Microsoft has begun forcing the Windows 10 version 1909 (November 2019 Update) to devices running version 1903 (May 2019 Update) as the support for this release is expected to end on December 8, 2020.
Although the automatic update to a new version is expected, the approach that the company is taking is not usual. Typically, when a release of Windows 10 is nearing the end of service, Microsoft will start pushing the latest version available at that time, which in this case would be version 20H2. However, according to an announcement on the health dashboard website (via ZDNet and Neowin), Microsoft has revealed that it’s in the process to upgrade devices running version 1903 to 1909.
The company didn’t share any specific reasons about this particular rollout that will force a new version of the operating system to many devices. However, in part, it’s likely due to the global health situation. Since the Windows 10 version 1909 is a minor update that will apply quickly without the need of reinstallation, users are less likely to see errors or encounter problems during and after the installation, reducing the stress of customers during these difficult times while keeping devices supported for several more months.
In the past, automatic updates began around six months before a particular release reached the end of service, but this time around the upgrade didn’t happen during the expected schedule. Also, in April, due to the ongoing health concerns, Microsoft decided to change the end of support for Windows 10 version 1809 to November 10 from May 12, 2020.
If you’re still using version 1903, then soon your device will be automatically upgraded to version 1909. However, you won’t notice a lot of changes, since this update only offers a bunch of internal improvements for work done in version 1903. As for new features, this feature update only introduces several changes to the Settings app, the Windows Search becomes available in File Explorer, and there’s a small change to make it easier to create calendar events from the date and time flyout.
In the case that you want to skip version 1909, you can upgrade your device directly to the October 2020 Update using the Media Creation Tool or Update Assistant.
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].