A Guide to Fixing Windows 10 Update 1903 Installation Errors
Upgrading to the latest version of Windows 10 can sometimes run into issues that prevent a smooth installation. The Windows 10 May 2019 Update, also known as version 1903, has seen its fair share of bugs and errors that stop the update process short. If you are encountering error codes or other problems when trying to install the 1903 update through Windows Update, don’t panic. In most cases, these issues can be resolved with some troubleshooting steps for a successful upgrade.
We’ve dug into discussions from users facing 1903 installation problems and identified the most common issues and solutions. Follow the tips below to get the latest Windows 10 version running on your machine.
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Microsoft provides a built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix some common issues that block installing updates. To access it, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot. Under “Get up and running”, select the "Windows Update" option and click Run troubleshooter. This will analyze your system and attempt to resolve any problems it finds related to installing updates.
How to fix Windows 10 update problems?
Try to fix the Windows Updates problems by running the Windows Update Troubleshooter. To do that, proceed as follows: Go to Start > Settings > Update & Securit y > Troubleshoot > Windows Update. Method 1. Force Windows to Download again the Windows 10 Update v1903. Method 2. Manually Upgrade Windows 10 to version 1903.
When does Windows 10 release?
Microsoft made Windows 10 version 2004 (also known as the Windows 10 May 2020 Update) available to the Release Preview ring of the Windows Insider Program on April 16, 2020, and plans to begin making it widely available to consumers via Windows Update at the end of May.
Reset Windows Update Components
Resetting the Windows Update components can clear out any corrupted files or bad settings that are causing problems with installing new updates. To do this:
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Open Command Prompt as Administrator
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Stop the BITS, Cryptographic, MSI Installer and the Windows Update Services by typing:
net stop wuauserv net stop cryptsvc net stop bits net stop msiserver -
Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders by typing:
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old -
Restart the services by typing:
net start wuauserv net start cryptsvc net start bits net start msiserver -
Restart your PC.
This should refresh the update components and allow Windows Update to work properly again.
Update Your Hardware Drivers
Outdated or incompatible drivers can sometimes interfere with a major Windows 10 update installing correctly. Go to Device Manager, expand each device category, right-click on devices and select “Update driver”. This will fetch the latest drivers from Windows Update and could resolve any driver-related issues.
How to fix Windows 10 feature update failed to install?
How to fix: May 2019 Feature Update for Windows 10 version 1903 Failed to Install. 1. Make Sure that you have enough free disk space (at least 32GB) before installing the update. How to Free Up Disk Space with Disk Cleanup. 2. Download and install the latest Servicing stack update for Windows 10 version 1809. 3.
How to fix Windows 10 v1903 update problems?
Method 4. Install Windows 10 v1903 Update with an in-place Upgrade. Another method that usually works, to fix Windows 10 update problems, is to perform a Windows 10 Repair-Upgrade, by installing the update from a Windows 10 installation media. To do that: 1. Download and run the Media Creation tool and create a USB Windows 10 installation media.
You can also try uninstalling problematic devices, rebooting, and letting Windows reinstall the drivers automatically. Make sure you have the latest drivers directly from your device manufacturers’ website as well.
Check Your Hard Drive Health
Corrupted system files or bad sectors on your hard drive can lead to problems when updating Windows. Run the CHKDSK utility to scan your hard drive and repair any errors it finds:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Type
chkdsk C: /f - Restart your PC to run the scan on next startup
This will check your C: drive and fix any filesystem problems. Consider replacing your hard drive if CHKDSK finds unrepairable errors.
Delete SoftwareDistribution Folder
If your Windows Update files have become corrupted, deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder forces Windows to redownload fresh update files:
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Stop the Windows Update service by typing in Command Prompt:
net stop wuauserv -
Delete the folder C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
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Restart the Windows Update service by typing:
net start wuauserv
Now try checking for updates again in Windows Update.
How to install Windows 10 version 1903 on a USB drive?
You can also download the Media Creation Tool from the same Windows 10 download page, which allows you to download the full ISO image of Window 10 version 1903 and create physical install media on a USB drive or DVD for a clean install. When you run the tool, you will see the main screen of the tool.
What is Windows 10 1903 update?
Here’s How to Manually Install Windows 10 May 2019 Update Windows 10 version 1903, the May 2019 Update, is finally live for the public. With this update, Microsoft is finally giving the control back to the users promising to put an end to automatic installations.
How to fix Windows 10 version 1903 failed to install?
Sometimes Windows 10 version 1903 failed to install because of specific components of the Windows update. Resetting them can be helpful to fix the issue. 1. Open Command Prompt with admin rights. 2. Type the following commands in order and press Enter after each one: 3. Reboot your computer and install the update again.
Check for Incomplete Downloads
Sometimes large Windows 10 updates can fail to download completely. This will block installing the update until you get the full file set.
Go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download and check the file sizes. If they seem too small, it indicates an incomplete download. You can delete the files and try downloading again.
Also check your internet connection. Connect via ethernet if possible for a robust connection during the update process.
Update Manually with the Media Creation Tool
If you still can’t get the 1903 update installed through Windows Update, try using the Media Creation Tool to perform the upgrade manually:
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Download the Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft’s website .
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Run the Media Creation Tool and select “Upgrade this PC now” to start the 1903 installation.
This will walk you through the setup process while preserving your apps and data. Pay attention to any error messages during installation for clues.
Perform a Clean Install as a Last Resort
If all else fails, you may need to bite the bullet and do a clean install of Windows 10 version 1903 using installation media. This will wipe your hard drive and require reinstalling programs and migrating data.
How to update Windows 10 version 1903?
1. After the restart, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security. 2. Click Check for updates. 3. Finally let Windows to download and install the update again. Method 2. Install the Windows 10 version 1903 using the Upgrade Assistant.
What if Windows 10 October 2020 update fails to install?
In the case that the steps don’t resolve the issue, then you should try upgrading with the Update Assistant. If the Windows 10 October 2020 Update fails to install using a USB bootable media, some of the required files might be missing or damaged. You can resolve this problem using the Media Creation Tool to create the bootable media one more time.
What is update error 0xc190012e?
The update error 0xc190012e, was encountered on an old Sony Vaio laptop ( VGN-SR39VN ), with 4GB RAM and the Kingston SSD 240GB installed, when trying to upgrade it from Windows 10 v1809 to v1903. If you face the error 0xc190012e when trying to install the Windows 10 Feature Update version 1903, then follow the instructions below to resolve it.
How to install Windows 10 1903 May 2019 update?
To install Windows 10 1903 May 2019 Update using the Media Creation Tool, follow these steps: Click on Download tool now. Accept license terms. If you want to upgrade your current PC, choose Upgrade this PC now . Another option is to do it via ISO files ( link ). In that case, click on the Create installation media for another PC > Next .
Back up important files and be prepared to start fresh if you cannot fix the update issues any other way. Sometimes this is the only reliable path forward after troubleshooting for a while.
Don’t Give Up on Upgrading
With some time and patience, you can usually resolve Windows 10 installation errors and upgrade issues. Work through these troubleshooting tips to get your system up and running on the latest 1903 release. Pay attention to any error codes or messages and research fixes for your specific situation if needed. Reach out to the Windows community forums for more personalized help.
Stay persistent and keep Windows 10 updated to take advantage of the latest features and security protections. The effort is worth it for a smooth-running, modern OS. Let us know if any other workarounds fixed your 1903 upgrade issues!
