Microsoft is rolling out Windows 10 October 2020 Update (20H2) to the Release Preview Channel

Microsoft is currently releasing Build 19042.508 (KB4571756) to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel. The company considers build 19042.508 the final build and still plan on continuing to improve the overall experience of the October 2020 Update on customers’ PCs as part of its normal servicing cadence.

Microsoft Windows 10 version 20H2 is the successor to the May 2020 Update version 2004 released in May 2020. Windows 10 version 20H2 is a minor update with a smaller set of enhancements focused primarily on select performance improvements, enterprise features, and quality enhancements.

Version 20H2 will be delivered to devices currently running Windows 10, version 2004 using the KB4562830 enablement package. This is the same technology Microsoft used to update devices from Windows 10, version 1903 to version 1909.

Starting in Windows 10 version 20H2, Microsoft is using different version numbering. Microsoft had switched to a format that represents the half of the calendar year in which the release becomes available in retail and commercial channels. The company had explained that for Windows 10 version 20H2 you will see "version 20H2" instead of "version 2009", as you could expect. This numbering scheme is a familiar approach for Windows Insiders and is designed to provide consistency in Microsoft's version names across releases for their commercial customers and partners. Microsoft will continue to use a friendly name, such as the May 2020 Update, in consumer communications.

Build 19042.508 (KB4571756)

Microsoft noted that the October 2020 Update will be offered to Insiders in the Release Preview Channel via “seeker” experience in Windows Update at first. This means Insiders will need to go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and choose to download and install 20H2. Once an Insider updates their PC to the October 2020 Update, they will continue to automatically receive new servicing updates through Windows Update (like the monthly update process).

Microsoft is also beginning to roll out the October 2020 Update automatically for Insiders who are in the Beta Channel. For Insiders who had not previously chosen to install the October 2020 Update previously – they will be automatically offered it via Windows Update.

Note that this release comes with a known issue - WSL may produce the “Element not found” error when users try to start WSL.

Insiders who wish to be unblocked immediately can uninstall this build (KB4571756) which is a non-security update.

Now, you can check out that's new in Windows 10 version 20H2 by reading the following change log:

What's new in Windows 10 version 20H2