Microsoft recently released Windows 10 April 2018 Update and it appears the newest version of the OS is hitting an issue on Alienware laptops. A lot of users on social media networks and forums are reporting that Windows 10 April 2018 Update fails to install on Alienware laptops and Microsoft is yet to acknowledge the bug.
Windows 10 April 2018 Update fails to install on some Alienware laptops, and the system throws an error message “You’ll need to remove these apps yourself, and then select Refresh. These programs need to be uninstalled because they aren’t compatible with the upgrade – Hybrid laptops with discrete GPU connected to display.”
On Alienware Reddit discussion, a Product Specialist has unofficially acknowledged the bug. Umar Khan says that the users may receive an error message asking them to uninstall the Hybrid Graphics in order to upgrade to the newest version of the operating system. Umar claims that the installation issues is happening due to a graphics related bug in Windows 10 April 2018 Update which affects hybrid graphics platforms.
Umar has also confirmed that Microsoft has blocked the upgrade on some Alienware computers intentionally and it will be lifted once the fix is released with a cumulative update next month.
“There is no application you SHOULD uninstall. The block put in place is intentional from Microsoft due to a graphics related bug in Windows 10 version 1803 which affects hybrid graphics platforms,” he said. Umar has also shared an unofficial workaround which appears to be helping several users.
Fix Windows 10 April 2018 Update installation issues on Alienware laptops
- Uninstall all GPU drivers and disable the GPU in Management.
- Enable Airplane mode and restart the PC.
- Search for updates with update wizard, don’t use any Windows 10 Update tool.
- Turn off airplane mode, and keep it off until the update is downloaded.
- Turn it back on when the download is complete.
“Thanks for your patience and the various Alienware communities’ diligence to work together on figuring out a workaround as well with me yesterday morning,” Khan said.
Alienware laptop owners are recommended to wait for the official fix in order to prevent any issues. Needless to say, the bugs are always possible in the new release of any platform, and this is one of the reasons why Microsoft is shipping the new Windows 10 update in stages. After developing the fixes for the reported issues, Microsoft is expected to roll out the update to more users in May.
