The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update release date has finally arrived, with the download available today – but not for all users of the flagship Microsoft OS.
The Redmond-based tech giant is rolling out the Fall Creators Update as a staggered release, so some users of Windows 10 will be getting the download sooner than others.
Microsoft took the same approach with the other Creators Update that was released for Windows 10 earlier this year.
That was rolled out to users progressively and meant some had to wait WEEKS before they received an automatic notification to download it.
And it looks like Windows 10 users hoping to upgrade to the Fall Creators Update on launch day could face a similar wait.
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Speaking to Express.co.uk, a Microsoft spokesperson said: “The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update will begin rolling out on October 17 in a measured, deliberate way to ensure quality experience for all.
“It will begin with devices that are ready for the Fall Creators Update based on specs to ensure the highest levels of compatibility and rollout to the more than 500 million devices running Windows 10 over time.”
So while the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update release date is officially today, don’t expect to see a notification on your PC to download right away.
However, there IS a way to download the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update on launch day even if you haven’t received an alert saying your update is ready.
But Microsoft ONLY recommends this for “advanced” Windows 10 users.
You can use the Update Assistant on the Software Download Site to manually get the Fall Creators Update once it’s released.
Once you’re on the Software Download Site just click the Update Now button to begin the process.
If you’d rather a more simpler update process, then you can simply wait to receive an automatic notification that your update is ready to download.
All versions of Windows 10 will be able to directly update to the Fall Creators update.
However, seeing as the update is being rolled out progressively it means some users will have to wait until their update is ready.
A Microsoft spokesperson said: “Much like with the Creators Update, the Fall Creators Update will roll out in phases to ensure quality experiences for all devices.
“Once a device is eligible, the Fall Creators Update will automatically download through Windows Update if you’ve chosen to have updates installed automatically on your device; this is the optimal experience we recommend.
“Once the download is complete, you’ll be prompted to choose the best time for you to complete the installation.
“Devices running the Creators Update (1703) will be prioritised but later phases of the rollout will include devices on prior versions such Anniversary Update (1607).”
The Fall Creators Update brings with it a number of big changes like the new Timeline feature, the Fluent Design System and mixed reality support.
Express.co.uk recently revealed that even though the Windows 10 free update offer officially ended last year, you may still be able to upgrade and download the latest version of Windows for nothing.
The Windows 10 free upgrade offer officially ended on July 29 2016, with Microsoft laying down a cut off point to download and upgrade for nothing.
However, it’s emerged – more than a year later – that PC owners can still upgrade to Windows 10 for free, just by following a few simple steps.
Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 users can still download and upgrade to Windows 10 today through two different routes.
The first method to get an upgrade is if you use assistive technology, as there is no end date in sight for the free update.
There is a potentially wide umbrella of people who qualify for accessibility features.
Microsoft says: “If you use assistive technology on Windows, you are eligible for the upgrade offer.”
Another way to get a free Windows 10 upgrade is to enter a valid Windows 7 or Windows 8 product key into the Windows 10 installer.
Techspot created a virtual machine and then installed Windows 10 using an ISO image obtained from the official Windows 10 media creation tool.
They used an old Windows 7 Ultimate key and managed to get a free Windows 10 upgrade.
Microsoft have not said anything official on the product key route still being open, with it surprising that it still exists.