Hi,
I am planning to update from 1909 to 20H2 on an older computer, via manual update. Which tool do you think is better for this -- Media Creation Tool or Update Assistant? Thanks.
Option one: Media Creation Tool
Create Bootable USB Flash Drive to Install Windows 10
The Media Creation Tool is better when troubleshooting.
The Update Assistant is more convenient.
Does the bootable USB Flash Drive approach help with older computers? Mine is a Dell Optiplex 9020 AIO. Which of the five options on the link page would you suggest? Thanks.
oops - I just saw that you suggest option 1. thank you, Matthew and zbook, for your help!
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fyi: I just checked and my system has Legacy BIOS. Will this bootable USB drive approach make the update process less problematic? (as opposed to a direct download/install)
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Also, should the USB drive be empty before I use it?
You will need a USB of at least 8GB. The MCT will reformat the USB, so it doesn't matter what is currently on it - it will all be erased.
Note that if the USB has ever been used by Rufus it may have ended up with a GPT partition table. If so, the MCT will fail and you'll have to start the download all over again. For that reason I prefer to use the MCT to make an ISO file, them manually make a USB from the ISO - Option Four in this tutorial.
Create Bootable USB Flash Drive to Install Windows 10
But if you have downloaded the ISO onto the machine you want to upgrade, then you don't need to make a USB. You can mount the ISO as a virtual DVD by double-clicking on it, then run the Setup you'll find on it to start the in-place upgrade.
The in-place upgrade process is described here: Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade
There should be no problem except that your system will continue to use BIOS mode instead of UEFI, but not relevant if you don't have UEFI firmware.
If you don't plan to auto transfer personal files from old system to new one it's better to switch to UEFI and use GPT partition layout.
In any case make sure you back up all your data to external drive.
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More details:
What Is UEFI, and How Is It Different from BIOS?
What’s the Difference Between GPT and MBR When Partitioning a Drive?
Thanks, zebal.
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What I am trying to do is update a Dell Optiplex 9020 AIO computer with Win 10 Pro 64-bit 1909 to 20H2. Anyone had success doing this?
If you have a failure logs can be troubleshooted.
There are routine steps too.
I haven't tried to update it yet. I will probably do that tomorrow. I am just trying to get as much helpful info upfront as possible before I attempt the update.
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Routine steps? Like what?
Use HD Tune to check your HDD/SSD.
Download Portable HD Tune 2.55
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