Microsoft is planning to start the slow rollout of the Windows 10 November 2019 Update sometime in the coming weeks, but now that it's finalized, you can download the feature update using the Windows Insider Program without having to wait until the official release date.
If you're not familiar, the Insider program provides early access to upcoming releases of Windows 10 using three readiness levels (Fast, Slow, and Release Preview), allowing enthusiasts and developers to try out new features and offer feedback to help shape the future of the OS.
However, because the company uses the Release Preview ring to test the final version of every feature update and deployment mechanism before making it available to devices, you can use this channel to upgrade your computer to the latest version as soon as the update is finalized.
In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through the steps to download the final release of the November 2019 Update.
How to install Windows 10 November 2019 Update using the Insider Program
While it's technically the final version, Microsoft uses the Release Preview ring to monitor and detect issues with new feature updates before making them available to consumers, which means that using this method, there are still chances of running into unknown bugs and other problems.
Warning: This is a friendly reminder that modifying an installation of Windows 10 can negatively impact your current setup. We recommend creating a temporary backup before proceeding as a precaution.
To enroll your computer running the May 2019 Update in the Windows Insider Program to download version 1909 before anyone else, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Insider Program.
- Click the Get started button.
- Click the Link an account button.
- Select your Microsoft account from the list.
- Click the Continue button.
- Under the "Pick your Insider settings" section, select the "Release Preview" option.Quick tip: The option may also appear as Just fixes, apps, and drivers depending on the version you're running or when you're changing these settings.
- Click the Confirm button.
- Click the Confirm button one more time to agree to the terms.
- Click the Restart Now button.
Once you complete these steps, now that the November 2019 Update is available in the Release Preview ring, your device will download and install it through Windows Update automatically.
In the event that you learn the feature update is already available, you can also force the upgrade from Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and clicking the Check for Updates button.
Opting out of the Windows Insider Program
After Windows 10 version 1909 installs, we recommend removing the device from the program.
To stop getting pre-releases of Windows 10, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Insider Program.
- Under the "Stop getting preview builds" section, turn On the toggle switch.
Once you complete the steps (and after version 1909 is available to everyone), the device will stop receiving previews automatically, and it'll continue to receive maintenance updates for as long as the feature update is supported.
Although these instructions are one way to get early access to the final version of Windows 10, consider that the updates available in the Release Preview ring can cause issues during and after the upgrade. If you want to minimize the chances of running into problems, it can be a good idea to wait until you receive the notification through Windows Update.
