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Microsoft has finally made the Windows 10 April 2018 Update to PCs available for download, and there are many ways you can get it ahead of the general worldwide rollout on May 8th. Windows Update, the Media Creation Tool, and the Update Assistant are currently the best options to download, so here’s more on how you can leverage these tools.
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Windows Update:
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As in the past, Microsoft is slowly rolling out the Windows 10 April 2018 update, and it may automatically show up via Windows Update. This ensures the best compatibility, and also allows for users to give feedback on how things went, so not everyone will see it right away.
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You can check to see if the Windows 10 April 2018 Update is available for you to download via Windows Update by heading to Settings -> Update and Security-> Check for Updates.
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Please be aware that this method is the best way to receive the Windows 10 April 2018 Update. Windows Update ensures that your PC passes all of Microsoft’s checks and won’t run into any problems once the update is installed. The download will take a while, and your PC will reboot multiple times to install, so it is best to grab a cup of tea or coffee while your PC works its magic.
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Update Assistant
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Since Microsoft has said the global rollout starts on May 8th, you may not be seeing the Windows 10 April 2018 Update on Windows Update right away. If this is the case, you can instead try “forcing” the update to your PC early by heading to Microsoft’s Windows 10 Download page and pressing “Update Now” to download the installer.
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Just like using Windows Update, by going this route, your PC will run its magic and will check for compatibility with the Windows 10 April 2018 Update. After opening the downloaded file the process still takes a while, and your files, apps, and settings will stay the same. No need to worry, and just sit back, and relax while your PC does all the hard work.
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Media Creation Tool
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If the Update Assistant is not working out, you can also try using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. Though this option is usually meant for more advanced users, you can use the tool to upgrade an existing version of Windows 10, or clean install the Windows 10 April 2018 Update manually.
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This upgrade process is the same as the Update Assistant, and you’ll first need to download the tool from Microsoft here. You can then open the downloaded file, accept the terms, and select “Upgrade this PC now” from the list. Make sure you’ve selected to keep your files and apps, and then press install.
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To use this tool to upgrade another PC, you can select “Create Installation media for another PC.” This will allow you to burn the Windows 10 April 2018 Update to a CD, or to a USB Disk. You can also choose options for the type of install, be it 32 bit or 64 Bit, but going this route will wipe your device clean, and remove all personal information and a fresh start.
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Windows Insider Program
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If all else fails and you’re eager to get the Windows 10 April 2018 Update, you can opt into the Release Preview Ring of the Windows Insider Program to download it. To do this, you can head to Settings, Update and Security, Windows Insider Program, and click on “Get Started.”
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In the pop-up menu, make sure to select “Just Fixes, Apps, and Drivers” and then reboot your computer. After several minutes, you should see that the Windows 10 April 2018 Update should be downloading in Windows Update. Let it finish, and then restart your computer.
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Once you’re up and running, you should opt out of the Windows Insider Program to ensure you won’t be getting any new builds. To do this, head back into Windows Insider Program settings, and click the “Stop Insider Preview builds” button. Then, in the blue pop-up menu, select “Stop Insider Builds Completely Button,” and restart your PC.
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The Windows 10 April 2018 Update comes with a lot of changes, so there is definitely a lot to look forward to while the update downloads. We invite you to check out our guide to the update here, where we go in a deep dive of all the new features. Are you up and running with the Windows 10 April 2018 Update? If so, how is it running for you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
\n\nFurther reading: Microsoft, Redstone 4, RS4, Windows, Windows 10, Windows 10 April 2018 Update, Windows 10 April 2018 Update features, Windows Insider, Windows Media Creation Tool, Windows update
