the Windows 10 Update Assistant, which can even switch from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10.
Since the Windows 10 update, published every six months, has repeatedly led to problems over the past few years, some of which have had serious effects, users should, however, think twice about whether they want to take the step immediately.
Automated can take longer
If you want to update Windows 10 using standard tools, you can search for the update in the settings under Windows Update. However, as in the past, Microsoft will initially only offer the update to a small proportion of the systems that are active worldwide; some computers are completely excluded due to known incompatibilities. In any case, the basic requirement at the beginning is Windows 10 Version 2004 (update from spring 2020).
Downloads
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Windows 10 ISO Download
4.2 stars
The Windows 10 ISO files can be used to create bootable installation media.
- Version 21H1 (Build 19043) German
- Version 20H2 (Build 19042) v2 German
- +9 more
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Windows 10 Media Creation Tool Download
4.4 stars
The Windows 10 Media Creation Tool creates bootable USB sticks or updates Windows.
- Version 21H1 Build 19043.928 German
- Version 20H2 Build 19042.572 German
- +5 more
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Windows 10 Update Assistant Download
4.9 stars
The Windows 10 Update Assistant supports installing Windows 10 from 7/8 (.1).
- Version 21H1 Build 1.4.9200.23367 German