October so late April so soon

I am now seeing articles advising how to prepare for the April update yet up to now (nearly March) I have still not received the October update --- so I have a couple of questions. First, if it happens that April arrives before October what might the effect of this be? Will it create problems? Will both major updates be installed together --- that looks likely to be a nightmare.

Second, I think I have seen references to an 'update help utility' that scans the machine to report if there is hardware and / or software which could create updating difficulties, perhaps allowing for pre-emptive action. If this is so what / where is it? Many 'small storage' Tablet PCs like mine used to have difficulties, although I have always managed to install feature updates without too much trouble, it has got easier with time. I want to be as prepared as I can.

I think what you are looking for may be the Windows 10 update assistant, here:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/soft...load/windows10

Attachment 225215

Click on the circled button to download, then run the assistant. Hope this helps.

clayto said:

...Will it create problems? Will both major updates be installed together --- that looks likely to be a nightmare...

First, on the release of 1903 (the likely version of the April update) windows update will not offer it immediately to every machine. There will be a phased rollout, you may not see it offered automatically until months into the rollout.

Second, there is no requirement to install any or all intervening versions. If/when 1903 is found by windows update your machine can skip 1809 and go straight to 1903. I recently tested that by updating a clean install of 1507 (the original 2015 release) direct to 1809.

Thank you both, so it seems I have no reason to worry about consequences of the very long wait for October ---- I just have to continue to be patient. There are some features of October I really want (not always the case) so I am wondering if I might force the update some time in April if it seems necessary which is something I have not done before as I realise if it goes wrong I will only have myself to blame.

Regarding the update assistant link, yes that must be what I had seen a reference to. It is quite informative and will be of use.

clayto said:

Thank you both, so it seems I have no reason to worry about consequences of the very long wait for October ---- I just have to continue to be patient. There are some features of October I really want (not always the case) so I am wondering if I might force the update some time in April if it seems necessary which is something I have not done before as I realise if it goes wrong I will only have myself to blame...

I can only see two new features in 1809, Snip & Sketch and the Clipboard History. Both are useful additions, but not really a 'must have' feature.

One safe way to 'force the issue' is to click 'Check for updates' in Windows Update. Microsoft turned on the delivery of the October Update for all users of this method on January 16th. There are still a few 'blocking issues' that could make a manual upgrade using the install media 'go wrong'. But it is quite safe to 'Check for updates', if your machine does have any of the blocking issues then you will simply not be offered the update.

The fact that you haven't see 1809 in the automatic windows updates does not mean you necessarily have any blocking issues. I have a test machine deliberately left running 24/7 on 1803 that I know (because I've tested it) will get the features update if I check for updates. I'm waiting to see how long it takes for the automatic checks to deliver it.

Microsoft said:

Windows 10, Version 1809 Rollout Status as of January 16, 2019

• We are now starting our phased rollout to users via Windows Update, initially offering the update to devices we believe will have the best update experience based on our next generation machine learning model.
• Fully available for advanced users who manually select “Check for updates” via Windows Update.

....

Note on upgrade blocks: ... If we detect that your device may have an issue, such as an application incompatibility, we will not install the update until that issue is resolved, even if you “Check for updates”. We do this so that you avoid encountering any known problems.

Current Status of Windows 10 October 2018 Update version 1809 - Windows 10 Forums

No reason to worry............as long as you backup , backup , backup, backup, etc.,etc,...................

Bree said:

First, on the release of 1903 (the likely version of the April update) windows update will not offer it immediately to every machine. There will be a phased rollout, you may not see it offered automatically until months into the rollout.

Second, there is no requirement to install any or all intervening versions. If/when 1903 is found by windows update your machine can skip 1809 and go straight to 1903. I recently tested that by updating a clean install of 1507 (the original 2015 release) direct to 1809.

Bree, you may want to call 1903 the "April 2019" update instead of just "April update" because there was already an April update of 2018 (MS was thought to name 1803 the "Spring Creators Update" but that would have caused more confusion and decided to call 1803 the "April 2018" update)