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General discussion

Windows 10 May Update (1903), any known issues?

May 24, 2019 3:50PM PDT

I believe Windows 10 May Update (version 1903) is available to most now. For those who are daring enough and have no fear of being ahead of the crowd and have already updated your system with it; curious minds want to know. Have you run into any issues or snags that we the not-so-daring group should be aware of? Would you overall recommend the update, or would you say to hold off on it? Anything you can share about your experience with it will be helpful to us. Thank you in advance!

-- Submitted by Ben C.

Post was last edited on May 31, 2019 1:12 PM PDT

Discussion is locked

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Got to love those insiders.
May 24, 2019 3:57PM PDT

Give 'em a CNET medal Lee. Wink
Dafydd.

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How about gold bullions?
May 31, 2019 1:14PM PDT
Cool
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I've updated 9 from 1809 to 1903 ...
May 24, 2019 5:32PM PDT

and all are running and working properly. 1903 does not appear to interfere in any way with the software on each of the machines.

That said, there is one problem during installation that may stop you from installing. Apparently, the installation software may cause the drive letters of any storage drive, other than the boot drive, to change. Your USB "E" drive may become your USB "F" drive, while that second hard drive you have, internally or externally, may change from your "F" drive to your "E" drive. For the novice, this can cause problems that can be very frustrating.

So Microsoft, instead of immediately fixing their software issue, is simply not allowing the update on computers with storage other than the boot drive. If you have such, you will get a message that you cannot yet update and that Microsoft is working on a fix.

But the solution for those of you that want to update now is simple. Remove any Flash Drive or external drive you have attached to the computer. If you have a second (or more) internal drive, shut the machine off and open the case and simply unplug any internal drive before updating. I did try the update on my desktop with a 2nd drive attached and did get the message indicating that I could not update now. I shut the machine down and unplugged the drive inside the computer and then updated with no problems. Again shutting doen after the upgrade, I opened the case and reattached the cables to my 2nd internal hard drive.

I have had no problems with any of the computers since update 2 days ago. The 10 machines are all different. The desktops include an Asus BM6AD, a Dell Inspiron 3847, an HP Pro 6300, and an HP 8300 Elite. The laptops include an Asus Q325UAR, a Microsoft Surface Pro 2, an Asus T100TAM, an HP Envy 17 (4th Generation CPU), and a Lenovo Ideapad 330.

As you can see, I have updated a wide range of recent machines (all have Intel CPUs and the oldest is 3rd generation), and have had no problems. I cannot guarantee that your machine will not have problems, but my guess is that it will not if you complete the update.

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Microsoft's most ******** moves?
May 31, 2019 8:05PM PDT

I don't mean to be a jerk about this .. but seriously? Just disconnect your second drive..

And because we're not made of money or bought laptops with small C drive on the SSD and data drive where we've been "installing" our stuff.. let alone moving our user folders there, how exactly does the "just shut down and unplug it" work in your world?

There's only one word for this ... and that is ********. With all the 1950's thru 90's negative connotation that goes with it .. how could microsoft be SO BLATANTLY STUPID as to have this bug, the previous "whups we deleted your stuff cause you moved parts of your user folder" or even the "zip's all fine and dandy" bugs of the past 6 months!?

Surely we have to think of them as the kind would mean when they said "that kid is ********" meaning developmentally challenged, and learning disabled .. only in THIS case ... microsoft *COULD* help themselves but they never learn, never REALLY listen and yet we the people continue to just take their cra*sandwich and beg for more..

Microsoft .. we're not stupid .. just ******** because we were born that way.

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Is physical disconnection really necessary?
Jun 1, 2019 1:46PM PDT

Wouldn't it work to just temporarily disable the drive in "device manager"? I have 6 internal drives but can't test that yet, have not received an update notice yet

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Physically disconnect all but the C drive
Jun 1, 2019 2:38PM PDT

The safest approach here is to physically disconnect all but the C drive, then reconnect after install is finished. Better safe than sorry with Microsoft.

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I Suppose
Jun 1, 2019 4:10PM PDT

The issue seems to be use of drive letters (like, D: or E: or F: ...) DURING the upgrade. I guess someone isn't doing peer checking during the creation process anymore. If you only show a C: drive, you should be OK. I'd go to the disk manager and make sure that those drives don't show up. Worst case? You get a message telling you that you can't upgrade NOW... As Ben says, the safest thing is to disconnect the drives. MS is supposed to be working on a fix but I bet it's going to take a major effort. The other choice would be to wait until they fix it. If you've been to MS's support forums, I'm becoming very convinced that MS doesn't have a lot of tech talent but that's just my opinon by reading support responses. When I see words like "try this" or "try that" or "if this doesn't fix it..." What ever happened to opening a copy of the code and actually finding the root cause of the issue?

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outlook
May 24, 2019 5:33PM PDT

it has taken me several days to realize that the message to "fix my account" meant that the update changed connection settings that can only be fixed by deleting your current account in your email "outlook" and create a new account. Which you can use your current account, but you cannot 'fix' the account. the update can only be fixed by creating a new account.....it will delete all of your current emails, saves, etc....that you have created. No fix was successful. So beware if you use the Windows Outlook email program....after update, it means delete and recreate....ugh.

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Updated all four of my computers
May 24, 2019 6:57PM PDT

I didn't have any issues and my computer are running fine with no problems or glitches. I did however image all four just in case but it wasn't necessary but I like to be prepared as I have had failures in the past and learned my lesson. I did read about the problems some people were having with USB drives and external drives so I made sure I didn't have any connected and I had a painless upgrade from 1809 to 1903

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Preparing for this Update
May 24, 2019 8:21PM PDT

I have not yet been presented with the update (of course, I'm using the Pro version and have updates paused).

The key thing that was already mentioned was that, if you have any external drives, you should remove them until after the update and then put them back and check your drive letters (D: E: F: G: etc.). Don't forget to reset things back or you may find that data for apps like Outlook, may not work if you have that data stored on drives other than C:

I'd do these steps before the update, if possible:

1) Good time for maintenance. Check how much free space will be available for your install. You'll need at least 64 GB to update the 64-bit OS and ,maybe less for the 32-bit. Just remember that the old windows will stay around for a while unless you do a disk cleanup after the update to remove the old version.
2) If you only have a 32 GB or 64 GB eMMC drive, you may need to offload some files to a jump-drive. At least temporarily.
3) While you are looking at your HDD, try running a CHKDSK on the drive to check for errors. You can also defrag unless you have an SSD and then just run a trim.
4) Go into the Settings app --> "Update & Security". Look for your update history and try to figure out if any older updates failed. Easy to fix but let us know.
5) I would run the Windows Update troubleshooter. You can find it under settings --> "Update & Security" --> Troubleshoot OR you can find it under the Control Panel --> Troubleshooting --> System & Security --> Windows Update. You can also find it on the web. I run it every so often.
6) DISM and SFC: These check your system as far as your Windows Image and your system files. You may want to run this set a couple of times:
Go to command prompt (Admin) by right-clicking the start button then left-clicking on Command Prompt (Admin). I'm running the pro version so the home version may be different. then --

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
SFC /CHECKNOW

Both take a while

Note: If you are not comfortable with any of these utilities, it is only suggested you preemptively run these. They are good to know about with WIN 10 though.

Suggestions for the Update:

Make sure that, if you have a laptop or tablet, that you plug into power. I've seen these semi-annual updates take overnight. Try not to interfere with the update because you think it is hung due to it taking a LONG time. Especially, if you see a black screen. I've seen the black screen last 1/2 an hour and I've seen it last over an hour. Avoid "killing the update" in the middle. Depending where it is, it could leave you in a bad state. Patience is important.
Ahead of time, especially if you have a laptop, go to the OEM manufacturer like Dell or HP and under support at their website, find and download the drivers for your machine and any external hardware (drives, printers). Also, updating firmware could be a good idea but never kill the power while you do that.

I'm making this sound a lot more difficult than it really is but I wanted to be fairly comprehensive. Remember that the update is the exact same thing as installing a new version of Windows from scratch while trying to keep all of your programs/apps and settings. It takes a while. Not 10 minutes.

After the update is complete, I would go through all of your settings using the settings app and pay special attention to anything you have changed in the past. Just because MS is going to "TRY" to save your setting, changes in code, setting meanings, new settings, etc. these settings may change. If in doubt, leave them alone. Hope this helps. The key we found out after the last update (after they fixed their file losing issue), was Patience and Drivers. MS could have done a better job of communicating with the user that the update is progressing and NEVER show a black screen to you but...

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Already Listed In My Post Above
May 24, 2019 8:40PM PDT

At the top of this forum, there is a discussion about the new Windows 10 May 2019 update. Within that discussion, I've tried to give a few tips on some test installs that I've performed and how I performed them. I experienced only a couple of minor issues which I mentioned in those tips. Also, another of the sub-threads in that discussion shows Microsoft's current "Known Issues" list. Of course, there could be others but it's a good site to check with before making the install. Below is that link:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-information/status-windows-10-1903

Hope this helps.

Grif

Post was last edited on May 24, 2019 8:45 PM PDT

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Easy and Hard
May 25, 2019 3:18AM PDT

Two machines updated effortlessly with the downloaded iso file. The third ran into the extra drives issue and the installation was canceled. The two that were updated are running fine.

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Windows Time (CLOCK) Messed Up after recent Windows Update
May 25, 2019 11:11AM PDT

The time or clock on one of my Windows machines got messed up after the latest Windows update, and after re-setting the time and settings in several different ways, it still won't stay set right. The time is wrong every time I turn the machine off and then back on again after re-setting the time. You'd think that setting a darned "clock" (which should happen automatically) would be a simple thing. But, you know, Windows.....and Microsoft.....

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PLEASE TOP POST.
May 25, 2019 11:23AM PDT

If this is still a problem, make a new top post. Setting the time is not a sure thing as the motherboard battery may be low to your choice of time server (or Microsoft) may be blocked.

I have run into the time servers being blocked by a firewall. Odd but does happen. Not a Microsoft issue at all.

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(NT) check time in BIOS
May 25, 2019 11:26AM PDT
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Drivers
May 25, 2019 12:53PM PDT

I'd start by checking the drivers. Go to the OEM website (Dell, HP,..) and find drivers and firmware and download them then run them. If the clock is off, it could be the chipset drivers. But, as Bob said, it could just be your battery. James has a good point too. Check your BIOS (usually F2 on bootup) to see if the time and settings are correct. Windows SHOULD be getting its time from the Internet (something called NTP) and then it might be setting the system clock. Have you tried a right-click on the clock on the taskbar and select "Adjust Date and Time" to verify settings?
One other thing to check: Go to services.msc and look for the Windows Time service. Is it running? If not start it and see if there is an error. Also, a final question: Did you interrupt an update that was going on (pulling plug? Holding power button?). That can break things.

Post was last edited on May 25, 2019 1:44 PM PDT

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Acrylic Blur Effect on Sign-in Screen Background
May 26, 2019 6:21AM PDT
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That's "As Designed"..
May 26, 2019 11:59AM PDT

Microsoft says it's an added perk, so it's not really an issue that needs "fixing" but is a preference some folks don't like. In fact, most folks don't like it.

Thanks for the link for the method to disable the new blurry sign-on screen..

Hope this helps.

Grif

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One Thing I forgot to Mention
May 31, 2019 1:35PM PDT

Since most of the Microsoft OS world gets its time from the same Internet server at time.nist.gov, you probably should go to the control panel date and time thing and click on Internet Time tab. From there you can and should click on "Update Now" to see if the current selection is working. I've found, on my PC, that errors happen until I use the drop-down to change Internet time servers. You can also turn off Internet time by clicking the box, but then you need to check the time and set it manually. I'm GUESSING that there must be a group policy that lets enterprise uses add their own time servers. This is not really an MS issue but one at NIST (for me) so I switched to the time.Microsoft server selection. For now.

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Ummm... I Think I'll Wait
May 26, 2019 7:56AM PDT

I keep ALL of my data on drives other than C:. I have many applications that access data from or store or download data to these other drives. Changing their drive letters would be a headache nearly as bad as reloading Windows from scratch, but without the benefit of the resulting pristine cleanliness.

So I think I'll wait until they straighten this little "issue" out," thanks all the same.

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Or...
Jun 1, 2019 2:40PM PDT

Or disconnect all but the C drive, install, reconnect drives. Even if Microsoft claims to have solved the multiple drive problem, why take a risk?

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v1903 appears solid
May 31, 2019 2:57PM PDT

I've updated five of my own Win10 PCs all from v1809, and several client PCs, both from v1803 and v1809, and all have worked without issue. But like the stock market people like to say, past performance is no guarantee of future success. But I like your chances.

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So far, so good
May 31, 2019 3:13PM PDT

I upgraded because the previous 18xx kernel kept crashing my system. So far, so good. System seems stable.

I did have to put the installation folder on an internal SSD, rather than upgrading from a thumb drive. Once I figured that out it went smoothly.

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Updated 10 so far. So good
May 31, 2019 3:21PM PDT

I have updated 10 PC's at work and no issues. Did 2 from Windows 7 as well without issues.

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For safest install, use Windows Media Creation Tool
May 31, 2019 3:23PM PDT

There have been reports of problems. You can get the skinny on these by visiting https://www.windowscentral.com/windows-10-may-2019-update-common-problems-and-fixes

Another helpful article on the fixes Microsoft has made to the 1903 update in the last few days and weeks is at: https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-may-2019-update-1903-gets-first-major-bug-fixes/?ftag=TRE-03-10aaa6b&bhid=21015767339961435167906161837337

I've installed Windows 1903 on three computers so far. As with all major updates, I've found that using the Media Creation Tool makes for the smoothest installation. You can download it at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 . If installing the update the computer onto which you downloaded the tool, just run the file MediaCreationTool1903.exe AFTER you make a backup of your system drive (always play it safe). Depending on the speed of your computer, the whole process takes 30 to 90 minutes. You will have to make a few choices before the installation actually begins, so don't walk away from your computer until installation (not downloading) starts.

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Went fine for me
May 31, 2019 3:55PM PDT

Updated my Windows 10 desktop, and that went fine. Decided to do a "keep nothing" install using media creation tool, now my computer is running nice and fast again. Brought back my data using an internet backup app, that worked fine. I do have an internal "D:" drive, and that was not changed or touched by the update, as usual. No external drives, though.

Nice to have done a clean install, glad that I did that. After a fresh install, I tend to bring back apps as needed, so things are still nice and minimal *smile*.

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I am having two issues
May 31, 2019 4:06PM PDT

1. It needs at least 10 minutes after starting up to be able to use the apps option in the Windows Settings, if i click on apps before that time the window closes. If I wait for a while it starts working normally.

2. I cannot install 2019-05 Update it gives me this message 2019-05 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1903 for x64-based Systems (KB4497935) - Error 0x80073701.

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Check the Update History
May 31, 2019 4:41PM PDT

Are you saying that you tried to run applications "during" the update? Updates usually shut down running apps since the OS will be updated during that. You might want to check your update history (Settings --> Update & Security --> View Update History. Did the 1903 update complete successfully? If not, that would cause the error on the second fix.I checked the error on the web and the first thing it says is to check the history for updates with errors. My suggestions:

1) Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
2) Search the web for the Microsoft Windows Update Download site. Run the failing update from there (1903 update?)
3) Please don't run apps while the update is going as files are being deleted and then replaced. The Creator updates are similar to loading Windows from scratch while trying to keep your files and apps. Just a general suggestion. Definitely NOT a criticism -- MS should not allow that.

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It Looks Like KB4497935 May Have Been Pulled
May 31, 2019 4:53PM PDT

A quick check here on two different Win10 V1903 computers, when I click on the "Check for Updates" button, the new update doesn't come up, even though the Microsoft Article says it should. It also has not been released to these computers automatically.

Granted, I can still manually grab the 4497935 offline installer from the Microsoft Update Catalog, but I'm not going to install it at this time because I've seen a few mentions of problems with it. I'll instead wait a while to see how things go, or the update is issued to these computers automaticallly.

Hope this helps.

Gri

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Any Problems With Home Networking?
May 31, 2019 4:30PM PDT

Several posts say they have done the update on multiple computers with no issues. Have you checked your home network? Can you share files, printer, music, as easily as before?

Two previous major updates to Win 10 reset our file/folder/media sharing to default settings, thus wrecking our home network. Each time I had to tediously redo all the settings. It was so annoying we changed two of our computers back to Windows 8.1. Our one remaining Win 10 machine is a laptop that came with Win 10 pre-installed, so I've been blocking updates with the "metered connection" tweak.