Windows 10 October 2018 Update is now available for those who want it

Windows 10 Cloud Wallpaper
Windows 10 Cloud Wallpaper (Image credit: Microsoft)

If you're an enthusiast who wants the latest and greatest before everyone else, now is your chance to download and install the next big feature update for Windows 10, known as the October 2018 Update, before it begins rolling out. This update is now available for download if users manually check for updates in Windows Update. It should also be available via the dedicated Update Assistant and Media Creation Tools.

This is the first time Microsoft has made available a new feature update to the public before or around the same time the update shows up for Insiders in the Release Preview ring. In the past, an update would usually be available in the Release Preview ring before being made available publicly via the Media Creation Tool, but that doesn't seem to be the case this time around.

Microsoft says the October 2018 Update will begin rolling out automatically through Windows Update on October 9, just one week from now. That's when users who don't go seeking the update will begin to receive pop-ups from Windows asking to restart to install the latest version of Windows. So, if you want to get ahead of the curve, it might be a good idea to download and install the update manually now.

Zac Bowden
Senior Editor

Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch on Twitter and Threads