Microsoft has begun forcing computers running the Windows 10 April update 1803 to upgrade to the latest version known as the May 2019 update or 1903. Back in May they announced that the mandatory update would start in early July. Microsoft mainly cites security as the primary reason for the mandatory upgrades.
Found on Microsoft's Update Dashboard: "We are initiating the Windows 10 May 2019 Update for customers with devices that are at or nearing end of service and have not yet updated their device. Keeping these devices both supported and receiving monthly updates is critical to device security and ecosystem health."
Currently there is no way to know when a given PC is scheduled for the mandatory upgrade.
What Happens During the Forced Upgrade
Users who have already encountered the upgrade will be given a notification and a few options: restart now, later, or postpone up to 35 days — at which time the update will automatically install. Depending on the hardware specs of your computer the upgrade can take upwards of a few hours.
Blocked on Some Hardware
The update has been blocked from specific computers that have hardware incompatibilities with the 1903 update — most notably Microsoft's own top-of-the-line Surface Pro 2, which had known driver conflicts with the new version.
Tips
- Back up your data before any major Windows update using File History or an external drive
- If the update causes problems, Windows 10 allows rolling back within 10 days
- Schedule the restart for off-hours to avoid mid-work disruption
Having issues after a Windows update? Landshark IT handles post-update problems remotely or in-shop across Tampa Bay.