Microsoft’s Windows 10 April 2018 Update

The latest Microsoft 10 update is here and like previous updates it will be staggered in order to reduce the disruption.

The answers to the most commonly asked questions are bellow to help you through the update.

Q: When is the earliest you will be able to the new update?

A: The most proactive users will be able to download it on 30^th April with the full-scale rollout being on the 8^th May via Windows Update.

 

Q: What about MSDN and the Volume Licencing Service Centre (VLSC) when will the update be ready for them?

A: The users of MSDN should see the update available on 30^th April and VLSC users will be a little later on 7^th May.

 

Q: What is the build number for this latest update?

A: The original plan was for it to be Build 17133, sent to Fast Ring testers in March. However, the actual RTM is 17134. This is because of unknown quality or reliability issues with 17133.

 

Q: Was it meant to be the “Spring Creators Update” rather than Redstone 4?

A: This is true. It was originally meant to be called “Spring Creators Update” however this could have caused widespread confusion as the original Creators Update came out a year ago. It has now been called the April 2018 Update which avoids any confusion.

 

This latest update will be called 1803, despite not RTMing in March 2018 (03/18). This is due to Microsoft using the year/month of the update that they plan to release.

 

Q: Will the 1803 Windows server be ready for the April update?

A: Yes it will be available on 7^th May in time for the rollout.

 

 

The confusion surrounding the Windows Server 1803 release was due to an incorrect blog post by Microsoft stating that 1803 was generally available. The truth was that it was only ever available to testers on the inside.

 

Q: What’s happening to the April 2018 update for Windows 10 S Mode?

A: Customers will be able choose between the updated Windows 10 Home and the Windows 10 Pro PC with S mode enabled. With the later ready for deployment by commercial customers as soon as the April deadline. Switching out of S mode incurs no additional charge for any user edition.

“This new approach will make it possible for more customers to start using Windows 10 in S mode: a productive, familiar Windows experience that is streamlined for security and performance,” stated a Microsoft spokesperson.

Q: Is this latest April update for the Windows 10 Home Advanced as well?

A: No information is available about this currently. A leak early in 2018 pointed to an update at some point but not detail any features.

 

Q: How long do Microsoft believe this rollout will take?

A: “The April 2018 Update will begin rolling out on April 30 in a measured, deliberate way to ensure quality experience for all. It will begin with devices that are ready for the April 2018 Update based on specs to ensure the highest levels of compatibility and rollout to the nearly 700 million devices running Windows 10 over time,” said a spokesperson.

 

Q: What are the biggest changes and features to this April’s update?

A: Focus Assist is the new “Quiet Hours.” Timeline replaces TaskView, so users can see previously opened windows. In Edge, there are grammar, autofill, audio-tab management, and dictation additions. Edge also will now support Progressive Web Apps.

 

Q: Are there any new features for the business-specific users?

A: Details on any new features for businesses are currently unavailable. However, details have emerged early on some sites. With VM deployment enhancements, new features in the Windows Subsystem for Linux, and support for Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection.