On May 21, 2019, Microsoft began the official rollout of the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903) to compatible devices. This is the seventh major refresh, and while it's an incremental update, the new version delivers a new set of features and changes around productivity, security, and design, such as Sandbox, (proper) light mode, Reserved Storage, Recommended Troubleshooting, mouse customization, tamper protection, and much more.
Initially, the final version became available on April 8, through the Windows Insider Program, but with this release, the company wanted to improve the update experience, so it increased the amount of time the new version spent in the Release Preview ring to detect issues before pushing it more broadly.
Also, instead of forcing new feature updates onto devices automatically, Microsoft made some changes to the update mechanism to allow users to decide when to update, and more aggressively block devices known to come across issues with the new version.
Windows 10 May 2019 Update full reviewHow to get the May 2019 Update ASAPMay 2019 Update common problems and how to fix themFull list of changes in the May 2019 UpdateAll of our May 2019 Update resources in one place
Although the new changes seem to be helping the rollout, the Windows 10 May 2019 Update is not a feature update free of problems, as many users have been reporting some issues with the update.
In this Windows 10 guide, we'll highlight the most significant complaints and issues during and after the upgrade to the May 2019 Update.
Windows 10 May 2019 Update problems and complaints
These are some of the complaints and problems that users are reporting moving to the new version of Windows 10:
- Installation problems with the May 2019 Update
- Apps problems with the May 2019 Update
- Settings problems with the May 2019 update
- Other complaints with the May 2019 Update
Installation problems with the May 2019 Update
While the new update experience is minimizing issues during and after the upgrade process, it seems that Microsoft is more aggressively blocking the May 2019 Update on some devices, causing some frustration among users.
This PC can't be upgraded to Windows 10 error
Shortly after the feature update became available, a number of users have been reporting several "This PC can't be upgraded to Windows 10" error messages preventing them from installing version 1903. However, the problem wasn't the setup blocking the upgrade. Instead, it was the lack of information to resolve the issue to continue with the upgrade.
On Reddit, user omegalemon reported:
Hey Windows, I appreciate the update, but mind telling me what drivers and services I need to update? This is too bland.
In a different thread, user teraflame complained:
Hey, here's a novel idea. How about telling me what the hell the issue is?
Reddit user Windows_Tech_Support shared a similar experience:
I have been trying to update from version 1803 to 1903, to no avail. Every time I try, I get the message " Your PC has a driver or service that isn't ready for this version of Windows 10. " It doesn't tell me which one, though. Has anyone else experienced this, and been able to successfully install it?
Also, on Reddit, user mycall came across the known issue that blocks the upgrade if the computer has a USB flash drive, external hard drive, or SD card attached:
It says "This PC can't be upgraded to Windows 10" screenshot. Wat?? How do I solve this thx? EDIT: I removed an SD card and USB fob, now it is working. Hardware matters. Thanks, everyone.
At the official Microsoft forums, user HunterLinderman said:
Hi, I recently tried updating my computer to the May 2019 update and I got an error saying that I have a driver or service that isn't ready for this version of Windows 10. Is there any way to fix this at all?
Upgrade nowhere to be found
Starting with the May 2019 Update, you supposed to be able to click the Check for updates button in the Windows Update settings page to see if you get the option to upgrade, but again, the lack of communication has some people like sanjaymachchhar at the Microsoft forums still wondering why the update hasn't arrived yet.
I am using Windows 10 and currently on version 1809 May 2019 update while everyone else is on Version 1903 May 2019 update. Why am I still stuck on Windows 10 Version 1809 while other people are on Windows 10 Version 1903?
Apps problems with the May 2019 Update
In addition, there has also been a few complaints about apps and features not working correctly after upgrading to the new version of the OS.
Broken Sandbox
For instance, Sandbox is among the favorite features coming with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, but after the upgrade, a small number of users started reporting problems.
On Reddit, user samsungscreen reported:
Can't start Windows Sandbox, "Error 0x80070002"
Also, user -pANIC- shared a screenshot showing that Sandbox failed to start with error 0x80070057:
Anybody knows how to get Sandbox working?
Buggy Start menu
In the early days of version 1903, a small number of people have also recorded problems with the Start menu.
For instance, user not_AIVD, on Reddit, published a short video revealing some inconsistencies with the Start menu, taskbar, and search box.
Just did a fresh install of 1903. Must say, I'm disappointed with the buggy search and Start menu.
from r/Windows10
And he wasn't the only one, some of the readers in the same thread confirmed the same issue.
In addition, in a different thread, user mfvicli showed off a similar bug, but with the Start button flickering as soon as you hover over the button.
from r/Windows10
Settings problems with the May 2019 update
After upgrading to Windows 10 version 1903, a small number of users filed complaints about crashes with the Settings app.
Reddit member sharktm complained about the Settings app crashing as soon as he tried to access the "Apps" section:
Whenever I click start > settings > apps the whole settings panel crashes and cannot access the apps & features option. it crashes only on apps & features, the rest of the other options from settings seems to be fine.
In the same thread, user Advanced_Path responded:
I cannot believe that 1903 was delayed for three months due to bugs and they still release it, filled with bugs. Or even worse.
Other users also came across the same issue:
Clicking on "Apps" in Settings causes the entire Settings app to crash and disappear in 1903 -- SigmaTheDJ reported.
Reddit user jackal_1 shared a short video detailing the problem:
from r/Windows10
Other complaints with the May 2019 Update
Alongside the installation and app problems, with the rollout of the May 2019 Update, you'll find reports of many other isolated problems and some users ranting about missing features and design consistency.
For example, on Reddit, user CaptainnTedd decided to rollback to the October 2018 Update shortly after night light stopped working on version 1903:
Night light (one of the most important Windows features for me) worked only kind of shortly after the update then it stopped working completely. LoL was almost crashing on me during games several times after the 1903 update, never had any problems with it on 1809. For the time being, I think I'll stay with it because you know why fix something that isn't broken?
After moving to the May 2019 Update, user unigee noted five additional monitors in the "Display" settings page:
Now have 7 monitors with Windows 1903
However, it appears that this was an isolated problem that only required re-installing a fresh copy of the graphics driver.
Another isolated issue was spotted at the Microsoft forums, where user AytoMaximo reported that the Windows 10 setup was detecting the computer processor wrong preventing the upgrade process from continuing.
I'm getting a report that "Windows 10 can't run on my computer" because RAM is OK, Free space is OK, but CPU is NOT OK. For some reason, it's somehow "less than 1Ghz". But I have Intel Core i7-4790k 4.00Ghz.
Design consistency
Also, some users have been complaining about the way that Microsoft is handling deprecated features.
For example, user SigmaTheDJ, on Reddit, complained about elements of HomeGroup still shipping with version 1903, when the feature is no longer available.
There are STILL mentions of Homegroups in the menus in 1903
No Settings banner design
Starting with the first semi-annual update of 2019, the Settings app was expected to ship with a new banner design at the top of the homepage. However, during the early days of the rollout, some users were disappointed to find out that after the upgrade, the banner was nowhere to be found.
On Reddit, anunkeptbeard said:
Wasn't there supposed to be a banner in Settings in 1903?
According to Microsoft, the Settings app banner is currently a controlled feature, and it's available only for a small number of devices that were upgraded using the Release Preview ring. Also, even though, the feature didn't fully make in the final release, it's expected to return in a future update.
Wrapping things up
Although you may find a lot of other complaints across the web, this time around, it seems that there are fewer problems than in previous releases, which is a good thing. However, it's not because the May 2019 Update is a flawless release. Instead, it seems that using the Release Preview ring for a more extended period to detect unknown issues early, using more aggressive blocking on devices that may not upgrade successfully, and giving users the choice to upgrade is helping the rollout.
In addition, it's worth noticing that Microsoft has already acknowledged most of these issues and other problems, and it's actively working to resolve them. In fact, the latest quality update available on May 29, 2019, addresses a bunch of these problems, including issues with Night light mode, "This PC can't be upgraded to Windows 10" error on devices that has a USB device or SD card attached, and many more.
While the Windows 10 May 2019 Update release could be considered one of the least problematic rollouts, there's always room for improvements. For example, the company could have waited a little longer to ship an update with fewer bugs, and the communication during the upgrade process could have been clearer on incompatible devices, instead of displaying a generic message with little information on how to resolve the issue.
If your computer hasn't received version 1903, the recommended method to get it is to wait until you receive the notification automatically. Alternatively, you can also use the Media Creation Tool or Update Assistant to upgrade, but you have to make sure that your device is fully compatible before proceeding.
Finally, if you can't wait, before moving forward with the installation, ensure that you're doing everything you can to minimize the chances of running into issues, such as creating a temporary full backup, disconnecting unnecessary peripherals, and removing apps that may cause compatibility issues.
Did you come across any problems during or after installing the May 2019 Update? Let us know in the comments.
Mauro recommends all these affordable accessories
Hi, I'm Mauro Huculak, Windows Central's help and how-to guru. I wrote the post you're reading now, and I know the Windows OS inside and out. But I'm also a bit of a hardware geek. These are some of the affordable gadgets on my desk today.
Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse ($72 at Amazon)
I know mice, and this is the one I use every day. The MX Master is a wireless high-precision mouse that's very comfortable to use and has many great features, including the ability to connect with multiple devices, an infinite scroll wheel, back and forward buttons, all of which you can customize.
Ktrio Extended Gaming Mouse Pad ($12 at Amazon)
If you spend a lot of time typing, your palms and mouse will leave tracks on your desk. My solution was to start using gaming mouse pads, which are big enough for you to use the keyboard and the mouse comfortably. This is the one I use and recommend.
Supernight LED light strip ($20 at Amazon)
You could just use a regular light bulb in your office, but if you want to add some ambient lighting with different colors, an RGB LED strip is the way to go. This one is Mauro-approved.
