The Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803) is expected to release on April 30, 2018, with broader availability on May 8. Microsoft made the announcement at its blog, where the company also confirmed the “April 2018 Update” as the official name for this release.
Alternatively, you can also decode the release date because of the version number, which indicates the year and month of completion of a new version. In his case, the April 2018 Update will be known as version 1803, which indicates that the update will be done sometime in March (03) 2018 (18), followed by general availability only days (or weeks) after the development is considered finalized. Usually, this happens the following month, in this case April.
For example, version 1703 was completed in March 2017, and its official release was on April 11, 2017. Also, Windows 10 version 1709 was finalized in September 2017, but it didn’t officially rolled out to everyone until October 17, 2017.
In addition, Microsoft has previously announced that Windows 10 will be getting two major updates each year, and plans to target March and September of each year as potential release dates.
The Windows 10 April 2018 Update is the fifth major refresh Microsoft is releasing to devices, and the first in 2018, and it includes a slew of new features and changes to improve security, performance, and productivity.
Windows 10 April 2018 Update rollout
The new version will be offered as a free update starting April 30, but only for who want upgrade manually using the Media Creation Tool or Update Assistant. On May 8, the company will start gradually rolling out the April 2018 Update through Windows Update. Initially, it’ll be offered to select devices that are known to work with the new version, and then the rollout will expand to other devices. This means that no everyone will get it the same day.
If you’re an MSDN subscriber, you’ll also be able to get it on April 30, but Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) will be able to get the update starting May 7.
Windows 10 April 2018 Update new features
In the Windows 10 April 2018 Update, Microsoft is introducing a ton of new features and improvements, including Timeline, a new feature that allows you to resume activities you were working in the past on any PC running Windows 10 and iOS or Android phone connected with your Microsoft account.
Nearby sharing is also a new feature to share files, pictures, links with minimal effort wirelessly to nearby devices using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity.
Windows 10 also makes it easier to connect Bluetooth devices. Starting with version 1803, the operating system will be able to detect when a Bluetooth device is in range and ready to pair and it’ll pop a toast notification to quickly complete the setup with one-click.
If your computer uses multiple GPUs, you’ll now be able to set which graphics processor an app can use through the Settings app that can help to improve performance and battery life.
The April 2018 Update adds the ability to manage fonts using the Settings app, and you can now download new font families through the Microsoft Store.
You can now review and delete the collected telemetry data that the company uses to improve the experience of Windows 10. In addition, Windows 10 1803 continues the gradual implementation of Fluent Design, and you’ll find tweaks and new elements using this new interface design.
You can check all the new features and changes for the Windows 10 April 2018 Update here.
Although we all are exciting waiting for version 1803 to release, during the early days major updates are known to include unknown issues and bugs. This means that if you’re planning to wait a little longer, it’s now the time to configure your system to prevent Windows 10 from installing April 2018 Update to a later date.
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.