In apparent preparation for the Anniversary Update, MS releases version 1511 upgrade tool Credit: Ged Carroll If you are running Windows 10 and still stuck on the RTM build, known as 10240, Microsoft’s going to try to get you upgraded to version 1511. It looks like the new Windows 10 Update Assistant is the same Windows 10 Upgrade tool you may recall from your transition to Win10 many moons ago. But it’s dressed up in a new package, and it’s coming to your PC if you haven’t yet upgraded to version 1511. To tell which version you’re using, type winver (no quotation marks) in Cortana’s search box and press Enter. If you’re up-to-date, you’ll see the following: Windows 10 Microsoft Windows Version 1511 (OS Build 10586.318) The Update Assistant will no doubt pass you by. In fact, if you have any build number starting with 10586, you’re in the clear. On the other hand, you may see this: Microsoft Windows Version 10.0 (Build 10240) Then you somehow missed the upgrade last November. Microsoft has your number, and you’re overdue for an oil change. KB 3159635 puts it this way: The Windows 10 Update Assistant downloads and starts the setup for Windows 10 version 1511. The Windows 10 Update Assistant will be deployed in phases to Windows 10 desktops that have not yet had the November update installed. Those of you who are intentionally deferring upgrades will be passed over: This tool will not be deployed to Windows 10 Professional, Enterprise, and Education edition customers who have decided to defer upgrades. The KB article suggests you manually run the Get Windows 10 “Upgrade now” option if you want to move up to 1511 before KB 3159635 hits. I ran it, chickened out before it actually re-installed Win10, and found no surprises. It looks like this is on a slow rollout, which is great. That’ll give Microsoft time to respond to people who have had problems moving from RTM to 1511. It’s time for us all to get on the same page and move from Win 10.0 to 10.1. It’s kinda like herding kittens with an occasional Siberian Tiger thrown in for comic relief. Related content opinion On a personal note... Woody Leonhard looks back a bit, looks ahead to retirement — and shares good news about who's picking up the Windows patching torch. By Woody Leonhard Nov 09, 2020 3 mins Small and Medium Business Computers Windows news analysis Get Microsoft's October patches installed — and seriously consider Win10 2004 Odd ancillary patches have their problems, but the mainstream October patches look pretty reliable. The big question: Is Win10 version 2004 up to your stability standards. I’m skeptical -- especially because it has few worthwhile improvements. By Woody Leonhard Oct 30, 2020 6 mins Small and Medium Business Microsoft Computers news analysis Microsoft Patch Alert: October 2020 The big news with this month’s patches – aside from the usual smorgasbord of strange errors – has more to do with the patches that are outside the regular cumulative update stream. Remarkably, we didn’t get any security fixes By Woody Leonhard Oct 22, 2020 189 mins Small and Medium Business Microsoft Office Microsoft news analysis With Patch Tuesday here, be sure Windows Update is paused With all the flotsam floating around, it’s easy to lose sight of Second Tuesdays. October’s arrives tomorrow and, with it, another round of Windows and Office patches. Take a minute to make sure you aren’t in the front lines, as eve By Woody Leonhard Oct 12, 2020 5 mins Small and Medium Business Microsoft Windows Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe