Resolved Media Creation Tool 21H1 for Unready Windows 10 20H2

Working on a friend's computer and his Desktop changed dramatically. It doesn't show all the normal icons but a "Desktop" icon in the taskbar shows them all on a fly out menu. When you select the "Start" button, there is no list of apps that appears, only some tiles.

I saw the exact same problem on a computer last week that was running 20H2 but indicated the computer was ready for 21H1. I went ahead with the download and install and on restart the "normal" desktop appeared and all the functions seemed to return to normal.

I am considering using a media creation tool to manually install the 21H1 update on the computer described in paragraph 1 above.

1. Would that be wise considering that Microsoft hasn't said it is ready yet?
2. It's been several years since I used the Media Creation tool - should I simply go to the Microsoft site to do that and any tips or suggestions?
3. Added Question - Should I simply run the update from the computer in question in lieu of the Media Creator process

 

Hi Robert, I personally have not used the MCT for 21H1 installs.
This HP Notebook and 2 of my desktop (Home builds) have received the MS Update and been installed without problem.
Using the MCT may be quite OK but if there is no hurry - leave it for when MS selects the comp as ready for it.
There has been suggestions that the use of MCT PRIOR to the Official Release date, you may get a BETA or buggy update.

I have used MCT when moving from W8/8.1 to W10 - no problems back then. Your choice.

 

This is just one of many "Reports" that say an early install may have you doing the Beta testing.
https://www.computerworld.com/artic...2021-update-version-21h1-from-installing.html

 

Think I'll mark this thread as resolved and let Christer and retiredlearner take their argument elsewhere. Maybe I'll start over.

 

Hi Robert, I'm sorry if you feel let down with your request.
During yesterday, my 2013 HP Notebook was updated to 21H1 and also the desktop I built for my wife was updated.
No problems with any of my comps and as I said previously, these have all been through normal MS WU.

 

My apologies to Christer and retiredlearner for my sarcastic post. I have "Unsolved" this thread and am still looking for answers to the questions in my original post - particularly questions 2 and 3.

 

Hi Robert, I found this article which may give you some thought:
How to download the latest Windows 10 21H1 ISO
In answer to your questions, I have had no problems with all my comp installs using WU through the comp.
Using the MCT will give you the choice of burning a DVD or using a USB drive.
My thoughts turn toward USB as being more portable as with my newest comp build, I have no DVD/Optical drive.

 

RL,
I took a look at the link you posted and I think I will go ahead next week and create a DVD as the computer in question has an optical drive. Will let you know how it comes out. Thanks.

 

The link in RL's post #8 took me to the Microsoft "Download Windows 10" page. There were 2 options:

1-Windows 10 May 2021 Update - I assumed this would allow me to create a CD that I could use to update the problem computer. However, all it does is look at my computer and thank me for updating to 21H1. I assume that I would use that option while at the problem computer.

2-Create Windows 10 installation media - I was able to create a CD at this option. It appears that this is for upgrade or re-installation of Windows and I'm not sure that's what I want to do on the problem computer. Is this a CD I could use to reinstall Windows 10 on a computer that won't boot or allow any restore/recovery options?

Any comments?

 

Burning a DVD should enable you to Repair as that is one of the tools you can use.

 

Got the computer updated to W 10 21H1 by using the problem computer and downloading the updated directly from the Microsoft download site. All is well except for a problem with the Start button which I will address in another thread if I don't solve it quickly.
Thanks for the help.