Microsoft has just released the latest update for Windows 10, which we have all been waiting for, Windows 10 20H2. Previously released on the Windows Insider Program, the October 2020 update has finally made its way to a stable version available to the public.
Once you have updated your Windows 10 to the newer version, the exact build of the Operating System will change to 19042.572.
Table of Contents
Microsoft has shifted from a numbering convention in naming their releases to an alphanumeric convention. So the Version no. of this release is 20H2 instead of Version 2009.
Microsoft believes that it is more understandable to the general public and not just the technical people. 20H2 represents that the build was released in the 2nd half of 2020.
Let’s see what the new update brings to the table.
Windows 10 20H2 Technical Specifications
- Codename: Windows 10 20H2
- Build: 19042.572
- Release date: 20 October, 2020
- Kernel: WinNT 10.0
- Architecture: ARM64, x64, x86
- Languages: Available in 35+ languages
- SKU: Education, Enterprise, Home, Pro (The N, KN, and Chinese editions are also included).
- Price: This update is free for all users who are already using Windows 10.
- System requirements: The system requirements haven’t changed much. If you are already running Windows 10, you’re good to go. Your system must meet the following minimum requirements:
- The recommended requirements are a lot more than the minimum ones.
| RAM | 1GB for 32-bit and 2GB for 64-bit Windows 10 |
| HDD space | 32GB |
| CPU | 1GHz or faster Compatible with x86 or x64 instruction set. Supports PAE, NX and SSE2 Supports CMPXCHG16b, LAHF/SAHF and PrefetchW for 64-bit Windows 10 |
| Screen resolution | 800 x 600 |
| Graphics | Microsoft DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver |
The update size seems to be relatively small, as it is a feature update activating the already-existing features in version 2004 that were dormant.
Download Windows 10 Version 20H2 ISO images
You may use the links provided below to download the ISO image for Windows 10 v20H2:
Windows 10 Version 20H2 64-bit English (Intl) (5.8 GiB, 122,883 hits)
Windows 10 Version 20H2 32-bit English (Intl) (4.2 GiB, 36,298 hits)
If you want more languages, you can use the technique used on our Windows 10 download page.
Once you have downloaded the ISO image, you may use Rufus to make a fresh installation or upgrade from an older version. You can also install Windows 10 directly from the ISO without making a bootable drive.
What’s new in Windows 10 20H2?
As Microsoft releases a feature update and a service pack per year, the Windows 10 v20H2 is a feature update, which is a convention Microsoft will release in the second half of the year. This version brings a more seasoned look to the User Interface (UI) of the Windows environment, along with some other features introduced for the user’s convenience.
Let’s go through some of the new features that you will get in the upcoming Windows version.
Redesigned Start Menu
The Start Menu is redesigned to catch the user’s eye. It has been designed to complement the theme of the computer by removing the solid colors in the background and highlighting the icon itself. The Start Menu in general has been made slightly transparent to look more appealing.
Personalized Taskbar
Microsoft has worked to make the Windows 10 20H2 user experience the best of its kind. The Taskbar is now automated to pin programs and applications used by its users. For example, if a user frequently connects their phone to their computer, it will pin the Phone app to the Taskbar.
Improved Notification Management
Windows 10 comes with a Focus Assist feature that lets users customize their notification prompts in the Notification Tray. However, Focus Assist had its own notifications, which were an added distraction. With the 20H2 update, default turns off the Focus Assist notifications.
Moreover, an “X” button has been added to the popup notifications that will dismiss the notification, as opposed to the previous arrow button which only moved the notification into the tray.
Advanced refresh rate settings
People with monitors that support various refresh rates can now easily switch between their preferred settings directly through the Windows settings. A new category has been introduced as the Refresh Rate in the Advanced Display Settings from where the users can choose their preferred setting.
New Chromium Edge
Windows 10 20H2 now comes with a new Chromium-based Microsoft Edge browser, which is set to become the default browser. The legacy Edge browser has been removed. The new Edge also includes Internet Explorer mode.
Moreover, the Alt + Tab shortcut keys can now be a big time-saver for people who enjoy multitasking. After installing the update, you can now customize how your Alt + Tab shortcut keys behave. You can choose between any of the following options:
- Open windows and all tabs on Edge
- Open windows and 5 most recent tabs on Edge
- Open windows and 3 most recent tabs on Edge
- Open windows only
Enhanced tablet experience
With the new update, users will go directly into tablet mode with a touch-sensitive device and no attached keyboard. This will remove the notification the users used to receive from which they were able to choose whether they wanted to shift from Desktop mode to Tablet mode.
Other changes to the interface have also been made, such as more space between the tiles to eliminate accidental touches, etc.
How to install Windows 10 20H2
For those who are already using Windows 10, the update will be pushed through the Windows Update service. You can check for updates manually by performing the steps below:
- Navigate to the following:
Start Menu -> Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update - Now click on Check for updates on the right.
- Once the scan is complete, click on Download and then Install to begin the installation.
Microsoft is slowly making the new version available to users via Windows Update, and it may take even a few weeks before you get your turn to install this update via Windows Update.
Remove/Rollback from Windows 10 20H2
If for some reason you do not wish to keep the installed update v20H2, you can always roll back to the previous build of the OS. However, this can only be performed within the next 10 days after installing the new update.
For rolling back after 10 days, you will need to apply this trick.
Cleanup after installing Windows Updates
If you want to save space after installing Windows updates, you can run the following commands:
dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore
dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup
22 comments
Ateeq_shereen
now I am downloading the window10 2hv2 and i hope everything going right or correct inshallah broo Mr. Subhan
david h
what a hideous place to try and get win 10 iso’s it has so many links that make you think its win 10 but its just to some data stealing unneeded garbage.
Id d\load from microsoft as you don’t know how many ads and other things have been injected into the iso
Norm
Can someone let me know if this is the Windows 10 Pro 20H2 version?
Usman Khurshid
Yes, the downloaded ISO will be Windows 10 20H2.
Kenny
Error 0×800F0830 -0×20003 what’s wrong
Hariah
Bro I the iso file is 20H2_V2 latest file of windows 10 64bit
amir
what is CD key for this ISO image ?
Usman Khurshid
It can be installed without a product key.
Paulie Jones
I am currently installing the Single Language version. In order to proceed I had to select I have no product key. Won’t I need one later? Can I purchase one if needed?
Usman Khurshid
Yes, you can purchase the product key later. You can install and use Windows 10 without a product key.
Anik
Is this ISO file a genuine copy ?
Please tell me .
Usman Khurshid
Yes, this links directly to Microsoft’s servers to download the ISO file.
Mahadi Hassan Shawon
how to install it in a pc where no os is installed, i do boot pendrive (flash drive) with rufus but no such windows version works after windows 10 1909 version .so can u tell me brother how can i make a bootable usb which actually let me setup the latest windows 10 on a no os install pc or fresh install and yes both gpt and mbr partition of uifi and legecy bios option too thanks
Usman Khurshid
Mahadi, you will need a PC with Windows OS to create a bootable USB drive. Otherwise, you will need a Windows 10 installation DVD for installation on a new PC.
Piesang
I’m not sure what is going on with my Windows. It did the 20h2 update automatically and it goes into a light blue screen and then it rolls back the update. I’ve tried numerous tricks online, but the PC is going into a loop; telling me that I need to install Security updates (in red) and keep trying to install the new 20h2 and keep crashing and reverting.
I’ve done a completely new re-install, all fresh with windows (downloading windows to a usb drive and even formatting my C: drive) and when it does updates afterwards, it crashes again and now it doesn’t even want to boot into Windows because of the error.
Did this happen to anyone else? Is there a solution?
Doug
So what (if anything) gets installed if you use the ISO for the feature update (not a clean install)? I’m asking because I tried this on Windows 10 1909 and it took a long time looking like it was doing something but then was still 1909 when it got done. Is this because you cannot upgrade to 2020 from 1909 (have to go 2004 first)?
Usman Khurshid
Ideally you should be able to upgrade from 1909 to 20H2 especially with the ISO image. Was there any error when you ran the ISO?
Doug
I don’t believe the Windows 10 64bit ISO download from itechtics is really the 20H2 version. The DLLs in Sources folder show Build 19041 instead of 19042. Please verify this. I might be wrong.
Per
Same issue here.
I installed the en_window_server_version_20h2_updated_nov_2020_x64_dvd grabbed from msdn.
Name Value
—- —–
BuildVersion 10.0.19041.610
Usman Khurshid
Doug, the download links point to the Microsoft servers. We don’t host the files ourselves. I will download the file myself and confirm that it is Version 20H2. The file name says so.
Doug
I ran DISM on iso and it shows version as 10.0.19041. Here’s my results:
C:\WINDOWS\system32>dism /Get-WimInfo /WimFile:i:\sources\install.wim /index:1
Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool
Version: 10.0.19041.572
Details for image : i:\sources\install.wim
Index : 1
Name : Windows 10 Home
Description : Windows 10 Home
Size : 15,422,422,478 bytes
WIM Bootable : No
Architecture : x64
Hal : acpiapic
Version : 10.0.19041
ServicePack Build : 508
ServicePack Level : 0
Edition : Core
Installation : Client
ProductType : WinNT
ProductSuite : Terminal Server
System Root : WINDOWS
Directories : 22792
Files : 93557
Created : 9/27/2020 – 4:07:01 PM
Modified : 9/27/2020 – 4:45:56 PM
Languages :
en-US (Default)
The operation completed successfully.
Win10Geek
WOW that was quick. I was expecting the download links from you after a day or two later as always :). I have to share some of the useful information I have gone through:
Known issues remain the same as of version 2004:
Errors or issues during or after updating devices with certain Conexant audio drivers
Devices with affected Conexant or Synaptics audio drivers might receive a stop error with a blue screen.
Errors or issues during or after updating devices with Conexant ISST audio drivers
Devices with affected Conexant ISST audio drivers might receive an error or have issues with Windows 10, version 2004.
https://www.neowin.net/news/the-windows-10-version-20h2-known-issues-list-is-out-with-zero-surprises
Here is the official information about how to get this update:
https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2020/10/20/how-to-get-the-windows-10-october-2020-update/
Here are some resources for IT Pros:
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/what-s-new-for-it-pros-in-windows-10-version-20h2/ba-p/1800132