Windows 10: Manually install 20H2 prior to 21H1 - possible?

Hi all - I procrastinate installing major updates to my systems, and I finally installed 20H2 on my desktop a few weeks ago. However, I was just about to install 20H2 on my laptop and saw it is no longer available (only 21H1 in Windows Update). I found a manual download of a 20H2 .msu file that matched my system (x64) (last file listed here) but that would not install, giving me a "not applicable to your computer" error. Is it simply too late to install 20H2 now that 21H1 is officially released? I'd much rather update to a build I've already used first, but I guess I can just wait another couple months and go straight to 21H1. I'm currently on Win 10 Pro 2004 x64.

:)

 

Windows 21H1 Im confused

Did you run the enablement package dated December 8?

 

Should I update to 20H2 or wait for 21H1?

Welcome to Ten Forums.

To go from 1909 to the next version, whether that's 20H2 or 21H1, is a major feature update that will install new system files and save your old system to a Windows.old folder. This can take up to an hour to install, whether you go for 20H1 or wait for 21H2.

The update from 20H1 to 21H2 however will then be a minor feature update, a small enablement package that turns on dormant features and installs in a few minutes, just like a cumulative update. I'd go for 20H2 now, the update to 21H1 will then be quick when it's released - plus it will be optional so you can wait to see if others report problems before deciding to update.

With any major upgrade, it is a wise precaution to make a system image of your current system before you start. Many here use Macrium Reflect Free for that purpose.

 

KB5000736 Windows 10 Insider Beta Channel Build 19043.844 (21H1) Insider

Im on windows 10 pro 2004 insider Dev Channel build 21313.rs.prerelease.210209-1440.
How do I upgrade to version 21H1 without losing all my files and installed programs etc?
Do I have to upgrade in steps? Going from 2004 to 20H2 then to 21H1 or..?
I have NO updates in my windows update settings being offered now or in the past and I have been in the Insider program for at least 3 months now..it justs keeps updating my 2004 version with new builds..Not upgrading me to 20H2 or 21H1. Please let me know the easiest way to do this or if in your Opinion I should just stick with 2004. I really like to be on the Latest version of Windows possible. Ty.