Windows 10 version 1903, April 2019 Update, upgrade process

How to upgrade to Windows 10 version 1909, November 2019 Update

VIDEO: Use these steps to upgrade to Windows 10 version 1909 whether you're running version 1903, 1809, or an older version.

Windows 10 version 1909, November 2019 Update, is available starting November 12, 2019 (presumably), and even though the best method to upgrade is to wait until you get the notification to download it through Windows Update, you can upgrade manually when it becomes available — in this video tutorial, you’ll learn the steps on how to do this.

To upgrade to the November 2019 Update skipping the queue, you can use the Microsoft Media Creation Tool to perform an in-place upgrade, which is virtually the same as using Windows Update or Update Assistant, and during the process your files, apps, and settings will not be affected.

Important: These instructions will work whether you’re trying to upgrade from version 1903 to 1909, or from any other old versions, including version 1809, back to the original release (such as 1803, 1709, 1703, 1607, 1511, or 1507). Also, these instruction are meant to help you upgrade once the new version is officially available, not before.

How to upgrade to Windows 10 version 1909 from version 1903

Use these steps only to upgrade version 1903 to Windows 10 version 1909 using Windows Update:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Update & Security.

  3. Click on Windows Update.

  4. Under the “Optional updates available” section, click the Download and Install now button.

    Download and install version 1909 using Windows Update
    Download and install version 1909 using Windows Update
    Quick tip: If you see the option, click the Check for updates button. In the case that you still don’t see option, it’s likely that the update isn’t ready for your device.
  5. Click the Restart now button.

Once you complete the steps, the update will install as a regular monthly quality update on your device without the need of full reinstallation.

How to upgrade to the Windows 10 version 1909 from version 1809

If you can’t wait to get the November 2019 Update automatically, you can use the Media Creation Tool to upgrade any version of Windows 10 to version 1909.

Alongside the video tutorial, these are the written steps to perform the upgrade:

Quick tip: If you’re running version 1903, it’s recommended to use Windows Update. Otherwise, using the Media Creation Tool to perform a reinstallation of the OS.
  1. Open Microsoft support website.

  2. Under the “Create Windows 10 installation media” section, click the Download tool now button.

  3. Save the installer on your device.

  4. Double-click the MediaCreationTool1909.exe file to launch the tool.

  5. Select the Upgrade this PC now option.

  6. Click the Accept button to agree to the licensing terms.

  7. Click the Accept button again.

  8. Select the option to keep your files and apps (if it’s not already selected).

  9. Click the Install button.

If you’re looking to upgrade as quickly as possible, or your device is having problems getting the update automatically, this hands-on video outlines the steps to upgrade your computer to the November 2019 Update. You can also check these tips to avoid common problems during the installation process of Windows 10.

If you want to start with a fresh copy of Windows 10 with the November 2019 Update, you can use these instructions.

About the author

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 14 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 20 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.