It’s update time again for the Microsoft Windows operating system – and that means taking a leap of faith into the unknown.
Software updates either work seamlessly or are a disaster and Windows has had a fair share of glitches in the past alongside the successes.
If you have a machine running Windows 10, you have some options about the update.
If you don’t know about the new features and how to get the Windows 10 Creators Update, here’s the information you need to be good to go:
Do I have to pay for Windows 10 Creators Update?
No. The software update is free for PC users and Xbox gamers
How do I get the update?
The update is available to download for early adopters and will start rolling out to millions of users worldwide later in April 2017. The previous update took seven months to hit every user and there is no reason to believe Windows 10 Creators Update will be any quicker. The company’s reason for the delay is to ‘relieve stress on the download servers’.
Download an early copy of the update manually
If you are a Windows Insider and want to manually download an early copy of windows 10 Creators Update, go to ‘Settings’ on your machine and navigate to Update & Security > Windows Insider Program > Get Started
Windows will then signal some warnings about beta software (test versions) and let you select the version you want to run from several options.
Are there any new features?
Yes. Paint 3D is a new app that lets you experiment with 3D modelling and printing. The rest is all under the bonnet stuff designed to enhance security and performance, although some extra apps for running virtual reality software and social media connections are also included.
Does the update have any problems?
It’s too early to say for sure, although Windows Insiders report the software resets their security permissions to allow feedback to Microsoft and targeted advertising. Microsoft says the Windows 10 Creators Update will not change security permissions for other users who are automatically updated, only those following the manual route.