There are a lot of good things about Windows 10. It’s easy to use, making it different from past Windows versions. I’m talking to you about Windows 8 machines. It has strong security features and many useful built-in apps like Edge browser, Camera, Mail, and Photos. Windows 10 is now the most popular version of Windows ever.
In June 2019, Windows 10 was installed on over 400 million devices worldwide. This means that most people with PCs running an older version of Windows will probably upgrade to Windows 10 soon. If you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance that you also have plans to upgrade your device to Windows 10 – perhaps as soon as possible!
But with so many different devices available in today’s market — not to mention so many different operating system versions — how do you know which ones can be upgraded? Do they all support auto-updating?
Microsoft has revealed that they have begun auto-upgrading a bigger variety of Windows 10 gadgets nearing the end of life to Windows 10 21H1. End of life in Windows parlance means that once a device reaches its end, Microsoft will provide no more updates for the device.
That means if something goes wrong (software-wise with your computer, tablet, phone, or smart device, you are S.O.L.) Previously this month, Microsoft started training their OS, finding algorithms by instantly updating a percentage of Windows 10 2004 users to Windows 10 21H1.
Microsoft did this in advance to understand the problems if an older device suddenly gets the 21H1 update and all hell breaks loose.
Windows 10 Auto-Updating Devices
If you’re planning to buy a new computer with Windows 10 pre-installed, you should check to ensure the device can auto-update. The good news is that all the devices listed below are fully compatible with Windows 10 and will auto-update as soon as you connect them to the internet.:
- Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro devices are the entry-level versions of Windows 10 that nearly every computer manufacturer offers. You’re lucky if your device has either of these operating systems pre-installed.
- Windows 10 IoT Core devices – This is the lightest version of Windows 10 available, designed particularly for connected devices like smart sensors, vehicle health monitors, smart cameras, and other gadgets with low power needs.
- Windows 10 Anniversary devices: If you’re planning to upgrade an existing device to Windows 10, you’ll want to ensure it can handle the latest operating system version. While most devices released before 2017 can run Windows 10, they may not be compatible with the latest major update.
- The Windows 10 Anniversary Update. – Windows 10 Home devices – These are the entry-level versions of Windows 10 that most people with older PCs use. They’re designed to work on a wide variety of hardware, so you should be able to upgrade most devices with Home installed
But again, you’ll want to research to ensure an older PC can handle the latest version of Windows 10. – Windows 10 Pro devices – This business-oriented version of Windows 10 is designed to support more powerful hardware. If your device has Pro installed, you’ll likely be able to upgrade to the latest version of Windows 10.
Windows 10 Creators Update Devices
The Windows 10 Creators Update is the latest major update to the Windows 10 operating system. And, like the Anniversary Update, it’s designed for devices released in 2017 or later. You can easily upgrade your device with the Creators Update pre-installed by connecting it to the internet. You’ll want to make sure your device has either Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro installed. – Windows 10 Home devices – If your device has Home installed, it’s compatible with the Creators Update. – Windows 10 Pro devices – This business-oriented version of Windows 10 is designed to support more powerful hardware. If your device has Pro installed, you’ll likely be able to upgrade to the latest version of Windows 10.
Windows 10 Fall Creators Update Devices
The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update is the latest major update to the Windows 10 operating system. And, like the Creators Update, it’s designed for devices released in 2017 or later. You can easily upgrade your device with the Fall Creators Update pre-installed by connecting it to the internet. You’ll want to make sure your device has either Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro installed. – Windows 10 Home devices – If your device has Home installed, it’s compatible with the Fall Creators Update. – Windows 10 Pro devices – This business-oriented version of Windows 10 is designed to support more powerful hardware. If your device has Pro installed, you’ll likely be able to upgrade to the latest version of Windows 10.
Windows 10 April 2018 Update Devices
The Windows 10 April 2018 Update is the latest major update to the Windows 10 operating system. And, like the Creators Update and the Fall Creators Update, it’s designed for devices released in 2017 or later. You can easily upgrade your device with the April 2018 Update pre-installed by connecting it to the internet.
You’ll want to make sure your device has either Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro installed. – Windows 10 Home devices – If your device has Home installed, it’s compatible with the April 2018 Update. – Windows 10 Pro devices – This business-oriented version of Windows 10 is designed to support more powerful hardware. If your device has Pro installed, you’ll likely be able to upgrade to the latest version of Windows 10.
Gadgets that are Auto-Updating to Windows 10 21H1
If you own a gadget that can be upgraded to Windows 10, you should see a notification on your screen saying, “Your computer has been updated to Windows 10.” This will happen automatically, provided the gadget is connected to the internet. If you notice that your gadget isn’t receiving the automatic upgrade to Windows 10, there may be a few reasons for this.
First, you’ll want to ensure it’s compatible with Windows 10. You should also ensure that your gadget isn’t connected to a VPN or WiFi network blocking the upgrade. If your gadget still isn’t receiving the automatic Windows 10 update, you can manually upgrade it by following these steps. – Check if your gadget is compatible with Windows 10. – Make sure your gadget isn’t connected to a VPN or WiFi network blocking the upgrade. – Manually upgrade your gadget to Windows 10.
Computers and Laptops that will not be Auto-Updating to Windows 10 21H1
For a computer to be able to upgrade to Windows 10, it must meet these minimum system requirements: 2GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of free storage space. If your computer meets these requirements, you should be able to upgrade to Windows 10. If your computer was manufactured before 2017, there’s a good chance it isn’t compatible with Windows 10.
While many computers manufactured between 2012 and 2016 can be upgraded to Windows 10, there are some exceptions. If your computer was manufactured before these dates, there’s a good chance it won’t be able to be upgraded to Windows 10. If you own a computer that’s several years old and you’re thinking about upgrading it to Windows 10, you may want to consider purchasing a new computer instead.
New computers are much faster and more powerful than most computers manufactured before 2018. And, because new computers are being manufactured with Windows 10 pre-installed, they’ll get all the latest updates immediately.
Smartphones that will not be Auto-Updating to Windows 10 21H1
In order for a smartphone to be able to upgrade to Windows 10, it must meet these minimum system requirements: 1GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of free storage space. If your smartphone meets these requirements, you should be able to upgrade to Windows 10.
If your smartphone was manufactured before 2017, there’s a good chance it isn’t compatible with Windows 10. While many smartphones manufactured between 2012 and 2016 can be upgraded to Windows 10, there are some exceptions.
If your smartphone was manufactured before these dates, there’s a good chance it won’t be able to be upgraded to Windows 10. If you own an old smartphone that you’re considering upgrading to Windows 10, you may want to consider purchasing a new one instead.
New smartphones are much faster and more powerful than most smartphones manufactured before 2018. And, because new smartphones are being manufactured with Windows 10 pre-installed, they’ll get all the latest updates immediately.
For most people, Windows 10 21H1 is still being provided as an optional upgrade shown by hand carrying out a ‘Check for updates in Windows Update.
“We are now beginning a brand-new stage in our rollout. Utilizing the maker finding out training we have done so far, we are increasing the variety of gadgets chosen to upgrade instantly to Windows 10, variation 21H1 that are approaching the end of maintenance,” describes Microsoft on the Windows 10, variation 21H1, notices page.
“We will continue to train our maker discovering through all stages to provide a smooth upgrade experience.”
With Windows 10 2004 reaching its end of life on December 14th, 2021, more gadgets running this variation of Windows 10 will instantly be updated to the most recent variation.
For those who do not want to update to Windows 10 21H1, you can delay the function upgrade utilizing the ‘Select when Preview Builds and Feature Updates are gotten’ group policy discovered under Computer Configuration > > Administrative Templates > > Windows Components > > Windows Update > > Windows Update for Business.