What's The Story On These Windows Updates?

Runnerbean said:

... Like you, I want to wait for Windows to do it automatically when it's ready. I could do it manually using ISO and carry out a fresh install....

Waiting for Windows Update to show that 1803 is available for your machine is the sensible and by far the safest approach.

But you don't have to let it do it automatically when it says your machine is ready. You could do the upgrade manually using the ISO (or a fresh install if you prefer). I upgraded manually, but that was relatively safe to try as my machines all saw the 1803 Features Update as available in windows update from the start.

Runnerbean said:

This doesn't make sense to me. Windows Update downloads 1803 automatically then goes on to actually install the update. Only then does it tell you that updates are ready and to Restart your PC so whereabouts along these events are you proposing one could stop it and continue to do it manually?

Yes, if you leave it all on automatic you won't find out until windows update has completed the download.

If you manually check for updates in Settings > Update & Security you will see 'Features Update to Windows 10, version 1803' listed as an available update when your PC is deemed ready for it, initially with 0% downloaded. At that point you can download the ISO and upgrade manually if you wish.

Bree said:

If you manually check for updates in Settings > Update & Security you will see 'Features Update to Windows 10, version 1803' listed as an available update when your PC is deemed ready for it, initially with 0% downloaded. At that point you can download the ISO and upgrade manually if you wish.

The system automatically checked for updates this morning at 9:43A EST with no updates. Curiosity got the better of me and I just had WU check for updates. Yep, Feature Update to Windows 10, version 1803 began downloading. I'm loath to think that in the last 4 1/2 hours, my system became eligible for the update, but maybe so.

v.1803 update is done. 9 minutes to download, 1 hr. 8 min. to install, and 1 hour to update with 6 restarts. No intel processor patch installed just the feature update. All browsers and Windows Live Mail work fine. Norton Internet Security was active during the update and still is afterwards.

jamis said:

The system automatically checked for updates this morning at 9:43A EST with no updates. Curiosity got the better of me and I just had WU check for updates. Yep, Feature Update to Windows 10, version 1803 began downloading...

At least you know that your machine is thought by Microsoft to be suitable for receiving 1803. Whether the check is automatic or manual, it's still has to pass the same windows update checks and blocks for known issues.