How to upgrade Windows 10 version 21H1 to 21H2 right now (KB5003791)
Microsoft plans to release Windows 10 version 21H2 this year. Windows 10 devices that run versions 2004, 20H2 or 21H1 can be upgraded to the new version of Windows 10 almost effortlessly, as the update will install just like any normal update for the operating system.
Windows 10 will be supported until 2025 with updates. Microsoft has not revealed much about its plans for the operating system besides that, but all things point to a scenario in which Windows 11 is the main focus and Windows 10 will receive smaller updates that fix bugs and correct security issues for the most part.
Windows 10 version 21H2 adds a small number of features, most of them for business and Enterprise customers.
The update to Windows 10 version 21H2 is delivered via an enablement package. It has been pushed to the release preview channel already and can also be installed on non-Insider devices running recent versions of Windows 10.
The update KB5003791 can be downloaded from Microsoft's Windows Update server. It needs to be installed manually on eligible devices.
Note: Most Windows users may want to wait with the installation of Windows 10 version 21H2 as there is little gained by installing it right away. In any event, it is advised to create a backup of the system before proceeding, even though there is only a slim chance that things may go wrong in the process.
Install Windows 10 version 21H2 right now
Here is what you need to do:
- Download the update KB5003791 for x64, x86 or ARM devices from Microsoft.
- Open the download location on your device.
- Hold down the Shift-key on the keyboard, and right-click on the downloaded update file.
- Select Copy as Path from the context menu.
- Select Start.
- Type cmd.exe.
- Choose the "run as administrator" option to launch it with elevated rights.
- Run the command DISM.exe /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:YOURCOPIEDPATH
- Make sure that there is no space between the copied path and the PackagePath: parameter.
- Example: DISM.exe /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:"C:\Users\Martin\Downloads\windows10.0-kb5003791-x64_b401cba483b03e20b2331064dd51329af5c72708.cab"
- Windows 10 installs the update and prompts you to restart the device.
Windows 10 version 21H2 is installed after the restart. You can check that by selecting Start > Settings > System > About.
Closing Words
Windows 10 version 21H2 is a small update, just like 21H1 and 20H2. There is little incentive to install these updates at all at this point. It seems unlikely that Microsoft will produce a larger feature update for Windows 10 in the coming years, more likely that users will get these smaller feature updates that introduce little to no new features on Windows 10.
Now You: will you stay on Windows 10 or upgrade to Windows 11? (via Deskmodder)
There is not still W11 23H2 and these instructions are nonsense by now. :[
It worked for me just fine. You’re probably not following the instructions clearly.
Just tried the password option and the OOBE option and didnt work.
Worked perfectly. Thank OP.
Worked perfectly for me just now. Specifically, the regedit option.
Is this cut and paste from a Microsoft PR paper, because it 1000% BS:
“By listening to user insights, Microsoft has demonstrated its commitment to refining the Windows experience based on real-world needs.”
Windows 11 is proof they don’t give a s*it.
Worked for me just now
I agree! Windows 11 was a downgrade to me and I kept all 8 computers in our family on Windows 10 as a result. They didn’t listen to any customers. The taskbar was THE main reason I stayed away from Windows 11. With 6 monitors, it is impossible to navigate so many browser tabs, without the feature. I will try the new version in the virtual box to see if it is worth it yet.
Microsoft did a terrible job with this implementation.
They simply need to employ the creator of StartAllBack to fix Windows. He is smarter and more talented than the entire campus of Microsoft employees.
lol
Thank you so much! I work in IT and this is extremely useful information!
Thanks man. The second method worked great!
I used the second method, and i got exactly what i expected.
Using the Bypass 2: Use a banned email address email worked fantastically as I had gone to far to use the bypass 1.
I will be back when I next have a problem.
Keep you the great work
W11 File Explorer is the worst crap ever done. W11 is the biggest shame ever.
Just one more reason for me to go to Linux when Windows 10 ages out.
@ MarineRecon,
Be careful which Linux distro you choose. Some of them don’t include the Wayland protocol which is a security issue i.e. apps can copy, paste and inject data without user interaction.
It’s included in Fedora: https://docs.fedoraproject.org/en-US/fedora/latest/system-administrators-guide/Wayland/
How about a DARK MODE for your website? That would be oh so nice.
Something like this : [https://img.justpaste.me/image/8617] maybe?
Done with ‘Dark Reader Extension for ? Firefox’ [https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/darkreader/]
This comment was written on [https://www.ghacks.net/windows-11-installation-has-failed-how-to-fix-this-upgrade-error/#comment-4573155}
Definitely NOT! Once you get older and your eyesight starts to fail you’ll positively loathe dark mode.
Not sure what eye problems *you’re* having, but for me the exact opposite is true. Dark Mode is MUCH easier on my Eyes.
BTW- I’m 52, and have worked in IT all my life. Been staring at monitors for hours each day, most days of the week since the late 1980’s.
Microsoft completely ruined File Explorer by converting to XAML/WinUI/whatever new bloated modern garbage. Its worse than it ever was.
i tested it on win10 current edition. speeds up explorer like a charm
SO what is the priority numbers to give preference to ethernet over wireless?
Worked very well happy to have Windows Photo Viewer back in action in Windows-11
Worked for me (registry option) thank god, I can use the search option to find things on my computer again. Thank you so much!
Install Everything Search and dispense with Microsoft’s crappy search tool. https://www.voidtools.com/
Martin wrote an article on it: https://www.ghacks.net/2020/10/09/add-everything-search-to-the-windows-taskbar-for-even-faster-searches/
I presume the text “WindowsCopilot,,” is a typographical error (2023/09/17/how-to-disable-windows-copilot-in-windows/). The broken comment system unfortunately looks like it is populating itself via AI autopilot.
Hopefully, this Windows Copilot nonsense fails even more spectacularly than Cortana. Who requested this? We want all of the UX features removed back in 11, not this copilot nonsense.
I really don’t mind all of these Windows enhancement but Microsoft get one thing very wrong. ‘Opt in’, is far better than seek information and work to disable.
Turn off Windows Copilot entirely is not good enough.
How to uninstall Copilot entirely ?
@ ilev,
Use Gpedit or the registry. Explained in this article: https://www.ghacks.net/2023/09/17/how-to-disable-windows-copilot-in-windows/
With that snake oil salesman Panos gone, hopefully Windows can return to a normal desktop operating system without all the insanity it has right now in Windows 11.
Can we please stop being ‘politically correct’ (lying) and call them ads again instead of ‘suggestions’?
@ Martin,
Does your gpedit hack also turn off all the other “subscribed content” shown in the registry screenshot? Do you happen to know what all those are?