Windows 10’s version 1803 (April 2018 Update) is the fifth major refresh that Microsoft is rolling out starting April 30, 2018. However, even though, the new version may be ready for general use, you want to prepare before going through the upgrade process to avoid errors and problems.
Although it’s recommended to install new updates to keep your computer secured and to access the new features and improvements, big updates, such as the Windows 10 April 2018 Update, aren’t your typical quality updates that Microsoft makes available every other month. The April 2018 Update is a brand-new version of Windows 10 that requires a full installation, which sometimes can go wrong for a number of reasons. In addition, during the early days, you’re expected to come across errors and unknown bugs depending on your system configuration.
In this guide, you’ll learn several steps to avoid problems and errors during the installation of the Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803).
Wait until update is offered automatically
While there are a number of ways to install a new version of Windows 10, it’s always best to wait until it’s offered to you automatically through Windows Update to avoid problems. Usually, it’s because during the first few months big updates aren’t fully compatible with all hardware configurations, and Microsoft in purpose blocks the update on devices that knows it’ll cause issues.
In other words, if your computer isn’t getting the update automatically, there’s probably a good reason. Furthermore, if you use the Media Creation Tool or Update Assistant to force the upgrade you’re most likely to come across unexpected compatibility issues and errors.
The best advice is not rush to download and install the version 1803 on your PC, just wait patiently as you’ll eventually get it.
Generally speaking, you want to wait about four months after the update releases, which is the time it takes for Microsoft to consider a new version stable for organizations. (Use this guide to defer the Windows 10 version 1803 using the Semi-Annual Channel.)
If you really can’t wait, use the following tips to minimize the chances of problems and errors trying to install the new feature update.
Always backup first
A recovery plan is crucial. Before making any significant changes to your device, you should always spend the extra time to create a full backup of your computer with the current installation, settings, apps, and files in case things go wrong and you need to rollback.
Upgrades usually go without a glitch and there are mechanisms built into the setup process to safely revert back the changes if something isn’t working correctly. However, you always want to be prepared in case something fails. (At least make a backup of your files before proceeding with an upgrade.)
Storage space
Perhaps one of the most common problem trying to install a new version of Windows 10 is not enough available storage space to complete the upgrade, which triggers at least three error messages, including 0x80070070 – 0x50011, 0x80070070 – 0x50012, or 0x80070070 – 0x60000.
Oftentimes, storage availability is more of a problem on devices with limited storage capacity and older computers. You can avoid this problem by making sure your device has at least 20GB of available space for file download and installation.
If you don’t have enough free space, you can use the Settings app to delete temporary and other unnecessary files. Alternatively, you can connect an empty USB flash drive with at least 8GB of storage space that Windows 10 will use as temporary storage to perform the upgrade.
After the installation, you can reclaim space using this guide.
Export custom settings
Sometimes, Windows 10 might “accidentally” reset some of your settings, such as privacy and default apps configurations, during the upgrade process. If you’ve personalized an installation with a particular configuration, you should record your settings before installing a feature update, in case some of your configurations get reset, and you need to get them back.
Disconnect non-essential peripherals
Incompatible devices connected to your device, such as printers, cameras, especially storage media (such as USB flash drives and external hard drives), can cause errors and other problems during an installation. In order to prevent issues consider disconnecting all the peripherals connected to your computer. You only need a network connection, monitor, keyboard and mouse.
If you have a Bluetooth adapter, it’s also a good idea to disable it before going through the upgrade. Just go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, and turn off the Bluetooth toggle switch.
Remove non-essential apps
Security programs sometimes the main reason the installation fails. If you’re running an antivirus (other than Windows Defender Antivirus), or other security software, you should disable or temporarily uninstall them before the upgrade to version 1803.
The quickest way to uninstall apps on Windows 10 is on Settings > Apps > Apps & features select the app, click Uninstall button, and follow the on-screen directions.
Older programs designed for an older version of Windows can also cause compatibility problems. Before proceeding with the installation, make sure to uninstall any software that may cause issues during the installation. You can always reinstall them later.
Reset Windows Update
Although Windows Update is a reliable mechanism to download updates, sometimes, it may not work as expected, and the reason could be your device is not receiving the new feature update of Windows 10.
You can always try to reset the Windows Update components to fix stuck updates trying to download and install. If this doesn’t fix the problem, you should use the Update Assistant tool to install the Windows 10 April 2018 Update after it becomes available.
Unblock Windows 10 to allow the upgrade
Also, it could happen that your device is configured to defer Windows 10 upgrades. If this is the case, the April 2018 Update won’t download and install on your device.
You can address this problem on Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options, and make sure under “Choose when updates are installed,” to select Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted) and set the number of days to defer feature updates to zero.
Additionally turn off the Pause Updates toggle switch if enabled.
If you used Group Policy to defer upgrades, you can refer to this guide to undo the changes.
Using a metered connection will also prevent the Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803) from installing on your desktop, laptop, or tablet. If you have your Wi-Fi or Ethernet (wired) connection configured as metered, you can remove this block on Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi, select the network, and turn off the Set as metered connection toggle switch.
On an Ethernet connection go to Settings > Network & Internet > Ethernet, select the adapter, and turn off the Set as metered connection toggle switch.
Fixing upgrade errors
Although you can prepare in a number of ways, there’s always a possibility of errors during the upgrade to a new version for Windows 10. If you’re having problems, especially during the early days, chances are that you’re not the only one with the same issue. The best thing you can do is to note the error message and search online for the fix or workaround. If it’s a known issue, Microsoft usually will publish the problem, status, and timeframe for a permanent fix.
Alongside an expected errors and bugs hidden in the Windows 10 version 1803, there are a number of well-known problems (that are not considered bugs) that can occur during the upgrade process. For instance, an error code that begins with 0xC1900101 (e.g., 0xC1900101 – 0x20004, 0xC1900101 – 0x2000c, 0xC1900101 – 0x20017, 0xC1900101 – 0x30018, 0xC1900101 – 0x3000D, 0xC1900101 – 0x4000D, 0xC1900101 – 0x40017) is usually a device driver error.
If you see error 0xC1900208 – 0x4000C, it means that an app is incompatible with the upgrade. Another common error code is 0x80070070 – 0x50011 (0x50012 or 0x60000) which typically means that there isn’t enough space on your device to complete the update.
When dealing with errors and other problems you don’t know the fix, you can always ask for help in the forums. Alternatively, you can contact Microsoft support directly, or on Twitter @MicrosoftHelps to get help. If you live close to a Microsoft Store, take your device to the store to see if anyone can help.
Installing the Windows 10 version 1803 manually
Assuming it’s not a bug with the new version, the best way to avoid problems during an upgrade is to perform a clean installation of Windows 10 with the April 2018 Update, and then reinstall your application, re-apply your settings, and restore your files from backup.
When the April 2018 Update becomes available at the end of April 2018, instead of doing a clean installation, you can also try an in-place upgrade using the Media Creation Tool which will keep your apps, settings, and files.
To do an in-place upgrade, download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft, double-click the file to launch the tool, and use the Upgrade this PC now option. Then select the option to keep your files and apps (if it’s not already selected), and proceed with the on-screen directions to continue with the installation. (Check out this guide for more detailed instructions on how to update to the April 2018 Update.)
After the setup begins with the upgrade process, your device will install the new version of Windows 10 keeping all your settings, apps, and files.
If you’re not ready to make the leap to the Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803), remember that you can defer feature updates until a later time — or use this guide to roll back to the previous version of the OS.
Update May 4, 2018: Microsoft has acknowledged some applications, including Google Chrome, Cortana, and Office may hang or freeze your computer. According to the company a fix is coming on May 8.
In the meantime, Microsoft recommends this workaround:
Try a Windows key sequence to wake the screen. If you have a keyboard connected, simultaneously press the Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B. If you’re on a tablet, simultaneously press both the volume-up and volume-down buttons, three times within 2 seconds. If Windows is responsive, a short beep will sound and the screen will blink or dim while Windows attempts to refresh the screen.
If you’re using a laptop, close and open the laptop lid.
Alongside the freezing issues, Microsoft has also acknowledged that there’s a problem with trying to install Windows 10 April 2018 Update where users may receive an error message that reads: “Some apps need to be uninstalled. These programs need to be uninstalled because they aren’t compatible with the upgrade: Hybrid laptops with discrete GPU connected to the display.”
This error message currently appears when attempting to install the April 2018 Update on any of the following Dell devices:
- Alienware 13 R3
- Alienware 15 R3
- Alienware 15 R4
- Alienware 17 R4
- Alienware 17 R5
As a result, Microsoft is currently blocking these models from installing the update due to a known incompatibility, which may cause these devices to display a black screen after resuming from battery saver mode. The company is currently working on a permanent fix, and once released, these devices will get the update automatically through Windows Update.
Update May 14, 2018: Microsoft has confirmed that select devices with Intel SSD 600p Series or Intel SSD Pro 6000p Series may crash and enter a UEFI screen after restart. Also, the company says that some Toshiba SSDs, including the Toshiba XG5 Series or Toshiba BG3 Series are currently affecting battery performance. If you have device using any of these Solid-State Drives (SSDs), the company is blocking the April 2018 Update until a permanent solution is released.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 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. Email him at [email protected].