Windows 10 version 1909, November 2019 Update, is officially available as a free update for compatible devices starting November 12, 2019. This is the eighth feature update rolling out for desktops, laptops, and tablets, but unlike previous versions, this release doesn’t include any significant features or changes. Instead, it’s a minor update to improve the work that Microsoft has done with the May 2019 Update.
Also, similar to the previous release, the November 2019 Update update will be available as an optional update for supported devices. However, depending on the version that you’re using, the update experience will be different. If you’re already running the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, version 1903, then the device will receive the new version as a cumulative update through Windows Update, and the installation experience will be similar to those updates you get every month.
Using this new approach, Microsoft hopes the upgrade process will be less intrusive and faster to apply, because it’ll not require full reinstallation.
In the case that your device has an older version (such as the October 2018 Update or April 2018 Update), then the process to upgrade will require the full reinstallation of Windows 10. If your computer is running a release that is nearing to the end of service, then Windows 10 will eventually try to install the feature update automatically.
Download Windows 10 version 1909, November 2019 Update
Starting on November 12, if you’re running version 1903, you should click the Download and install now button in the Windows Update settings after you get the notification confirming that the update is ready for your device.
If you’re running an older version, then you can either choose to install the new version using the Media Creation Tool to perform an in-place upgrade without losing your files, apps, or settings. Or you can even use the same tool to perform a clean install of the November 2019 Update Update, which can help to resolve previous problems including performance issues. Alternatively, you can also use the Update Assistant or the Windows Update settings to upgrade.
Once you click the install button, your device will reboot, and complete the upgrade process automatically, just like when installing a monthly update. The only difference is that this process will take more time to apply if you’re using a release other than version 1903.
While you can use the Media Creation Tool and Update Assistant to apply version 1909 on your device running version 1903, it’s not necessary, because it’ll simply take more time and you may even run into more issues.
As a reminder, you should be aware that during the early days major releases are known to ship with unknown issues, bugs, and compatibility problems. As a result if you’re planning to wait a little longer, it’s now the time to configure your system to prevent Windows 10 from installing the November 2019 Update update to a later date.
You can download the new semi-annual feature update starting November 12, 2019. If you want to avoid problems during and after the upgrade, you can use this guide with a number of tips for a successful upgrade.
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].