Microsoft is starting the gradual rollout on the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903) on May 21. This update represents the seventh major refresh in the last four years, and it's a significant update that introduces several new features and a slew of improvements.
In this new version, you'll find many incremental changes and new features, such as new visuals with a new light theme and effects as part of the Fluent Design System. "Windows Sandbox" is a new feature that will help you run untrusted apps without affecting your installation. "Recommended Troubleshooting" will fix common problems automatically, and "Reserved storage" will ensure updates install successfully. Also, Windows 10 Home users will finally be able to disable updates (at least temporarily), and much more.
Related: Windows 10 May 2019 Update review
However, starting with version 1903, Microsoft is making significant changes to the update experience, and it's not guaranteed that your device will get the update the first day.
In this Windows 10 guide, we'll outline the rollout process that Microsoft is expected to use to make sure every device has a good experience upgrading to the May 2019 Update.
What devices are initially getting the May 2019 Update?
Similar to previous versions, Microsoft is planning to roll out the first semi-annual feature update in 2019 gradually, but the download process will change. Starting with the May 2019 Update, Windows 10 will let you choose when to download and install the new feature update, instead of forcing the upgrade automatically.
Once version 1903 becomes available, if your device configuration is known to be compatible, then you'll receive a notification to inform that the update is ready. After receiving the notification, and only when you're ready, you'll have to initiate the upgrade process manually from the Windows Update page to download and install that latest version.
Although you can now decide when to upgrade your system, on computers running an older version nearing the end of service Windows Update will download and install the May 2019 Update automatically like in previous releases to keep the device supported.
Furthermore, only devices that Microsoft is confident of having a smooth upgrade experience will see the option to upgrade in the Windows update settings page. Initially, as the new version graduates the Release Preview ring, it'll be available for devices running version 1803 and version 1809, clicking the Download and install now button manually through Windows Update, and automatically on devices running a release that is getting close to the end of service.
As the rollout progresses, Microsoft will diligently continue to monitor and collect telemetry data and real-time feedback from consumers and manufacturers to prevent issues like what we saw with the October 2018 Update. Then when the May 2019 Update has proven to be more compatible, it'll expand to other devices (usually within weeks of the original release date).
If an unknown issue should appear, Microsoft will temporarily block the feature update on devices that could be affected, and the block will remain until the problem has been resolved permanently.
While the new version will initially be available on select hardware configurations, other factors can prevent your device from receiving Windows 10 version 1903, even if it's known to be compatible. Some of these factors can include a specific piece of hardware or peripheral connected to your computer, incompatible device drivers, applications, security software, and your geographical location can also dictate when the new feature update will be available to you.
Is there any way to upgrade manually without waiting?
Once version 1903 is ready for your device, you'll get a notification to start the installation. However, if you don't want to wait to upgrade using the recommended option, there are multiple ways to upgrade manually as soon as the update becomes available.
Update assistant
The Microsoft Update Assistant is a simple tool available to upgrade devices with problems using the Windows Update option. However, anyone can download and use this tool to skip the queue to install the May 2019 Update.
After the assistant receives an update to support the new version, you only need to download the tool from this Microsoft support website.Then it's a matter of launching the tool, and clicking the Update now button to install the new version.
Media Creation Tool
Alternatively, you can use the Media Creation Tool to upgrade your device to the Windows 10 May 2019 Update avoiding long waits. The tool is similar to the Update Assistant with the difference that you can choose to perform an in-place upgrade or a clean installation.
Once the Media Creation Tool receives the necessary update, you can download the tool clicking the Download tool now button from this Microsoft support website. Then simply launch the tool, select the Upgrade this PC option and continue with the on-screen directions to complete the installation.
In the case that your computer is having performance issues, it's best to use the tool to perform a clean installation to start with a fresh copy of the most up-to-date version of Windows 10. (Just remember to create a temporary backup in case something happens and you need to rollback.)
Wrapping things up
On May 21, the Windows 10 May 2019 Update will be available across all the supported markets, but it'll be a slow rollout that could take several months before every device gets upgraded.
If your device isn't getting the new feature update, it's likely that the new version isn't fully compatible. If you want to avoid issues, we recommend waiting until you receive the notification about the May 2019 Update through Windows Update.
More Windows 10 resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:
- Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
- Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
- Windows 10 forums on Windows Central
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