Get the February 2020 cumulative update for Windows 10

Microsoft has released the latest cumulative update (CU) for Windows 10 version 1903 and 1909. It patches many problems that some users of the operating systems have been complaining about.

The CU is optional

The latest CU is optional, so you do not have to install it unless your Windows 10 has had some of the issues it is meant to fix. None of the problems Microsoft listed has something to do with OS security, though.

The Windows Search box has not been rendering correctly for some users, and it is one of the glitches the update is addressing. Updating should also fix a keyboard layout issue that a previous Windows 10 upgrade caused in some machines.

Other fixes the CU introduces include:

• Updates an issue that prevents the speech platform application from opening for several minutes in a high noise environment.

• Updates an issue that reduces the image quality in the Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) home environment.

• Updates an issue that might prevent ActiveX content from loading.

• Improves the battery performance during Modern Standby mode.

• There are two ways to download and install this CU on your PC:

Windows Update

Click Settings on the Windows 10 Start Menu, choose Update & Security, and then click Windows Update. You will see a link in the Optional updates available area. Click it to get the update.

Microsoft Update Catalog

This option lets you download the kb4535996 Windows 10 update as a standalone executable. You may install the CU file at your convenience by double-clicking it and confirming the installation.

How to minimize upgrade issues

As you may already know, installing any Windows 10 update does not always go according to plan. It sometimes fails as a result of errors originating from incompatible drivers.

Microsoft acknowledges the potential frustration, and it is providing a servicing stack update (SSU) to enhance the compatibility of your machine with the latest CU.

If you are updating via Windows Update or Microsoft Update, be sure to get the latest SSU for Windows 10 version 1903 and 1909. Alternatively, search for SSU KB4538674 in the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Remember to install the SSU before updating your PC with the latest CU.

You may also try these proven traditional hacks to avoid typical Windows 10 CU install bugs.