After months of testing, Microsoft has released Windows 10 May 2021 Update (21H1). For those who do not know, Windows 10 May 2021 Update is a feature update, although it hardly includes any new features.
While Windows 10 May 2021 Update is rolling out, it will not be automatically installed on your computer. You need to manually check for this update and then install the same.
Microsoft is currently using a measured seeker-based approach to roll our Windows 10 21H1. Because of this, the Windows 10 May 2021 Update is not currently available to everyone via Windows Update. That said, if the 21H1 feature update is not offered to your PC, you can use the official Media Creation Tool or Upgrade Assistant to update your Windows 10 installation to the latest version 21H1.
This guide will see how to install Windows 10 21H1 (Windows 10 May 2021 Update) via Windows Update and Media Creation Tool.
Method 1 of 2
Update to Windows 10 21H1 via Windows Update
Step 1: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Step 2: Click on the Check for Updates button. If the update is available for your PC, you will see the same.
Step 3: If available, click on the Download and install link to download the update and install the same. You might be asked to reboot your computer to finish installing the update.
Method 2 of 2
Update to Windows 10 21H1 using Media Creation Tool
Step 1: Get the Media Creation Tool from this Microsoft page. Click on the Download tool now button to get the Media Creation Tool. Note that you should not use a previously downloaded Media Creation Tool as it might offer 20H2 instead of 21H1. So, download a fresh copy.
Step 2: Run the Media Creation Tool. Accept the license terms.
Step 3: When you get the following screen, select the Upgrade this PC now radio button. Click Next.
Step 4: The Media Creation Tool will now begin downloading the files from Microsoft servers.
Step 5: Once the required files are downloaded onto your PC, you will see the license screen again. Click on the Accept button.
Step 6: Finally, click on the Install button to begin installing the update. Your PC might restart a few times to complete the installation.
NOTE: With default settings, your files and apps are retained. If you do not want to keep them, click on the Change what to keep link and select the Nothing option. Choose this option only if you want to delete data and apps.
Once the installation is done, you can type winver.exe in the Start/taskbar search and press the Enter key to open the About Windows dialog, which should now display 21H1 as your version number.
