14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft started the global rollout of Windows 10 version 21H1 to production devices earlier this month, with the company explaining that the whole thing is happening in stages for the same old reason: it just wants to detect potential problems early and prevent them from wreaking havoc in the Windows 10 device ecosystem.
As a result, not everybody can download Windows 10 version 21H1, officially called Windows 10 May 2021 Update, from Windows Update right away.
“We are throttling availability up over the coming weeks to ensure a reliable download experience for all, so the update may not be offered to you right away. Additionally, some devices might have a compatibility issue for which a safeguard hold is in place. In these cases, we will not offer the update until we are confident that you will have a good update experience,” Microsoft explains.
Enter Media Creation Tool
But on the other hand, Microsoft is also providing users and IT pros with alternative ways to download the latest Windows 10 version, though the company strongly recommends against using them if the new release is blocked by a safeguard hold.
One of them is the Media Creation Tool, which has just been updated with support for Windows 10 version 21H1.
In other words, if Windows 10 May 2021 Update isn’t showing up on your computer in Windows Update, you can just turn to the Media Creation Tool for the whole thing, as you can therefore update the device manually by simply following a simple wizard.
The process could take some time to complete, especially depending on your Internet connection, as it needs to download all the necessary system files to start the installation. Microsoft promises that devices running Windows 10 version 2004 or 20H2 will have a faster update experience.