Windows 10 Creators Update OUT NOW - here is EVERYTHING you need to know
MICROSOFT has begun rolling out the biggest upgrade yet - here is Express.co.uk's guide to all you need to know about Windows 10 Creators Update.
Windows 10 Creators Update is finally here.
After months of waiting, Microsoft’s next big upgrade to Windows 10 will begin rolling out to users across the world today.
Promising a wealth of new additions and upgrades, Windows 10 Creators Update looks to be a vital download for all users, offering many improvements to the existing software.
But what exactly is Windows 10 Creators Update, and how can you get it?
What is Windows 10 Creators Update?
Today’s release marks the biggest upgrade to Windows 10 since the launch of the Anniversary Update last autumn.
Creators Update brings a wide range of new additions, tools and upgrade to your software, with a particular focus on the media and design industries.
In a blog post announcing the launch, Microsoft said, "We believe that everyone is a creator at heart and that creativity is an essential human trait. And, no matter who you are, Windows 10 is built to empower the creator in all of us."
You can check out Express.co.uk’s guide to the top features to look out for in Windows 10 Creators Update here - but here are some of the headline new additions.
However there is something for everyone to enjoy in the update, primarily though the all-new Paint 3D app, which looks to make using 3D modelling technology easier than ever before
Microsoft has included a new mode optimised for intensive PC gaming session, dubbed Game Mode, which will tweak your hardware for a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
Security has also been beefed up, with a new Windows Defender Security Centre will ensure that users are protected by default and continuously protected, Microsoft says.
These are just some of many new tools - it’ll be up to you to find out the rest.
How much does Windows 10 Creators Update cost?
The good news for Windows fans is that Creators Update is completely free.
Much like past releases, Microsoft has made the download a free offering in order to try and get as many users as possible to install the software.
Windows 10 is currently installed on over 500 million devices worldwide, with Microsoft hoping that Creators Update will help boost this number even more.
What devices can download Windows 10 Creators Update?
As mentioned, Microsoft is keen to get its newest software on as many devices as possible, as quickly as possible.
This means that Windows 10 Creators Update will be eligible to download on any PC currently running the basic version of the software.
This includes hybrid Windows-powered devices such as the Surface Pro 4 and Pro 3 devices, as well as Windows tablets such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 and Lenovo Yoga Book.
Mobile users will get a separate download of the software, with Microsoft confirming that the Windows 10 Mobile Creators update will begin rolling out on April 25th.
However only certain Windows Phone devices will be able to download the update, with a recent report claiming that only 13 devices will get the upgrade.
This includes several of Microsoft's own Lumia devices, such as the flagship Lumia 950 and 950 XL, with the Lumia 650, 640, 640 XL, and 550 models all eligible too.
Microsoft company says it will reveal a full list of Windows Phone devices compatible with the upgrade soon.
How do I download Windows 10 Creators Update?
From today, PC users will begin seeing prompts to upgrade their devices to Windows 10 Creators Update thanks to Microsoft's existing automatic updates program.
Similar to past upgrades, pop-up windows should start appearing soon asking you when you would like to install the update.
Microsoft was heavily criticised for its nagging requests to upgrade seen in previous releases, so it may be that the company tones down its messaging somewhat for Windows 10 Creators Update.
A word of warning - the download is expected to be rather large at several gigabytes in size, meaning the install process may take some time, so you may want to ensure you don’t have anything pressing on your schedule.
If you’d rather do it yourself, Microsoft has a special Update Assistant program which is able to walk you through the install (and may even let you get your hands on the upgrade early).
As revealed earlier this week, Windows 10 Creators Update may not even need you to touch your keyboard during the install process, thanks to a new upgrade to Cortana which lets you monitor the download using just your voice.
It’s worth noting that although the official Microsoft release date for Windows 10 Creators Update is today, not everyone will get the new upgrade right away.
Like the Anniversary Update, Microsoft is rolling out its latest offering in a staggered schedule, meaning only some users will get to download Creators Update immediately.
Don’t worry, though - Microsoft is keen to get the new software out into the world as soon as possible, so it won’t be long until everyone is able to take advantage.