To see which version of Windows 10 you have, go to Settings > System > About and scroll to Windows Specifications, where you'll find the edition and version number.
You can find out more about the update process on ZDNet. Microsoft recommends that you update, of course, but it's not mandatory - unless you're about to hit an end-of-service date for the version you're currently running. Read more at TechRepublic: 20 pro tips to make Windows 10 work the way you want (free PDF) Do I have to update to the October 2020 version? Version 2004 (also known as the May 2020 Update) will be supported until December 2021. You can still use version 1809, but the loss of Microsoft support means you will no longer get important security patches or other updates. (Support was originally scheduled to end in May, but Microsoft delayed this due to the impact of the coronavirus.) Support for Enterprise and Education editions will last until May 2021.
Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 1809 (also known as the October 2018 update) for Home, Pro, Pro Education and Pro for Workstations editions in November. Read more: Here's the best way to set up your new PC or laptop Will previous versions of Windows 10 still work?
We've also explained how to use some of the best new features here.
The new Edge browser includes a privacy feature that tries to block sites that track you online, and a feature called Collections that lets you gather information from different websites as you're doing research.
Now that support for Windows 7 is officially over, Microsoft is encouraging people to either upgrade their PC to Windows 10 to keep it running smoothly and securely or to buy a new computer. Windows 10 is now on more than 1 billion devices worldwide, Microsoft said in March.
(If you're running Windows 7, you can still download Windows 10 free to get the update, too.) Like most fall updates, this one (also known as Windows 10 version 20H2) is focused on refinements instead of major new features, but will include the new Chromium-based Microsoft Edge browser, and updates to the Start menu, taskbar and notifications. On Tuesday, Microsoft's Windows 10 ( $148 at Amazon) October 2020 Update began rolling out for all Windows 10 users. The Windows 10 October 2020 Update will be rolling out next month.