What’s Windows 10 version 1909 (19H2), and why you should upgrade?

Windows 10's next major release, "version 1909," — November 2019 Update — is arriving soon, and here's all the info you need to know.

Windows 10 version 1909 improvements
Windows 10 version 1909 improvements

Windows 10 version 1909, November 2019 Update, is the eighth feature update for the desktop operating system from Microsoft. November 2019 Update is the final marketing name, but it’s technically “version 1909.”

The November 2019 Update is just another release of Windows 10, but unlike previous versions, this update will be a minor incremental update, and it’ll arrive as a cumulative update to devices already running version 1903, May 2019 Update. This means that the update will install quickly, just like a monthly update.

Windows 10 version 1909 release date

The new feature update is expected to start rolling out sometime in November 2019, and it’ll be offered as a free update for computers already running Windows 10.

Microsoft will be rolling out version 1909 gradually, meaning that no every device will get the new version the same day. Instead, devices known to be fully compatible will get it first. Then as the update has gone through more testing, and there aren’t blocking bugs, the company will make the update available more broadly. However, the update will not download and install automatically, you will have to initiate the upgrade manually through the Windows Update settings page.

If your device is running version 1903, then version 1909 will download and install as a cumulative update without the need of full reinstallation.

On the other hand, if your device is running an older version, such as version 1809 or 1803, then the Windows 10 November 2019 Update will download and use the normal upgrade process, which means that a full reinstallation will be required.

While the new update will not install automatically, if your device is running an older version of the operating system nearing to the end of service, then Windows 10 will download and install version 1909 automatically (but not immediately).

In the case that your computer isn’t seeing the November 2019 Update automatically, chances are that the update is currently not compatible for you. This is one of the reasons why it’s not recommended to force a new version of Windows 10, unless you know exactly what you’re doing, and you understand the risks.

Windows 10 November 2019 Update version number

Following the same version scheme as earlier versions, this new release will be known as “Windows 10 version 1909,” which indicates the year and month of the completion of the development, not the release date.

Windows 10 version 1909 installation

When the September/October 2019 update arrives, and it’s compatible for your device, you’ll receive a notification from Windows Update to install it as a regular update.

In the case that you don’t want to wait until it becomes available automatically, it’s possible to install the new version using the Media Creation Tool and Update Assistant. You can also download the Windows 10 version 1909 ISO file if you want to take that path (when available). However, remember that using these tools will perform a full reinstallation of the operating system, even if you’re running the May 2019 Update.

Windows 10 November 2019 Update reasons to upgrade

Although this time around, the update doesn’t include significant new features or changes that will transform the way you use your computer, it’s still a good idea to upgrade because the new version will apply all the already available patches for version 1903, plus additional fixes, improvements, and a bunch of tweaks. (You can check all the new improvements in this guide.)

Windows 10 version 1909 block automatic install

Although the Windows 10 November 2019 Update is meant to improve the overall experience, new releases are known to have bugs and many problems during the initial rollout.

If you want to avoid possible errors and other issues, it’s always a good idea to defer Windows 10 feature updates for at least a month or two until you know for sure the update is stable and working correctly. However, if you’re thinking on upgrading as soon as it’s available, you can refer to this guide to upgrade without problems.

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.