Windows 10 version 1803 upgrade process using Media Creation Tool

How to upgrade to Windows 10 version 1803 (April 2018 Update)

VIDEO: If your PC isn't getting Windows 10 version 1803 automatically in April, you can use these instructions to upgrade manually.

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@Pureinfotech
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Windows 10 version 1803 (April 2018 Update) will be gradually rolling out to compatible devices on April 30, 2018, but if you can’t wait until the feature update downloads and installs automatically, you can upgrade when it becomes available, and this video tutorial will walk you through the steps to jump to version 1803 skipping the queue.

Although the easiest way to install the new version is to use Windows Update, there are various ways to get the Windows 10 April 2018 Update, including using the Media Creation Tool to do an in-place upgrade.

Using the Media Creation Tool is virtually the same as using Windows Update or the Update Assistant tool, and during the upgrade process your files, settings, and apps will be kept intact.

Typically, you want to use this method when it’s been sometime since the official release of a new version of Windows 10, and your PC isn’t getting it automatically, or the installation keeps failing for unknown reasons.

Important: This video and instructions will help you to upgrade to the April 2018 Update after it becomes officially available to everyone, not before. Also, you’ll be wiping out everything on your device, as such make sure to make a full backup of your PC and files before proceeding. Windows 10 version 1803 is expected to launch sometime in April 2018, but if you can’t wait, you can enroll your device in the Release Preview to download build 17133, which is the final version.

How to upgrade to Windows 10 version 1803

If you can’t wait to get the April 2018 Update automatically, you can use the Media Creation Tool to do an in-place upgrade. Alongside the video tutorial, here are also the written steps to upgrade:

  1. Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.

  2. Double-click the MediaCrationTool.exe file to launch the tool.

  3. Select the Upgrade this PC now option.

  4. Click the Accept button to agree to the licensing terms.

  5. Select the option to keep your files and apps (if it’s not already selected).

  6. Click the Next button. 

  7. Click the Install button.

Whether you’re having problems getting the update, or you just want to get the new version as soon as possible, this hands-on video walks you through all the steps to successfully install the Windows 10 April 2018 Update. You can also check these tips to avoid common issues during the installation process of Windows 10.

If you still prefer doing a clean install of Windows 10 with the April 2018 Update, you can use these instructions.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.