UPDATE 8/30: On May 21, 2019, Microsoft began the slow and more controlled rollout of Windows 10 version 1903, May 2019 Update. However, unlike previous versions, the company will no longer force the new version automatically. Instead, compatible devices will receive a notification when the feature update is ready, and then users will have to start the process manually through Windows Update.
Only devices running a version nearing the end of service will start receiving the feature update automatically sometime in June to keep them protected.
The new approach is part of a continuous effort to avoid (or at least minimize) embarrassing rollout problems, such as the one we’ve seen with the October 2018 Update, where immediately after the release some users started reporting data loss after the upgrade and forced the company to halt the rollout.
Is it safe to install version 1903?
Although with all the new measures to make sure everyone has a smooth upgrade, one question remains: Is safe to install Windows 10 version 1903? The quick answer is “Yes,” according to Microsoft, it’s safe to install the May 2019 Update. However, there are some known issues, such as problems with display brightness, audio, and duplicated known folders after the upgrade, and a number of other problems that makes the stability of the new version questionable.
In addition, a simple glance in the Windows 10 thread in Reddit, you’ll find many users complaining about problems during and after the upgrade.
Should I wait to install version 1903?
Usually, you never want to rush and install a new version of Windows 10, previous rollouts and even this release have shown us that in the early days there are still chances of coming across bugs, errors, and compatibility problems.
If you’re planning to upgrade, even if you receive the notification letting you know the update is ready, it’s always recommended to wait between three to four quality updates to be released before upgrading.
Also, if you don’t see the new option in Windows Update to download and install the May 2019 Update, you should avoid forcing the upgrade using the Media Creation Tool or Update Assistant, because not receiving the notification could indicate that the new version isn’t ready for your device.
If you attempt to upgrade anyway, you’re likely to have a 50/50 chance of coming across issues, including the new “This PC can’t be upgraded to Windows 10,” “This PC can’t be upgraded to this version of Windows 10 because of a service or driver that’s not ready yet,” or similar errors.
Finally, consider that even though, the feature update is now available, Microsoft won’t be pushing it to devices approaching end of service (April 2018 Update and earlier versions) until June 2019, which means that the update may still need more testing before making it available automatically.
Does Windows 10 version 1903 still has problems?
Update August 30, 2019: Although the May 2019 Update has been one of the smoothest rollout that we’ve seen thanks to Microsoft making the update an optional download and blocking devices that were not compatible, we’ve also being seeing numerous isolated issues in many cumulative updates that continues to make users skeptical about upgrading.
Windows 10 version 1903 has been out for about three months now, and in addition to some problems with the update, we’ve seen a number of isolated issues in many cumulative updates, including problems with apps using Visual Basic 6 and Windows Sandbox reporting error “0x80070002.” Cumulative updates failing to install with error 0x80073701. macOS users unable to access to network shares on Windows 10. Devices losing Wi-Fi connectivity, display color problems, and even dGPU disappearing from Device Manager on Surface Book 2 devices.
While it seems that Windows 10 has a lot of problems, most of these are isolated issues affecting a small number of devices, which doesn’t completely make the new version a bad release.
If you’re still running an older version of the OS, and you’re not having issues, then you can wait a little longer. However, you shouldn’t skip the update, because eventually, the version on your device will be discontinued and no longer receive security and improvement updates.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.