Windows 10 May 2019 Update desktop

Microsoft has promised to be more transparent about Windows 10 servicing and features updates, and the company has changed the Windows Update process significantly. As part of the new approach, the feature update is offered only when a user manually checks for updates, and click on download/install option.

It appears that the Windows Update page can now notify users when Windows 10’s support is nearing its end.

Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803) will reach the end of support in November 2019 for non-Enterprise customers. Many customers are still on Windows 10 April 2018 Update and Microsoft has now started reminding users that they need to install the latest version of the OS.

A new notification recently popped up on the Windows Update page on my PC with Windows 10 version 1803. The message warns that support for Windows 10 [version 1803] is nearing its end and it advises users to upgrade to the latest version of Windows 10 for continued support.

“You’re currently running a version of windows that’s nearing the end of support. We recommend you update to the most recent version of Windows 10 now to get the latest features and security improvements,” the message reads. The learn more button opens Microsoft’s support document.

Windows 10 Update reminder

For apparent reasons, ‘Download and install now’ option for Windows 10 version 1903 won’t show up on devices with incompatible drivers or software installed.

Windows Update page won’t tell you why the feature update is not available. Users have to install Microsoft’s Update Assistant Tool to find out why Windows 10 version 1903 or 1809 is not available for their device. In my case, it was an outdated graphics driver that blocked the upgrade.

In a support document, Microsoft revealed that it plans to start enforcing updates on devices running Windows 10 version 1803. The update process started in late June 2019 and it will be enforced gradually through Microsoft’s Machine Learning technology.

“We will begin updating devices running the April 2018 Update and earlier versions of Windows 10 in late June 2019 to help ensure that we keep these devices in a serviced, secure state,” the support document reads.

Windows 10 1803 support

Microsoft did not reveal the version of Windows 10 that will automatically install on these outdated devices, but it is likely to be the May 2019 Update as Windows 10 version 1809 (October Update) would need to be upgraded next year again.

About The Author

Mayank Parmar

Mayank Parmar is an entrepreneur who founded Windows Latest. He is the Editor-in-Chief and has written on various topics in his seven years of career, but he is mostly known for his well-researched work on Microsoft's Windows. His articles and research works have been referred to by CNN, Business Insiders, Forbes, Fortune, CBS Interactive, Microsoft and many others over the years.