What you need to know

• Microsoft rolled out another Windows 10 cumulative update for May 2019 Update PCs today.
• The update is optional, but it's packed with fixes.
• You can download the update now via Windows Update.

Microsoft today pushed another cumulative update out for Windows 10, this time for PCs on the May 2019 Update. For this round of fixes, the update is optional, though they'll be included with future cumulative updates as per usual.

Today's update pushes the May 2019 Update to build 18362.449 with KB4522355. Included are several fixes related to issues with Narrator, the Start menu, and more. Here are the highlights:

• Updates an issue that prevents Microsoft Narrator from working in certain touch mode scenarios.
• Updates an issue that starts assistive technology (AT) (such as Microsoft Narrator, Magnifier, or NVDA) after signing in when you've configured it to start before signing in.
• Updates an issue that causes Magnifier to stop working in certain scenarios, and you have to restart it manually.
• Updates an issue that causes Microsoft Narrator to stop working in the middle of a session in certain scenarios.
• Updates an issue that might prevent a scroll bar from being selected.
• Updates an issue that allows a device to go to Sleep (S3) even if you configure the device to never sleep.
• Updates an issue that prevents you from shrinking a window in some cases.
• Updates an issue that prevents you from connecting to a virtual private network (VPN).
• Updates an issue that causes screen flickering or is slow to display the screen when you show application thumbnails on a monitor that has high dots per inch (DPI).
• Updates an issue that causes the tile for the Photos app to appear larger than expected in the Start menu under certain conditions.
• Updates an issue that causes the system to stop responding at the sign-in screen.
• Updates an issue that might cause a black screen to appear the first time you sign in after installing a feature or quality update.
• Updates an issue that causes the Start menu, the Cortana Search bar, Tray icons, or Microsoft Edge to stop responding in certain scenarios after installing a monthly update.

There aren't any know issues to be aware of with this release. If you're running a PC with the May 2019 Update, you can download KB4522355 via Windows Update now. The fixes are also available as a manual download from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

What you need to know

• A new set of Windows 10 cumulative updates is now rolling out.
• The updates are required, and contain a fix for failed print jobs and the September 23 mitigation for an Internet Explorer vulnerability.
• The updates are available for the Windows 10 May 2019 Update and earlier.

Microsoft today rolled out a new batch of cumulative updates for Windows 10 PCs. Available for the Windows 10 May 2019 Update and earlier, these updates are marked as required, and they contain a fix for an issue that can cause print jobs to fail. The updates also bring build on the September 23 cumulative updates that brough a mitigation for an Internet Explorer security vulnerability.

Here's a look at what's new:

• Addresses an intermittent issue with the print spooler service that may cause print jobs to fail. Some apps may close or generate errors, such as the remote procedure call (RPC) error.
• Addresses an issue that may result in an error when you install Features On Demand (FOD), such as .Net 3.5. The error is, "The changes couldn't be complete. Please reboot your computer and try again. Error code: 0x800f0950."

You can read more about the September 23 Internet Explorer vulnerability mitigation at Microsoft.

These updates are rolling out now via Windows Update and will be offered automatically.

What you need to know

• The Windows 10 May 2019 Update is "ready for broad deployment," according to Microsoft.
• The update will now be served to all eligible PCs via Windows Update.
• The move comes just over four months after the May 2019 Update first launched.

Microsoft has taken a gradual approach to rolling out its latest Windows 10 feature update, the May 2019 Update, over the last several months, but it's now available for everyone. In an update to its release status page, Microsoft says that the May 2019 Update is now "ready for broad deployment for all users via Windows Update."

The move comes just over four months since the update's May 21 launch. In the intervening months, Microsoft has worked to squash a number of bugs that cropped up, and the majority of them are now categorized as resolved or mitigated.

This follows a similar shift in July, when Microsoft stated it would start pushing the update automatically to PCs running the April 2018 Update, which was nearing its end-of-support date.

If you haven't yet installed the May 2019 Update, it should be available now via Windows Update. In the coming weeks, we're also expecting Microsoft to start its full rollout of the 19H2 feature update, which is much smaller in scope and has reached testing with Windows Insiders on the Release Preview ring.

What you need to know

• A recent cumulative update for the Windows 10 May 2019 Update has broken Bluetooth audio for some users.
• Microsoft recently published a support document confirming the issue with update KB4505903.
• A workaround is available if you've experienced this issue.

If you've noticed that you can't connect Bluetooth speakers or headphones to your PC since installing a cumulative update for the Windows 10 May 2019 Update in July, you're not alone. Microsoft recently published a support document (via Windows Latest) that confirms an issue playing audio over Bluetooth after installing cumulative update KB4505903, which was released in July. The bug appears to affect PCs that have their own internal speakers.

THere are a few ways in which you might experience this bug. Here's how Microsoft describes the issue:

• A Bluetooth speaker can't connect to the computer.
• A Bluetooth speaker can connect to the computer. However, the speaker output sounds noisy (bad quality).
• A Bluetooth speaker can connect to the computer. However, the sound is generated by the internal speaker instead of the Bluetooth device.

Fortunately, there is a workaround available. If your PC is impacted, you can use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to repair missing and corrupted system files. From Microsoft:

• Open the command console by using administrative authority.
• At the command prompt, type the following command, and then press Enter:
  • sfc /scannow
• After the process is finished, restart the computer.

Microsoft has since released a Patch Tuesday update for the month of August, but it's unclear if that cumulative update corrects the issue. If you're still running a Windows 10 May 2019 Update on KB4505903 (build 18362.267), you can use the above workaround to get Bluetooth audio working correctly again.

What you need to know

• A new cumulative update is now available for the Windows 10 May 2019 Update.
• This update pushes the build number to 18362.267.
• The release brings a lengthy list of bug fixes, but no new features.

Microsoft this week pushed out anotehr cumulative update for PCs running the Windows 10 May 2019 Update. Like all cumulative releases, this update doesn't contain any new features. Instead, it's packed with a batch of bug fixes that correct a number of issues present in previous builds.

This release packs a few highlights, including fixes for the way Microsoft Edge handles PDF documents and corrections for a bug that would prevent Windows Hello from working after restarting your PC. Here's a look at the full list of fixes for build 18362.267:

• Addresses an issue that fails to record a local user's last sign in time even when the user has accessed the server's network share.
• Addresses an issue that may sever the domain trust relationship when you enable Recycle Bin in the domain that established the trust relationship.
• Addresses an issue that prevents Windows Hello face authentication from working after a restart. Updates time zone information for Brazil.
• Addresses an issue to enable Microsoft Edge to print PDF documents that contain landscape and portrait-oriented pages correctly.
• Addresses an issue with PDFs that are configured to be opened only once in Microsoft Edge.
• Addresses an issue that may display colors incorrectly when viewing an image on 10-bit display panels.
• Addresses an issue that may prevent you from changing the display brightness when using certain graphics drivers after resuming from Sleep or Hibernation.
• Addresses an issue in which Windows Graphics Device Interface (GDI+) returns an empty font family name for Bahnschrift.ttf.
• Addresses an issue that may cause a mouse press and release event to sometimes produce an extra mouse move event.
• Addresses an issue that may cause the UI to stop responding for several seconds when scrolling in windows that have many child windows.
• Addresses an issue that fails to bypass automatic sign in (Autologon) when you press and hold the Shift key during startup.
• Addresses an issue that may prevent a device from going to Sleep mode when certain applications that rely on Bluetooth are open.
• Addresses an issue that may reduce Bluetooth audio quality when using certain audio profiles for extended periods.
• Addresses an issue that prevents Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) scripting from working if you run it when you're not connected to a domain controller (DC). App-V scripting also fails when you run it in an environment that only contains Microsoft Azure Active Directory.
• Addresses an issue that causes an error if you open Microsoft OneDrive files on demand when User Experience Virtualization (UE-V) is enabled. To apply this solution, set the following DWORD to 1: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\UEV\Agent\Configuration\ApplyExplorerCompatFix
• Addresses an issue with UE-V that may sometimes prevent exclusion paths from working.
• Addresses an issue that may cause a system that has a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) to stop working.
• Addresses an issue that prevents a system from recognizing a Microsoft account or Azure Active Directory account until the user signs out and signs in again.
• Addresses an issue that may prevent the Netlogon service from establishing a secure channel and reports the error, "0xC000007A – ERROR_PROC_NOT_FOUND."
• Addresses an issue that fails to update the personal identification number (PIN) policy (minimum length, required digits and special characters, etc.) for Windows Hello for Business when a PIN already exists on the machine.
• Addresses an issue that causes failures to create a recovery drive (USB key) with the error, "0x80042405[gle=0x00000715]."
• Addresses an issue that prevents an Android emulator based on the virtual machine platform from starting on some systems.
• Addresses an issue that uses a temporary profile to sign in a local user account when the account is configured with a mandatory roaming user profile. The error, "We can't sign in to your account" appears. The Application event log contains Event 1521, and the event's source is listed as the Microsoft-Windows-User Profiles Service.
• Addresses an issue that changes the status for Work Folders in File Explorer to 0x80C802A0 (ECS_E_SYNC_UPLOAD_PLACEHOLDER_FAILURE) after selecting Free up space.
• Addresses an issue that may cause a Remote Desktop Server to stop responding when someone who is using drive redirection disconnects.
• Addresses an issue that may cause the Remote Access Connection Manager (RASMAN) service to stop working. You may receive the error "0xc0000005" on devices that have the diagnostic data level manually configured to the non-default setting of 0. You may also receive an error in the Application section of Windows Logs in Event Viewer with Event ID 1000 referencing "svchost.exe_RasMan" and "rasman.dll". This issue only occurs when a virtual private network (VPN) profile is configured as an Always On VPN (AOVPN) connection with or without a device tunnel.
• Addresses an issue that causes applications on a container host to intermittently lose connectivity because of a port conflict with applications running on a container.
• Addresses an issue that intermittently prevents connections to a corporate network when using Always On VPN with the IKEv2 protocol. Connections are not always automatically established, and manual connections sometimes fail. In this scenario, when you call the RasDial function from the command line for the target VPN connection, you receive the error, "ERROR_PORT_NOT_AVAILABLE(633)".
• Adds limited support for Windows voice dictation for Chinese Simplified, English (Australia, Canada, India, United Kingdom), French (France), German (Germany), Italian (Italy), Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Mexico, Spain).
• Addresses an issue with opening or using the Window-Eyes screen reader application that may result in an error and prevent some features from functioning as expected.
• Addresses an issue that prevents an App-V application from opening and displays a network failure error. This issue occurs under certain circumstances, such as when a system's battery is low or there is an unexpected power failure.
• Addresses an issue that prevents an App-V application from opening if the client is offline and a startup script is defined for the App-V application.
• Addresses a rare issue that causes Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) to temporarily prevent other processes from accessing files.
• Addresses an issue that causes the Start menu to stop responding when new users sign in to Windows 10, version 1903.
• Updates the Windows Ink Workspace by simplifying the menu and adding direct integration with the Microsoft Whiteboard app for a richer collaboration experience.

If you're running the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, you can grab these fixes now via Windows Update. Manual updates are also available through the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Portable (and affordable) power accessories we love

Each and every one of these charging gadgets will keep your favorite gear and gadgets going for longer, and none of them costs more than $30.

VisionTek 8,000 mAh micro-USB power bank ($13 at Dell)

This compact dual-output powerbank can speedily recharge any and all your devices, thanks to a two-amp "fast charge feature," using its micro-USB out port. Its simple design includes an LED indicator, and it costs about as much as a single ticket to the movies.

Panasonic eneloop AA batteries (From $13 at Dell)

Panasonic's rechargeable batteries are among the best available, and just a couple of them will keep your favorite remote, mice or other peripherals powered up when you need them. They're also eco. And the company's affordable charger fits and charges both AA and AAA batteries at the same time.

Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($30 at Dell)

This unobtrusive Qi wireless charging pad looks good (and kind of like a UFO …) and easily charges all your Qi-compatible device up to 5W. Its LED indicator lights up when you're charging. And it costs just $30.

What you need to know

• Microsoft is pushing the Windows 10 May 2019 Update to older devices.
• Devices running the April 2018 Update will receive the update to stay in support.
• Users can delay the update for 35 days.

Microsoft is pushing out the Windows 10 May 2019 Update to older devices. Specifically, users with devices running the April 2018 Update of Windows 10 will see the update. Devices running the April 2018 Update will fall out of support on November 12, 2019, so Microsoft is pushing the update to keep them supported.

The Microsoft support site outlining the rollout mentions that the update will ship to devices running the April 2018 Update that will lose support this year, but the update will also roll out to other devices that are about to lose support.

Microsoft forcing device updates is controversial, as some users want full control of their machines, but it isn't new. Microsoft pushes out updates for every version of Windows 10 to ensure that devices stay supported. Users can elect to delay the update for up to 35 days.

Windows 10 May 2019 Update: The Ultimate Guide

If you're on a newer device and haven't received the May 2019 Update, you can check to see if it's available through the Settings app. It is available on any device when users manually check for updates except on devices that have a safeguard hold.

Portable (and affordable) power accessories we love

Each and every one of these charging gadgets will keep your favorite gear and gadgets going for longer, and none of them costs more than $30.

VisionTek 8,000 mAh micro-USB power bank ($13 at Dell)

This compact dual-output powerbank can speedily recharge any and all your devices, thanks to a two-amp "fast charge feature," using its micro-USB out port. Its simple design includes an LED indicator, and it costs about as much as a single ticket to the movies.

Panasonic eneloop AA batteries (From $13 at Dell)

Panasonic's rechargeable batteries are among the best available, and just a couple of them will keep your favorite remote, mice or other peripherals powered up when you need them. They're also eco. And the company's affordable charger fits and charges both AA and AAA batteries at the same time.

Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($30 at Dell)

This unobtrusive Qi wireless charging pad looks good (and kind of like a UFO …) and easily charges all your Qi-compatible device up to 5W. Its LED indicator lights up when you're charging. And it costs just $30.

What you need to know

• Microsoft has placed a new upgrade block on the Windows 10 May 2019 Update.
• The block prevents the update from being automatically installed on Surface Book 2 devices with an NVIDIA discrete GPU.
• A compatibility issue prompted the block, but there is a workaround for those who have already installed the update.

Microsoft put a new upgrade block in place for the Windows 10 May 2019 Update this week, affecting Surface Book 2 laptops with discrete GPUs (dGPU). The issue was added to Microsoft's support document for the May 2019 Update on July 12 (via Michael West), and was prompted by a newly discovered compatibility issue between the update and the NVIDIA GPUs used in some Surface Book 2 models.

According to the issue's description, the discrete GPU "may occasionally disappear from device manager" if you're using a Surface Book 2 with a dGPU. From the issue tracker:

The upgrade block simply means that the update will be prevented from automatically installing on affected Surface Book 2 models until the issue is resolved. However, the May 2019 Update has been available for some time now and the update can be manually triggered through the "Update now" button or installed through the media creation tool.

If you've already installed the update on a Surface Book 2 with a dGPU, Microsoft suggests restarting your device or using the "Scan for hardware changes" in the "Action" section of Device Manager.

Currently, the Windows 10 May 2019 Update has four open issues and several that have either already been mitigated or resolved.

Our favorite computer speakers for less $100

Team Windows Central wholeheartedly recommends each of these computer speaker setups, because they all bring the NOISE and will not wound your wallet.

Bose Companion 2 Series III speakers ($99 at Dell)

If you want great sound quality and value, then you want Bose. You too can have room-filling, immersive sound, so Bose says in every advertisement.

Logitech Z313 speaker system with subwoofer ($49 at Dell)

The Z313 comes with a powered subwoofer and two satellite speakers to deliver 25 watts of total power. That's enough to fill your room and then some.

GOgroove BassPULSE ($50 at Dell)

These are clearly the coolest-looking speakers recommended here, but they're not all flash and guile – these speakers can produce amazing highs and lows, for just $50.

It's been eight months since the last "major" Windows 10 feature update started rolling out, packing lots of refinements and notable new features that make using Windows 10 more enjoyable. In May, another major update of the same caliber started rolling out to users across the world, featuring more enhancements and refinements to the overall user experience while introducing a couple of notable new features along the way.

Known as the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, this latest release from Microsoft is in no way a huge update, just like the previous ones before it. Upon upgrading, you'll likely notice very little has changed on the surface, and that's by design. Microsoft is not trying to force significant changes onto users, instead opting for more subtle updates that change things over time. Some of these changes are good, some not so much. Let's dive into it all.

We've updated this article in July with our latest thoughts and opinions on the new features available in this update.

• Video walkthrough
• Start, Taskbar, and Action Center
• Search and Cortana
• Windows Sandbox
• File Explorer
• Settings
• Windows Update
• Miscellaneous
• Conclusion

Video walkthrough

Reading not your thing? Check out our in-depth video walkthrough showcasing all the noteworthy new changes and features in the May 2019 Update.

Windows 10's Start, Taskbar, and Action Center

Starting with the Windows Shell, which includes things like the Start menu, Action Center, Taskbar, context menus, and touch keyboard, Microsoft is introducing a brand new "light" theme that changes these interfaces from using dark colors to light colors instead. This gives Windows 10 a fresh, modern look. While I think the dark theme is still the best, many prefer light user interfaces as they can look cleaner and more contemporary when done correctly.

Microsoft has done a great job with the new light theme. It's more or less consistent across the board, with only a couple of areas (Cortana and My People) that for some reason haven't been updated to support the new light mode. It's arguably much more consistent than the dark theme is, and that's because most of Windows 10's legacy user interfaces are light and haven't been updated to support dark mode. So, if you use the light theme, pretty much all the interfaces you interact with will be light.

The light theme isn't perfect, however. Some of the Fluent Design effects, notably the reveal effects, don't show up too well in places like the Start menu. This is odd because Microsoft has a specific version of reveal for light interfaces that uses a dark highlight instead. For whatever reason, Microsoft decided to not put much effort into making the Start menu use that version of the reveal effect, meaning you lose out on the cool highlight effects when using the Start menu in light mode.

On the flipside, some Fluent Design effects stand out way more, such as the newly added drop shadows behind context menus. Speaking of which, context menus in Start, the taskbar, and other modern areas of the OS have been updated with Fluent Design, meaning they now feature things like acrylic blur effects, reveal effects, and drop shadows. This makes modern context menus look very clean and fit in nicely with the rest of Microsoft's Fluent Design System. It's still not consistent everywhere, but it's a good step forward.

Another notable change to the Start menu is a new default layout when clean installing or setting up a new PC with the May 2019 Update preinstalled. Microsoft has reduced the number of tiles that are pinned to the Start menu by default to just nine, under two groups instead of three or four. This makes the Start menu look way less noisy, and much more professional to new users just looking to get their programs up and running on a new PC.

All of the third-party tiles that promote apps in the Microsoft Store are all under one group now, which is excellent because Microsoft has also added the ability to unpin entire groups from the Start menu with a single click. If you right-click the header of a group, an "unpin this group" option will appear. Clicking it will simply remove all the tiles within a group, meaning you can get rid of those pesky advertisement tiles very quickly.

Moving onto the Action Center, Microsoft added a new brightness slider to the quick actions area. This is something users have been asking for since it was removed in the first Windows 10 release, and Microsoft finally listened. In addition, Microsoft updated the way users edit quick actions, now being able to do it directly from within the Action Center without being thrown into a separate settings window. You can pin, unpin, and move around quick actions directly from within the Action Center, which is a much better system than the previous one.

Windows 10's Search and Cortana

Microsoft made some big changes to the Cortana and search experiences in the May 2019 Update, and it outright split them in two. This comes after years of feedback from users being frustrated with Cortana's presence in the search UI on Windows 10. People just wanted to search without Cortana getting in the way, and now with the May 2019 Update, you can do just that. Unfortunately, the separation of these two features hasn't been elegant. In fact, I'd argue this is the weakest part of the May 2019 Update.

To be clear, search still works as search, and Cortana still works as Cortana. It's just that now these two features have their own separate buttons on the taskbar that take you into the same user interfaces that they had before. Zero work has been done to accommodate the fact that these two things are now standalone experiences. This leads to some confusing UI that doesn't make any sense, and it is mind-boggling as to how this was allowed to ship.

The new Cortana experience isn't really new at all. It's the same old Cortana experience, which if this were three years ago wouldn't be much of a problem. But over the last few Windows 10 feature updates, Microsoft has pulled out things like the Cortana feed, which gave Cortana a little more substance than just being a button that lets you talk to your computer. Now that Cortana and Search are separate, Cortana has nothing in it. There's no upcoming weather forecast, no forthcoming meetings, no nothing.

What's worse, you can no longer type to interact with Cortana. The Cortana button on the taskbar simply invokes Cortana listening, and since there's no UI, there's nothing else you can do except access the Notebook or close Cortana. There's no text bar to type into, and that's because the search feature is the thing that retained the bar on the taskbar. Not Cortana.

Even though Cortana and search are now separate, underneath they're still together. This means that even though the search bar is now tied to the search UI, and visually has nothing to do with Cortana, you can still use it to interact with Cortana. This makes for the most confusing user experience I've ever used. Why even have a Cortana button in the taskbar that does nothing if you can still use the Cortana commands in the search bar using the search UI? It makes no sense.

I've noticed not all commands work as intended the search box, either. I typed "turn off my Xbox" one time, and it pulled up Cortana and asked if I wanted to turn it off. I said yes, and Cortana then went ahead and powered off my PC as I was using it, not the Xbox.

The whole point of splitting Cortana and search is so that Microsoft could build out each feature as its own thing, without getting in the way of one another. Unfortunately, Microsoft has opted to do the bare minimum here. Microsoft is planning to further this separation with an actual good Cortana experience with the next major update coming in spring 2020, but that's a long way away. For now, we're stuck with this.

On the search side of things, the UI is more or less the same when searching, but there's now a new landing page that shows your most used apps and recent Timeline activities. It's a clean UI, but for some reason, Microsoft is using custom context menus that aren't like anything else in the Windows Shell. They have no animation, no Fluent Design, and don't even adhere to the dark theme.

Search is now separate from Cortana, so it no longer has a hamburger menu along the left side. Typically, this wouldn't be a problem, but since Microsoft hasn't updated the UI, it's very obviously missing a hamburger menu now. It just looks stupid having this unnecessary gap that's the exact width of the Start button between the edge of your screen and the beginning of the search UI.

Also, Microsoft did a poor job integrating the search UI and the Start menu. You can still begin typing directly on the Start menu, but instead of getting a smooth transition from the Start menu to the search UI, the Start menu briefly closes and the search UI pops up without any animation. It's quick, but clunky.

Overall, the Cortana and Search split in the May 2019 Update feels unfinished and needs serious work. Microsoft says it has improved the search algorithms under the hood, which should result in more accurate and faster searches. But the overall user experience is rough.

Windows 10's new Sandbox feature

This is arguably one of the more significant new features in this release, but only if you're a Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise user. If you run Windows 10 Home, unfortunately, Windows Sandbox is not available. Essentially, Windows Sandbox allows you to run programs that might not be safe in a throwaway virtual machine, untouched from your actual OS.

For example, if I were to download a random .exe from the web, and I wanted to run it, instead of risking my actual Windows 10 install, I can just boot up Windows Sandbox, and run the .exe in there. If it turns out to be safe, I can install it on my main OS; if not, I can close the Sandbox and all its contents are discarded forever.

Sandbox is a power user feature, meaning most users likely won't find it very useful. In fact, it's turned off by default, requiring you to go into a legacy Control Panel applet to enable it. Once enabled, you'll find the Windows Sandbox feature in the Start menu's apps list. The throwaway virtual machine runs the same version of Windows 10 that you're running normally, except with nothing installed. It's a clean slate every time.

Improvements to File Explorer

Some minor changes have been made to the File Explorer in the May 2019 Update, all designed to make using it a little easier. Microsoft changed the default view for the downloads folder, now putting your most recent downloads at the very top and categorizing them under dated tabs. This has been in Windows for a long time but wasn't set as default until now.

This view for the downloads folder is a much better way of organizing your downloads. Previously, your downloads would just organize alphabetically, like most other folders on your PC. This meant that, for the most part, you would have to hunt for the file you just downloaded in the downloads folder. That's no longer an issue now that the default behavior is to have the most recent download at the very top of the list in the downloads folder.

Microsoft also updated the File Explorer icon a bit, giving it a slightly warmer color so that it doesn't clash with the new light theme. This isn't something you'll likely notice unless you compare them side by side.

Windows 10's updated Settings

As is the case with every new Windows 10 feature update, Microsoft did some new stuff with the Settings app. To begin, Microsoft has updated the account security area of the Settings app, cleaning up the UI and making things a little more organized. You'll now see all of the options available for setup on your account, including things like Windows Hello facial recognition, fingerprint login, or iris scanning. You can also easily set up with a standard PIN, physical security key, standard password, and even a picture password from Windows 8.

This new UI is so much cleaner and straight forward, but I wonder why Microsoft decided that it's necessary to list sign-in options even if they are unavailable on my device. Windows Hello fingerprint shows up on my Surface Book 2, even though it doesn't have a fingerprint scanner. I'd much prefer if the options that were unavailable on my device didn't show up at all. Either way, the new UI is a great improvement that makes setting up account authentication more straightforward.

Microsoft updated Focus Assist to come on automatically when entering fullscreen mode within an app. So, if you're using Netflix for example, and you enter fullscreen mode to watch your video, notifications will no longer bombard you while you're in fullscreen mode. You can turn this off, of course, but the idea is if you're entering fullscreen, you likely don't want to be interrupted.

There are also plenty of new ease-of-access options available in the Settings app, including the ability to change the color of your cursor and resize it with more granular controls. While Windows has always had the ability to resize your cursor, it's never been this easy. It's now just a simple slider, that updates on the fly without you needing to click "apply" every time you set a size.

Windows 10's new Windows Update

Windows Update received some pretty significant upgrades with the May 2019 Update, and it's good news for users. Microsoft is backing off its heavy-handedness when it comes to forcing updates onto users. Starting this month, users will no longer be forced to install new feature updates unless they explicitly click on an install button for it. You will still have to install security patches and driver updates, but the big feature updates won't be forced straight away.

Eventually, the latest feature update will be forced, but only once the version of Windows 10 you're using runs out support, which is usually every 18 months for users upgrading to a new version of Windows 10 on release. So, for example, if you were to install the May 2019 Update upon release, you wouldn't have to install any other feature updates released between the May 2019 Update and 18 months after.

This doesn't mean Microsoft isn't going to alert you of a new feature update, however. Microsoft added orange indicators that sit in the System Tray and Start menu when an update is pending install. I find them quite handy, as it's an easy and subtle way to tell if my PC needs to restart.

Microsoft added the option to delay Windows 10 security and driver updates for up to 35 days. These updates are forced on a more frequent basis, as they're designed to keep your PC running securely and smoothly, but you can pause them. This is new for Windows 10 Home users, who previously were unable to pause security updates.

So overall, Microsoft really improved Windows Update with this release. The only time the PC will forcefully restart is if the user has delayed an update for an inexplicable amount of time. There's now plenty of time for a user to find out an update is available and prepare their PC to install it.

Miscellaneous changes

One notable change that you probably wouldn't notice unless you were told is the wallpaper on the lock screen will now blur when you go to login. It's a nice, subtle design choice that puts the login screen inline with other Fluent Design areas of the OS.

Microsoft is also focused on privacy with this update, adding little things like a microphone icon in the system tray whenever an app is using your mic. Clicking on the icon will bring you to a settings pane that lets you control what apps can access your microphone.

Cloud Clipboard received some minor updates, reducing the overall size of the UI to make it more natural for keyboard and mice users. I still think discoverability of this feature is abysmal. I wouldn't be surprised if no one used it, because they don't know it's there. It's off by default, likely for privacy reasons, but there's nothing during setup that would indicate that there is such a feature. The only way you'd know is if someone told you about it, or you just happen to stumble across it in Settings.

Finally, Microsoft says it has updated the reliability of the Start menu. I've had mixed results with these claims, however. On one device, Start works fine all of the time. It opens instantly and is very fast. On another device, however, Start crashes at least once a day and doesn't pop up for about 10 seconds after that.

May 2019 Update final thoughts

So, should you install the May 2019 Update?

I think so, yes. Microsoft took extra special care to make sure this update is free of any data-losing bugs or major issues. It's spent an extra month in testing to ensure this. I know, because this update was supposed to be called the April 2019 Update, until Microsoft decided to give it a little more testing time. That's a good thing.

I think the improvements to Windows Update are worth it alone. The new light theme is something cool to check out, and the other smaller miscellaneous changes make the update feel complete. Search and Cortana really do need some work, though. The search function is fine, but the split is rough and does not make for a very good user experience.

The Windows 10 May 2019 Update is rolling out now as a free update for Windows 10 users. If you don't own Windows 10 yet, you can buy it right from Microsoft now.

Cheap PC accessories we love

Take a gander at these awesome PC accessories, all of which will enhance your Windows experience.

Anker 4 port USB 3.0 hub ($10 at Amazon)

Whether on a desktop or laptop PC, you always need more ports to connect things to. This hub gives you an additional four USB 3.0 Type A ports.

Ikea Fixa Cable Management System ($11 at Amazon)

This IKEA cable management kit is your ticket to a clean setup. It's simple and functional.

NZXT Puck ($20 at Amazon)

This clever little accessory has powerful magnets on the rear to make it stick to any of the metal panels on your PC case or anything else. It's great for hanging accessories like headsets.

Users running the Windows 10 May 2019 Update seem to be facing a bug that is causing displays to render colors incorrectly, even though, a recent update should have fixed the problem.

According to a support page from a computer display manufacturer called Eizo and various user reports on Reddit (WinterBrave) (efreetcs), after installing the May 2019 Update, color tones don't render correctly, causing a banding (vertical stripes) effect despite the graphics hardware or monitor you use.

It's unclear the exact source of the problem, but it would appear that there is an issue with the Windows Calibration Loader that's conflicting with the graphics driver making gradients not look smooth.

Although the problem won't affect the ability to use a device for most people, it's a problem for professionals and anyone working with videos and images on Windows 10. If you're affected by this color reproduction issue, there's a workaround that involves disabling a related task using the Task Scheduler that will mitigate the problem until a permanent fix is available.

In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through two workarounds to fix the vertical stripe (banding) effect when viewing gradient colors after upgrading to the May 2019 Update.

• How to fix color reproduction problems using Task Scheduler
• How to fix color reproduction problems removing May 2019 Update

How to fix color reproduction problems using Task Scheduler

Until Microsoft releases a permanent fix, if you work editing videos and images, you can use these steps to mitigate issues with vertical stripes (banding) in gradient colors on Windows 10:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Task Scheduler and click the top result to open the app.
3. Browse the following path:Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > WindowsColorSystem
4. Right-click the Calibration Loader task on the right side and select the Properties option.

5. Click the Triggers tab.
6. Select the At log on trigger.
7. Click the Edit button.

8. Clear the Enabled option to disable the trigger.

9. Click the OK button.
10. Select the On connection to user session trigger.
11. Click the Edit button.
12. Click the Enabled option to disable the trigger.

13. Click the OK button.
14. Restart your computer.

Once you complete these steps, when viewing images with gradient colors, you should no longer see banding (vertical lines). However, the bug is likely to reappear if Windows 10 attempts to load the calibration service, which can happen when trying to adjust the display configuration. If this is the case, restarting the computer should remove the gradient reproduction problem.

In our test, disabling the Calibration Loader task resolved the color reproduction issue with version 1903, as shown here:

When a permanent solution is available, you can revert the changes using the same instructions, but on steps No. 8 and No. 12 make sure to check the Enabled option.

How to fix color reproduction problems removing May 2019 Update

If the first workaround isn't working for you, and the recovery option is still available, you can rollback to the previous version of Windows 10 to get around the color problem with the May 2019 Update.

To restore the previous installation of Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Click on Recovery.
4. Under the "Go back to a previous version of Windows 10" section, click the Get started button.

5. Select any reason.
6. Click the Next button.

7. Click the No, thanks button.

8. Click the Next button.

9. Click the Next button again.

10. Click the Go back to earlier build button.

After completing the steps, you should wait until a permanent solution is available before installing the May 2019 Update again.

If you haven't yet installed the May 2019 Update, we recommended staying with your current version until you know the color issue has a permanent fix. In the case that you're using a version nearing the end of service, you can block the feature update using these steps.

Mauro recommends all these affordable accessories

Hi, I'm Mauro Huculak, Windows Central's help and how-to guru. I wrote the post you're reading now, and I know the Windows OS inside and out. But I'm also a bit of a hardware geek. These are some of the affordable gadgets on my desk today.

Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse ($72 at Amazon)

I know mice, and this is the one I use every day. The MX Master is a wireless high-precision mouse that's very comfortable to use and has many great features, including the ability to connect with multiple devices, an infinite scroll wheel, back and forward buttons, all of which you can customize.

Ktrio Extended Gaming Mouse Pad ($12 at Amazon)

If you spend a lot of time typing, your palms and mouse will leave tracks on your desk. My solution was to start using gaming mouse pads, which are big enough for you to use the keyboard and the mouse comfortably. This is the one I use and recommend.

Supernight LED light strip ($20 at Amazon)

You could just use a regular light bulb in your office, but if you want to add some ambient lighting with different colors, an RGB LED strip is the way to go. This one is Mauro-approved.

What you need to know

• AdDuplex's latest monthly report shows that the May 2019 Update is now on 6.3 percent of Windows 10 PCs.
• The October 2018 Update has dropped to an even 30 percent share in this latest report.
• The May 2019 Update is, so far, on the same rollout pace as the October 2018 Update.

The Windows 10 May 2019 Update has been out for a little over a month now, and it's already starting to make a small dent. According to the latest report from AdDuplex, the May 2019 Update now commands a 6.3 percent share of Windows 10 PCs. That's up from the 1.4 percent share it held last month after it had only been available for a week.

According to AdDuplex's previously released numbers, this puts the May 2019 Update at about the same pace of that we saw with the October 2018 Update. Notably, the October 2018 Update encountered several major issues after its launch, causing it to undergo a much slower rollout than its predecessors. The May 2019 Update hasn't experienced similarly large issues, so it appears Microsoft is taking a slower approach out of caution, if AdDuplex's numbers are reflective of Windows 10 PCs as a whole.

Moving on to the rest of the Windows 10 ecosystem, the October 2018 Update is at an even 30 percent share, down slightly from last month. The April 2018 Update is also down, though it still holds a commanding 58 percent share of Windows 10 PCs. The Fall Creators Update holds on to a 2.5 percent share, while PCs on the Creators Update and older are now sitting at a combined 2.9 percent.

Remember that AdDuplex's data is based on a sampling of 5,000 apps that use its SDK, so real-world figures will likely differ. However, the monthly report is a handy tool for tracking general trends. The latest numbers were collected throughout the day of June 26.

Our favorite computer speakers for less $100

Team Windows Central wholeheartedly recommends each of these computer speaker setups, because they all bring the NOISE and will not wound your wallet.

Bose Companion 2 Series III speakers ($99 at Dell)

If you want great sound quality and value, then you want Bose. You too can have room-filling, immersive sound, so Bose says in every advertisement.

Logitech Z313 speaker system with subwoofer ($49 at Dell)

The Z313 comes with a powered subwoofer and two satellite speakers to deliver 25 watts of total power. That's enough to fill your room and then some.

GOgroove BassPULSE ($50 at Dell)

These are clearly the coolest-looking speakers recommended here, but they're not all flash and guile – these speakers can produce amazing highs and lows, for just $50.

What you need to know

• Windows 10 devices that aren't ready to receive the May 2019 Update will now show a notification.
• The May 2019 Update is available to people who manually check for updates, but some devices aren't supported.
• Microsoft is using machine learning to improve the rollout of Windows Updates.

A new notification will appear on Windows 10 devices that aren't ready to receive the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (via WindowsLatest). Windows 10 version 1903, also known as the May 2019 Update, recently became available to people who manually checked for an update through the Windows Settings app. While the update is available, that doesn't mean all devices will be able to download it. This is because some hardware isn't supported and some devices don't have the drivers necessary to update to Windows 10 version 1903.

If you manually check for an update on an unsupported device, you'll see this prompt:

This is a useful clarification as many users have expressed frustration and confusion regarding the availability of the Windows 10 May 2019 Update. Now, they'll receive a clearer message that their device isn't currently able to receive the update.

Microsoft has also stated in a doc that machine learning is being used to improve the rollout process stating:

The Windows Update process hasn't been as smooth as users would like over the last few years. With the help of machine learning and clearer communication, this will hopefully be improved.

Affordable accessories that'll pair perfectly with your PC

Every one of these awesome PC accessories will enhance your everyday experience — and none cost more than $30.

KLIM Aim RGB gaming mouse ($30 at Amazon)

Whether you're a gamer or not, this is an absurdly good mouse for the price. It's ambidextrous, has a responsive sensor, a braided cable, tank-like build quality, and, yes, it has RGB lighting, though you can turn it off if that's not your thing.

AmazonBasics USB speakers ($16 at Amazon)

These neat little speakers may only pack 2.4W of total power, but don't let that fool you. For something so small you get a well-rounded sound and a stylish design. And they only cost $16.

Razer mouse bungee ($20 at Amazon)

Use a wired mouse? You need a mouse bungee to keep your cable tidy and free of snags. You get no drag on the cable, and this one has subtle styling, a rust-resistant spring and a weighted base, all for $20.

What you need to know

• June's "Patch Tuesday" updates are now available for Windows 10 PCs.
• The cumulative updates contain no new features, but pack several bug fixes.
• The updates are available now via Windows Update.

Microsoft is pushing out the latest round of "Patch Tuesday" updates for Windows 10 PCs today. As usual with these monthly updates, there are no new features to check out. However, the cumulative updates rolling out today bring fixes for people running the Windows 10 May 2019 Update and older.

For anyone running the May 2019 Update, you'll pick up KB4503293, which ticks the build number up to 18362.175. Here's what's included:

• Addresses a security vulnerability by intentionally preventing connections between Windows and Bluetooth devices that are not secure and use well-known keys to encrypt connections, including security fobs. If BTHUSB Event 22 in the Event Viewer states, "Your Bluetooth device attempted to establish a debug connection….", then your system is affected. Contact your Bluetooth device manufacturer to determine if a device update exists. For more information, see CVE-2019-2102 and KB4507623.
• Security updates to Windows Virtualization, Microsoft Scripting Engine, Internet Explorer, Windows App Platform and Frameworks, Windows Input and Composition, Windows Media, Windows Shell, Windows Server, Windows Authentication, Windows Cryptography, Windows Storage and Filesystems, Windows SQL Components, the Microsoft JET Database Engine, and Internet Information Services.

For PCs on the October 2018 Update, KB4503327 brings a little more to the table with build 17763.557. Here's a look:

• Addresses an issue that may prevent the Windows Mixed Reality keyboard from rendering correctly in some applications.
• Addresses a security vulnerability by intentionally preventing connections between Windows and Bluetooth devices that are not secure and use well-known keys to encrypt connections, including security fobs. If BTHUSB Event 22 in the Event Viewer states, "Your Bluetooth device attempted to establish a debug connection….", then your system is affected. Contact your Bluetooth device manufacturer to determine if a device update exists. For more information, see CVE-2019-2102 and KB4507623.
• Addresses an issue that may prevent the Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) from starting a device from a Windows Deployment Services (WDS) server configured to use Variable Window Extension. This may cause the connection to the WDS server to terminate prematurely while downloading the image. This issue does not affect clients or devices that are not using Variable Window Extension.
• Adds updated Broadcom Wi-Fi firmware to Microsoft HoloLens. For more information, see Advisory 190016.
• Addresses an issue that may prevent Internet Explorer 11 from opening if the Default Search Provider is not set or is malformed.
• Security updates to Microsoft Scripting Engine, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Windows App Platform and Frameworks, Windows Input and Composition, Windows Media, Windows Shell, Windows Server, Windows Authentication, Windows Cryptography, Windows Datacenter Networking, Windows Storage and Filesystems, Windows SQL components, the Microsoft JET Database Engine, Windows Virtualization, Windows Kernel, and Internet Information Services.

The April 2018 Update, meanwhile, will see KB4503286, pushing the build number to 17134.829. Here's what's included:

• Addresses a security vulnerability by intentionally preventing connections between Windows and Bluetooth devices that are not secure and use well-known keys to encrypt connections, including security fobs. If BTHUSB Event 22 in the Event Viewer states, "Your Bluetooth device attempted to establish a debug connection….", then your system is affected. Contact your Bluetooth device manufacturer to determine if a device update exists. For more information, see CVE-2019-2102 and KB4507623.
• Addresses an issue that may prevent the Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) from starting a device from a Windows Deployment Services (WDS) server configured to use Variable Window Extension. This may cause the connection to the WDS server to terminate prematurely while downloading the image. This issue does not affect clients or devices that are not using Variable Window Extension.
• Addresses an issue that may prevent Internet Explorer 11 from opening if the Default Search Provider is not set or is malformed.
• Security updates to Microsoft Scripting Engine, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Windows App Platform and Frameworks, Windows App Platform and Frameworks, Windows Input and Composition, Windows Media, Windows Shell, Windows Server, Windows Authentication, Windows Cryptography, Windows Storage and Filesystems, Windows Virtualization, Internet Information Services Windows SQL components, and the Microsoft JET Database Engine.

Similar batches of fixes are also available for older versions of Windows 10. For more, you can check out all of Microsoft's release notes at the Windows Support site. Otherwise, you can pick up the latest Patch Tuesday fixes by checking Windows Update now.

Cheap PC accessories we love

Take a gander at these awesome PC accessories, all of which will enhance your Windows experience.

Anker 4 port USB 3.0 hub ($10 at Amazon)

Whether on a desktop or laptop PC, you always need more ports to connect things to. This hub gives you an additional four USB 3.0 Type A ports.

Ikea Fixa Cable Management System ($11 at Amazon)

This IKEA cable management kit is your ticket to a clean setup. It's simple and functional.

NZXT Puck ($20 at Amazon)

This clever little accessory has powerful magnets on the rear to make it stick to any of the metal panels on your PC case or anything else. It's great for hanging accessories like headsets.

On displays, dots per inch (DPI) defines the number of pixels per each physical unit that make up a panel. Traditionally, monitors shipped with 96 pixels per inch, but as the technology evolved, companies began to increase the number of pixels in the same physical space resulting on screens with 200 and even higher DPI.

Although higher pixel density helps to ensure sharper images, a form of display scaling is required to size elements on the screen properly. Otherwise, visual elements and text will appear so tiny that they'll be difficult to use.

Related: How to change DPI settings for 'classic' apps on Windows 10

Windows 10 apps that you acquire from the Microsoft Store can dynamically adjust to the appropriate scale setting on a per-monitor basis. However, there are still a lot of classic desktop (Win32) programs that can't properly handle scaling, and as a result, they'll appear with blurry text, icons, and boxes, and with incorrect size.

If you're wondering which applications may cause scaling problems, starting with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903), Task Manager is receiving an update with a new "DPI Awareness" option to understand which apps are DPI aware and which apps will appear blurry and stretch on high-DPI displays like those available on Surface devices and external monitors.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to find out which apps currently running on your device can respond to the DPI changes automatically with the option available starting with the May 2019 Update.

How to view apps DPI Awareness using Task Manager

To see which apps are DPI-aware on your device, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Task Manager, and click the top result to open the experience.Quick tip: You can also open Task Manager using the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut, or you can right-click the taskbar and select the Task Manager option.
3. Click on the Details tab.
4. Right-click any of the column's header and choose the Select columns option.

5. Check the DPI Awareness option.

6. Click the OK button.
7. See the list apps capable of DPI Awareness:
   • Unaware: When an app uses the DPI Unaware mode on a display with the scale settings higher than 100 percent (96 pixels per inch), Windows 10 will stretch the interface, and as a result, it'll appear blurry. (DPI Unaware is available for all versions of Windows.)
   • System: When an app is system DPI aware, it'll obtain the scaling settings from the primary monitor allowing the app to scale and render correctly, no matter the scaling settings. However, if the app is moved to another monitor or the scale setting changes, Windows 10 will stretch the interface, and as a result, the app will appear blurry. (System DPI aware is available since Windows Vista.)
   • Per-Monitor: When an app uses the per-monitor DPI awareness mode, it'll render correctly automatically even if the scaling settings changes. (Per-Monitor V1 is available since Windows 8.1.)
   • Per-Monitor V2: When an app uses the second version per-monitor DPI awareness, it'll immediately resize the interface accordingly like in version 1, but with several additional benefits, including top-level and child HWNDs are notified of DPI changes, as well as automatic scaling of non-client era, theme-draw bitmaps, and dialogs. (Per-Monitor V2 is available since the Windows 10 Creators Update, and it's the recommended mode that developers should use to build applications.)

Once you complete the steps, you'll have a better understanding of which applications are likely to become stretched and blurry on a multi-monitor setup or as the DPI setting changes on Windows 10.

Mauro recommends all these affordable accessories

Hi, I'm Mauro Huculak, Windows Central's help and how-to guru. I wrote the post you're reading now, and I know the Windows OS inside and out. But I'm also a bit of a hardware geek. These are some of the affordable gadgets on my desk today.

Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse ($72 at Amazon)

I know mice, and this is the one I use every day. The MX Master is a wireless high-precision mouse that's very comfortable to use and has many great features, including the ability to connect with multiple devices, an infinite scroll wheel, back and forward buttons, all of which you can customize.

Ktrio Extended Gaming Mouse Pad ($12 at Amazon)

If you spend a lot of time typing, your palms and mouse will leave tracks on your desk. My solution was to start using gaming mouse pads, which are big enough for you to use the keyboard and the mouse comfortably. This is the one I use and recommend.

Supernight LED light strip ($20 at Amazon)

You could just use a regular light bulb in your office, but if you want to add some ambient lighting with different colors, an RGB LED strip is the way to go. This one is Mauro-approved.

What you need to know

• Windows 10 users can now update to version 1903 by manually checking for updates.
• This update seems to be rolling out more smoothly than the October 2018 Update.
• The October 2018 Update didn't become fully available until December.

The Windows 10 May Update, which is version 1903, is now available for anyone that manually updates their PC. All you need to do is click "Check for updates" in the Settings app of your Windows 10 device. The status of the latest major Windows Update is outlined by Microsoft in a recently updated doc.

This is a major update with a long list of features and changes. Some of the most notable changes include a Light Theme, the ability to run apps in Windows Sandbox, and improvements to the Windows Update process. You can check out our in-depth review of the update to read up on all of the new features.

Microsoft releases two major updates each year but has run into snags recently. The October 2018 Update has only reached 31.3 percent of Windows 10 PCs according to AdDuplex and didn't become fully available until December of 2018.

While the rollout of the May 2019 Update hasn't been seamless, it seems to be rolling out significantly smoother than the October 2018 Update as it's become available to anyone who chooses to manually upgrade just seven days into June.

Affordable accessories that'll pair perfectly with your PC

Every one of these awesome PC accessories will enhance your everyday experience — and none cost more than $30.

KLIM Aim RGB gaming mouse ($30 at Amazon)

Whether you're a gamer or not, this is an absurdly good mouse for the price. It's ambidextrous, has a responsive sensor, a braided cable, tank-like build quality, and, yes, it has RGB lighting, though you can turn it off if that's not your thing.

AmazonBasics USB speakers ($16 at Amazon)

These neat little speakers may only pack 2.4W of total power, but don't let that fool you. For something so small you get a well-rounded sound and a stylish design. And they only cost $16.

Razer mouse bungee ($20 at Amazon)

Use a wired mouse? You need a mouse bungee to keep your cable tidy and free of snags. You get no drag on the cable, and this one has subtle styling, a rust-resistant spring and a weighted base, all for $20.

The May 2019 Update (version 1903) for Windows 10 is slowly rolling out to devices with a slew of new refinements and a new set of features designed to make the OS more useful.

However, with this seventh major update, Microsoft is not attempting to change the way you use Windows 10 significantly. Instead, the company is taking an incremental approach to improve the already available experiences while still introducing some additional smaller features.

For instance, Windows 10 version 1903 introduces a new light mode that expands the color scheme to the Start menu and taskbar. Search and Cortana become two separate features, and you'll find new settings to improve your search experience. Windows Sandbox is a new feature to allow you to test untrusted apps without affecting your current installation. You'll find improvements on security, input (emoji, touch keyboard, and language), Fluent Design, Settings app, and a lot more.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll give you the answers to everything you need to know to upgrade and get you up to speed with the new features and improvements available starting with the May 2019 Update.

Windows 10 May 2019 Update

Here's everything that you need to know to start using with the new features and enhancements available in the new version of Windows 10:

• How do I get the Windows 10 May 2019 Update on my PC?
• Why isn't the Windows 10 May 2019 Update available for my PC?
• Why did the update leave me with less hard drive space?
• Can I block the Windows 10 May 2019 Update from installing on my PC?
• Does the Windows 10 May 2019 Update have any issues?
• What's new with the Settings app starting with the May 2019 Update?
• What's new in Search with the May 2019 Update?
• Are there any new changes with Group Policy with the May 2019 Update?
• What's new with the Start menu in the Windows 10 May 2019 Update?
• Are there any improvements on Windows Security with the May 2019 Update?
• What's Windows Sandbox and how do I use it?
• What's new with emoji, touch keyboard, and language with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update?
• What's new with the sign-in experience on Windows 10 May 2019 Update?
• What's new with Windows Console on Windows 10 May 2019 Update?
• Can I change the Task Manager default startup tab with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update?
• Is the Windows 10 May 2019 Update removing or deprecating features?

How do I get the Windows 10 May 2019 Update on my PC?

Windows 10 May 2019 Update is now available for compatible desktops, laptops, and tablets, as a manual update using the Windows Update settings.

Alternatively, you can upgrade or perform a clean installation of Windows 10 with the new update using the Media Creation Tool. Also, if you're already running Windows 10 on your device, you can even use the Update Assistant, which is an easy-to-use tool that Microsoft makes available to get around issues when Windows Update isn't working correctly.

Why isn't the Windows 10 May 2019 Update available for my PC?

If your computer still hasn't received the update, there's a good chance that the May 2019 Update isn't fully compatible with your hardware configuration, and Microsoft has applied a hold on the device until the issue has been resolved.

Also, consider that the company usually deploys feature updates gradually, which means that even though your device may be compatible, it could take days or weeks before you receive the notification to initiate the upgrade.

Why did the update leave me with less hard drive space?

When it's time to upgrade, the Windows 10 setup process creates a copy of the previous installation in case that a problem occurs, and the system need revert to the previous state. However, even if the installation completes successfully, the setup will keep the old version inside the Windows.old folder.

In the case that you have a device with limited storage, you can safely delete these files manually, or you can wait around ten days, and Storage sense will delete these files automatically.

Can I block the Windows 10 May 2019 Update from installing on my PC?

Starting with version 1903, Windows 10 will no longer force new feature updates automatically. Instead, you'll now receive a notification to inform you that the update is ready, and then you need to initiate the upgrade manually using the new option available through Windows Update.

However, there's a catch. The ability to manually install the new version is only available for devices running a newer version of Windows 10. If the version that you're running is nearing the end of service, then Windows Update will try to download and install the May 2019 Update automatically at some point in June 2019.

If you want to be in control, you can defer the latest feature update up to 18 months using the Windows Update advanced options and selecting the "Semi-Annual" option.

Does the Windows 10 May 2019 Update have any issues?

This time around, Microsoft is making a lot of changes to the deployment process to make the upgrade experience as less painful as possible, including spending extra time to ensure the update deploys without critical bugs, aggressively blocking upgrades on devices known to have issues, and giving the user the control on when to upgrade. However, there have been reports of some problems and complaints, some of which the company already acknowledged and fixed through Windows Update.

For example, the software giant has already confirmed and fixed the "This PC can't be upgraded to Windows 10" error message caused by inappropriate drive reassignment when a USB flash drive, SD card, or secondary hard drive was connected to a device during the installation process.

After installing the May 2019 update, a small number of users reported a few issues trying out Windows Sandbox, including error 0x80070002. Microsoft has acknowledged the problem, and it's expected to release a fix in future updates.

In addition, some people also noted problems with Night light, but according to the company, this issue should now be resolved.

Other known issues, include problems using a RAID setup on an AMD Ryzen system, brightness not working correctly, duplicated profile folders when using folder redirection, battery drain on Intel-based devices, and more.

If you're having any issues with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, check our comprehensive guide, where you'll find instructions to resolve almost anything that can cause problems with the new version.

What's new with the Settings app starting with the May 2019 Update?

As usual, in the new version, Windows 10 continues to refine and improve the Settings app experience.

Starting with the May 2019 Update, the Settings app is revamping the Colors page and introducing new settings to control the color modes, including a new light mode color that expands the new color scheme across all the visual elements, such as Start menu, taskbar, Action center, flyout and context menus, and more.

The Windows Insider Program settings have been updated to make it easier to enroll and remove devices from the program. And in the Windows Update page, you'll now find some refinements, including a new option to temporarily disable updates on Windows 10 Pro as well as the Home edition, which you can disable using Group Policy or Registry.

Windows 10 can now apply fixes for critical and non-critical problems automatically using Recommended Troubleshooting. The feature works automatically out-of-the-box, but you can always adjust the settings or view a history of fix attempts through the Diagnostic & feedback and Troubleshoot setting pages.

After upgrading to the May 2019 update, you'll also notice an updated Storage sense page with a new interface to see at glance the storage usage, but only for the main drive. If you have multiple drives attached to your computer, you'll now have to use these steps to view their information.

In addition to the most noticeable changes and improvements, the Settings app is also tweaking some of the wording across the experience to make settings easier to find and understand. You can learn everything that's new with the Settings app on Windows 10 version 1903 in this guide.

What's new in Search with the May 2019 Update?

In this new version, Search and Cortana are splitting into two separate features, which means that the classic search is returning to Windows 10, and with it, Microsoft is consolidating the search settings into a new page in the Settings app. Also, there's a new enhanced search mode that allows you to search your entire device. (Previously, Search only look into the known folders, including Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, and Desktop).

You're also getting a new Search interface in the taskbar. The updated experience features some Fluent Design visual improvements, including acrylic and shadow effects and support for the dark and light modes.

In addition, the interface includes a new landing page that surfaces your top apps as well as your recent activities from Timeline.

Are there any new changes with Group Policy with the May 2019 Update?

Yes, the Windows 10 May 2019 Update ships with a number of changes for the Group Policy Editor, and among other policies, you can now specify when Windows Update should run automatically, and you can also control when your device should restart to apply updates.

Also, starting with this new version, you can manage virtually every setting regarding Storage sense through Group Policy, including enabling and disabling the feature and deletion of the temporary files as well as adjusting settings for OneDrive, Downloads folder, and Recycle Bin content retention.

What's new with the Start menu in the Windows 10 May 2019 Update?

The Start menu is also getting some interesting changes. In this release, the menu is getting support for the new light theme, simplifies the tile layout in new installations and accounts, and the ability to unpin groups and folders using the context menu.

In addition, now the experience becomes its own process, instead of working under the Windows Shell process. According to the company, making the Start menu a separate app will help to minimize issues, improve performance, and simplify debugging for developers.

Are there any improvements on Windows Security with the May 2019 Update?

In the consumer version of Windows 10, you won't find a lot of significant changes with Windows Security. However, now the app includes a new Tamper Protection feature designed to protect your device from unauthorized settings changes made from outside the application.

What's Windows Sandbox and how do I use it?

Perhaps one of the most significant features with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update is Windows Sandbox, a new feature designed to quickly run untrusted applications using a lightweight virtualized environment that runs isolated from your main installation.

The new feature is available on the Pro version of Windows 10 on devices with supported hardware virtualization, and you must enable it manually through the Windows Features settings.

What's new with emoji, touch keyboard, and language with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update?

As part of the new changes, the Windows 10 May 2019 Update is also introducing several improvements to the input experience.

For instance, in this new version, the emoji panel becomes a lot more useful with the addition of kaomoji and symbols, which means no more searching online for em dash, currency, or other special symbols.

If you're running Windows 10 on a touch-enabled device, the touch keyboard has been updated with a new system that monitors and adjust the key target dynamically to offer a more accurate typing experience.

In addition, Windows 10 now includes support for ADLaM and Osage scripts, and as part of the Narrator experience, you will find a lot of enhancements and new features.

What's new with the sign-in experience on Windows 10 May 2019 Update?

The sign-in experience is another area that Windows 10 is improving with this release. Starting with the May 2019 Update, you'll notice that the Sign-in screen is getting a blur effect in the background as you transition to from the Lock to Sign-in screen, which you can disable with the Settings app, Group Policy, or Registry.

Also, the Sign-in settings are getting reworked to make settings easier to configure, and now you can set up new accounts without a complicated password.

What's new with Windows Console on Windows 10 May 2019 Update?

In the seventh feature update for Windows 10, the console is receiving a number of improvements, including new customization options using the new Terminal tab settings.

Whether you're using Command Prompt, PowerShell, or the Windows Subsystem for Linux, you'll notice a more consistent experience when using the dark mode on Windows 10.

Also, as part of the Windows Subsystem for Linux, in this new version, you'll find new commands and the ability to natively browse and modify Linux files using File Explorer, and several other changes.

Can I change the Task Manager default startup tab with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update?

Yes, starting with Windows 10 version 1903, you can change the settings to set your preferred tab (such as Processes, Performance, Details, and Services) every time you open Task Manager.

Is the Windows 10 May 2019 Update removing or deprecating features?

Yes, in addition to the new features and improvements available with the May 2019 Update, Microsoft is also removing and deprecating some of the features that have already been replaced by a newer technology or they're no longer in development due to the lack of interest.

For instance, starting with this new release, the Print 3D app and Windows To Go feature are no longer being developed, Wi-Fi WEP and TKIP are now deprecated because they're no longer secure, and the desktop messaging app will no longer sync SMS text messages.

Mauro recommends all these affordable accessories

Hi, I'm Mauro Huculak, Windows Central's help and how-to guru. I wrote the post you're reading now, and I know the Windows OS inside and out. But I'm also a bit of a hardware geek. These are some of the affordable gadgets on my desk today.

Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse ($72 at Amazon)

I know mice, and this is the one I use every day. The MX Master is a wireless high-precision mouse that's very comfortable to use and has many great features, including the ability to connect with multiple devices, an infinite scroll wheel, back and forward buttons, all of which you can customize.

Ktrio Extended Gaming Mouse Pad ($12 at Amazon)

If you spend a lot of time typing, your palms and mouse will leave tracks on your desk. My solution was to start using gaming mouse pads, which are big enough for you to use the keyboard and the mouse comfortably. This is the one I use and recommend.

Supernight LED light strip ($20 at Amazon)

You could just use a regular light bulb in your office, but if you want to add some ambient lighting with different colors, an RGB LED strip is the way to go. This one is Mauro-approved.

On May 21, 2019, Microsoft began the official rollout of the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903) to compatible devices. This is the seventh major refresh, and while it's an incremental update, the new version delivers a new set of features and changes around productivity, security, and design, such as Sandbox, (proper) light mode, Reserved Storage, Recommended Troubleshooting, mouse customization, tamper protection, and much more.

Initially, the final version became available on April 8, through the Windows Insider Program, but with this release, the company wanted to improve the update experience, so it increased the amount of time the new version spent in the Release Preview ring to detect issues before pushing it more broadly.

Also, instead of forcing new feature updates onto devices automatically, Microsoft made some changes to the update mechanism to allow users to decide when to update, and more aggressively block devices known to come across issues with the new version.

Although the new changes seem to be helping the rollout, the Windows 10 May 2019 Update is not a feature update free of problems, as many users have been reporting some issues with the update.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll highlight the most significant complaints and issues during and after the upgrade to the May 2019 Update.

Windows 10 May 2019 Update problems and complaints

These are some of the complaints and problems that users are reporting moving to the new version of Windows 10:

• Installation problems with the May 2019 Update
• Apps problems with the May 2019 Update
• Settings problems with the May 2019 update
• Other complaints with the May 2019 Update

Installation problems with the May 2019 Update

While the new update experience is minimizing issues during and after the upgrade process, it seems that Microsoft is more aggressively blocking the May 2019 Update on some devices, causing some frustration among users.

This PC can't be upgraded to Windows 10 error

Shortly after the feature update became available, a number of users have been reporting several "This PC can't be upgraded to Windows 10" error messages preventing them from installing version 1903. However, the problem wasn't the setup blocking the upgrade. Instead, it was the lack of information to resolve the issue to continue with the upgrade.

On Reddit, user omegalemon reported:

In a different thread, user teraflame complained:

Reddit user Windows_Tech_Support shared a similar experience:

Also, on Reddit, user mycall came across the known issue that blocks the upgrade if the computer has a USB flash drive, external hard drive, or SD card attached:

At the official Microsoft forums, user HunterLinderman said:

Upgrade nowhere to be found

Starting with the May 2019 Update, you supposed to be able to click the Check for updates button in the Windows Update settings page to see if you get the option to upgrade, but again, the lack of communication has some people like sanjaymachchhar at the Microsoft forums still wondering why the update hasn't arrived yet.

Apps problems with the May 2019 Update

In addition, there has also been a few complaints about apps and features not working correctly after upgrading to the new version of the OS.

Broken Sandbox

For instance, Sandbox is among the favorite features coming with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, but after the upgrade, a small number of users started reporting problems.

On Reddit, user samsungscreen reported:

Also, user -pANIC- shared a screenshot showing that Sandbox failed to start with error 0x80070057:

Buggy Start menu

In the early days of version 1903, a small number of people have also recorded problems with the Start menu.

For instance, user not_AIVD, on Reddit, published a short video revealing some inconsistencies with the Start menu, taskbar, and search box.

from r/Windows10

And he wasn't the only one, some of the readers in the same thread confirmed the same issue.

In addition, in a different thread, user mfvicli showed off a similar bug, but with the Start button flickering as soon as you hover over the button.

from r/Windows10

Settings problems with the May 2019 update

After upgrading to Windows 10 version 1903, a small number of users filed complaints about crashes with the Settings app.

Reddit member sharktm complained about the Settings app crashing as soon as he tried to access the "Apps" section:

In the same thread, user Advanced_Path responded:

Other users also came across the same issue:

Reddit user jackal_1 shared a short video detailing the problem:

from r/Windows10

Other complaints with the May 2019 Update

Alongside the installation and app problems, with the rollout of the May 2019 Update, you'll find reports of many other isolated problems and some users ranting about missing features and design consistency.

For example, on Reddit, user CaptainnTedd decided to rollback to the October 2018 Update shortly after night light stopped working on version 1903:

After moving to the May 2019 Update, user unigee noted five additional monitors in the "Display" settings page:

However, it appears that this was an isolated problem that only required re-installing a fresh copy of the graphics driver.

Another isolated issue was spotted at the Microsoft forums, where user AytoMaximo reported that the Windows 10 setup was detecting the computer processor wrong preventing the upgrade process from continuing.

Design consistency

Also, some users have been complaining about the way that Microsoft is handling deprecated features.

For example, user SigmaTheDJ, on Reddit, complained about elements of HomeGroup still shipping with version 1903, when the feature is no longer available.

No Settings banner design

Starting with the first semi-annual update of 2019, the Settings app was expected to ship with a new banner design at the top of the homepage. However, during the early days of the rollout, some users were disappointed to find out that after the upgrade, the banner was nowhere to be found.

On Reddit, anunkeptbeard said:

According to Microsoft, the Settings app banner is currently a controlled feature, and it's available only for a small number of devices that were upgraded using the Release Preview ring. Also, even though, the feature didn't fully make in the final release, it's expected to return in a future update.

Wrapping things up

Although you may find a lot of other complaints across the web, this time around, it seems that there are fewer problems than in previous releases, which is a good thing. However, it's not because the May 2019 Update is a flawless release. Instead, it seems that using the Release Preview ring for a more extended period to detect unknown issues early, using more aggressive blocking on devices that may not upgrade successfully, and giving users the choice to upgrade is helping the rollout.

In addition, it's worth noticing that Microsoft has already acknowledged most of these issues and other problems, and it's actively working to resolve them. In fact, the latest quality update available on May 29, 2019, addresses a bunch of these problems, including issues with Night light mode, "This PC can't be upgraded to Windows 10" error on devices that has a USB device or SD card attached, and many more.

While the Windows 10 May 2019 Update release could be considered one of the least problematic rollouts, there's always room for improvements. For example, the company could have waited a little longer to ship an update with fewer bugs, and the communication during the upgrade process could have been clearer on incompatible devices, instead of displaying a generic message with little information on how to resolve the issue.

If your computer hasn't received version 1903, the recommended method to get it is to wait until you receive the notification automatically. Alternatively, you can also use the Media Creation Tool or Update Assistant to upgrade, but you have to make sure that your device is fully compatible before proceeding.

Finally, if you can't wait, before moving forward with the installation, ensure that you're doing everything you can to minimize the chances of running into issues, such as creating a temporary full backup, disconnecting unnecessary peripherals, and removing apps that may cause compatibility issues.

Did you come across any problems during or after installing the May 2019 Update? Let us know in the comments.

Mauro recommends all these affordable accessories

Hi, I'm Mauro Huculak, Windows Central's help and how-to guru. I wrote the post you're reading now, and I know the Windows OS inside and out. But I'm also a bit of a hardware geek. These are some of the affordable gadgets on my desk today.

Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse ($72 at Amazon)

I know mice, and this is the one I use every day. The MX Master is a wireless high-precision mouse that's very comfortable to use and has many great features, including the ability to connect with multiple devices, an infinite scroll wheel, back and forward buttons, all of which you can customize.

Ktrio Extended Gaming Mouse Pad ($12 at Amazon)

If you spend a lot of time typing, your palms and mouse will leave tracks on your desk. My solution was to start using gaming mouse pads, which are big enough for you to use the keyboard and the mouse comfortably. This is the one I use and recommend.

Supernight LED light strip ($20 at Amazon)

You could just use a regular light bulb in your office, but if you want to add some ambient lighting with different colors, an RGB LED strip is the way to go. This one is Mauro-approved.

What you need to know

• A new cumulative update is now available for Windows 10 PCs on the May 2019 Update.
• As with all cumulative updates, this release brings with it several bug fixes.
• The update pushes the build number up to 18362.145 and is available via Windows Update now.

The Windows 10 May 2019 Update is getting its first cumulative update since it was released to the public last week. Pushing the build number up to 18362.145, the update brings a fairly long list of bug fixes that should improve the overall experience.

Here's a look at all of the fixes included in KB4497935:

• Addresses an issue that may prevent Custom URI Schemes for Application Protocol handlers from starting the corresponding application for local intranet and trusted sites on Internet Explorer.
• Addresses an issue that prevents certain apps from launching when you set folder redirection for the Roaming AppData folder to a network path.
• Addresses an issue that my turn off Night light mode during display mode changes.
• Addresses an issue that may distort the rendering of a full-screen game when the Microsoft Game bar is visible on top of the game.
• Addresses an issue that prevents the removal of Bluetooth® peripheral devices from some systems with specific Bluetooth radios.
• Addresses an issue that may cause event 7600 in the Domain Name System (DNS) server event log to contain an unreadable server name.
• Addresses an issue in which the dots per inch (DPI) of the guest does not match the host.
• Addresses an issue that may cause an external USB device or SD memory card to be reassigned to an incorrect drive during installation. For more information, see "This PC can't be upgraded to Windows 10" error on a computer that has a USB device or SD card attached.
• Addresses an issue in which a File Share Witness does not remove Server Message Block (SMB) handles, which causes a server to eventually stop accepting SMB connections.
• Addresses an issue that prevents an application protocol URL from being opened when hosted on an intranet page.
• Addresses an issue with BranchCache when it is in distributed cache mode. BranchCache may use more disk space than assigned for the republication cache. To fully address the issue, devices that have exceeded the disk space assignments should empty BranchCache using the netsh branchcache flush command.
• Addresses an issue that may prevent some Direct3D applications and games from entering full-screen mode if the display's orientation has been changed from the default.
• Addresses an issue with creating a Windows catalog file on an x64 system using Windows System Image Manager. For more information, see What's new in ADK kits and tools.
• Addresses an issue that causes a delay when loading many unsigned Domain Name System (DNS) zones related to the Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) feature. This issue occurs after configuring the following registry setting: Path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\DNS\Parameters
  • Setting: EnableFastLoadUnsignedZones
  • Type: DWORD Value: A value of 1 enables the feature. A value of 0 disables the feature.
  • Restart the operating system or the DNS server after changing the registry values.

If you're already running the May 2019 Update, you should be able to grab this cumulative update via Windows Update now. And for more on the latest feature release, be sure to check out our full May 2019 Update review.

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Alongside the new features and improvements, starting with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903), Task Manager has the ability to set your preferred tab as the default every time you open the experience.

If the new option sounds familiar, it's because back in Windows 7, Task Manager was able to remember the tab you left off, but the behavior was removed on Windows 8.x. Now, beginning with version 1903, the new option doesn't bring the old behavior back, but it's a welcome addition that should once again help you to jump immediately to the tab you use more frequently.

In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through the steps to set a new default tab when launching the Task Manager starting with the May 2019 Update.

How to set a default tab for Task Manager

To set a different startup tab as your default experience in Task Manager, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Task Manager, and click the top result to open the experience.Quick tip: You can also open Task Manager using the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut, or you can also right-click the taskbar and select the Task Manager option.
3. Click the Options menu.
4. Select the Set default tab option.
5. Choose the tab that you want to open when you start Task Manager.

Once you complete these steps, restart Task Manager, and it should now open on the tab you specified.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

Starting with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903), Microsoft is doing a lot of things right with updates. In this release and moving forward, Windows Update will stop forcing feature updates on devices, and it'll let you choose when to install new versions. Also, the option to pause updates will be easier to find in the Settings app, and the feature will be available for Windows 10 Home users.

Alongside these new changes, the May Update will also allow you to take full control and decide if users can pause updates, which is an option that can come in handy in many scenarios. For instance, it'll be useful when sharing a computer with multiple users when you're already managing deadlines for automatic updates and restarts. Or when you're working in a network environment and you need to comply with the policies of your organization.

Whatever the reason, if you must remove (or re-enable) access to the feature to pause updates on Windows 10, you can accomplish this task using the Group Policy Editor and Registry.

In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through the steps to disable the option to pause updates with the settings available with the May 2019 Update.

• How to disable Pause updates option using Group Policy
• How to disable Pause updates option using Registry

How to disable Pause updates option using Group Policy

If you're running Windows 10 Pro, the easiest way to remove access to the "Pause updates" feature is using the Local Group Policy Editor with these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for gpedit.msc and click OK to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
3. Browse the following path:Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update
4. On the right side, double-click the Remove access to "Pause updates" feature policy.

5. Select the Enabled option.

6. Click Apply. 
7. Click OK.
8. Restart your computer.

Once you complete these steps, the "Pause updates" option will no longer be available in the Windows Update settings page, or in the Advanced options page in the Settings app.

If you want to revert the changes, or the "Pause updates" is grayed out even though you didn't change the settings, you can use the instructions outlined above, but on step No. 5, make sure to select the Not Configured option.

How to disable Pause updates option using Registry

Alternatively, if you're running Windows 10 Home, or you don't have access to the Group Policy Editor, you can modify the Registry to disable the option to pause updates on the May 2019 with these updates:

Warning: This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky, and it can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don't do it correctly. We recommend making a temporary full backup of your PC before proceeding.

1. Open Start.
2. Search for regedit and click the top result to open the Registry.
3. Browse the following path:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdateQuick tip: On Windows 10, you can now copy and paste the path in the Registry's address bar to quickly jump to the key destination.
4. Right-click the WindowsUpdate (folder) key, select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.

5. Name the key SetDisablePauseUXAccess and press Enter.
6. Double-click the newly created DWORD and set the value from 0 to 1.

7. Click OK.
8. Restart your computer.

After you complete the steps, users will no longer have access to pause updates using the Settings app.

At any time, you can undo the changes using the same instructions, but on step No. 6, make sure to set the value from 1 to 0, or right-click the SetDisablePauseUXAccess key and select the Delete option.

While we're focusing this guide on disabling the update feature, you can also refer to these instructions if for some reason the option becomes disabled without warnings, and you need to re-enable the setting again.

On Windows 10, in addition to the internal changes, Command Prompt has also been getting a lot of customization improvements, including the ability to use transparency, pick different cursor sizes, and change the appearance using a custom color scheme, and the efforts to improve the Windows Console continues with the first semi-annual update of 2019.

Starting with the May 2019 Update (version 1903), the Command Prompt properties window is getting a new "Terminal" tab with new settings to customize further the experience, including options to change the cursor shape, change the background and text colors, and more.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to customize the Command Prompt experience using the new Terminal tab settings available with the May 2019 Update.

How to customize the Command Prompt look using terminal settings

To customize the look and feel of Command Prompt using the new "Terminal" settings, use these steps:

Important: Although you can still use the Colors tab to customize similar aspects of Command Prompt, these new Terminal settings will take precedence when changing the background and text colors.

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
3. Right-click the title bar and select the Properties option.

1. Click the Terminal tab.
2. Under the "Terminal Colors" section, check the Use Separate Foreground option to change the text color.
3. Use the Red, Green, and Blue settings to select the RGB color for the screen text. Quick tip: The fastest way to find a new color is to search on Google for "RGB color picker." Then use the search engine built-in picker to select a color and find out its RGB value that you can use in the Terminal tab.
4. Check the Use Separate Background option.
5. Use the Red, Green, and Blue settings to select the RGB color for the screen background.

1. Under the "Cursor Shape" section, you can select a different shape for the Command Prompt cursor:
   • Use Legacy Style — enables the traditional thick underscore cursor.
   • Underscore — allows a thinner cursor, but it's similar to the traditional option.
   • Vertical Bar — enables a vertical cursor like the cursor you'll find in text editors.
   • Empty Box — switches to an empty thick vertical cursor with border lines.
   • Solid Box — switches to a solid thick vertical cursor without border lines.

1. Under the "Cursor Colors" section, you can select between two color styles for the cursor.
   • Inverse Color — inverts the color of the cursor based on the current background color.
   • Use Color — allows you to specify a custom color for the cursor using RGB values.

1. (Optional) Under the "Terminal Scrolling" section, you can check the Disable Scroll-Forward option to limit the scrolling up to the end of the last command input.

1. Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, the new style changes will be available for Command Prompt whether you're using the console elevated or while in standard mode.

We're focusing this guide on Command Prompt, but these instructions will also work to customize the PowerShell and Linux consoles on Windows 10.

Alongside the new customization settings, the May 2019 Update introduces a bunch of other changes for Command Prompt, PowerShell, and for the Windows Subsystem for Linux. You can find out more about these enhancements in this guide.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

On Windows 10, Storage sense is a built-in tool designed to free up space automatically. When it's enabled, the feature monitors your device, and when it's running low on space, it deletes temporary files, empties the Recycle Bin, cleans up the Downloads folder, removes previous installation files, and more to make space to install new updates or store more important data.

Although you can control most aspects of the experience using the Settings app, starting with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903), you can also manage the same settings with more flexibility using the Group Policy Editor on Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, which will come in handy in many scenarios. For example, when sharing your device with other people, you want to restrict users access to the feature, or when managing multiple devices in a network environment.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to manage Storage sense settings using Group Policy with the new policies available with the May 2019 Update and later.

• How to enable or disable Storage sense settings
• How to disable temporary files deletion using Storage sense
• How to set OneDrive folder content retention using Storage sense
• How to set Downloads folder content retention using Storage sense
• How to set Recycle Bin content retention using Storage sense

How to enable or disable Storage sense settings

Starting with the May 2019 Update, you can use policies to enable, disable, and restrict users access to manage the Storage sense feature using the Settings app.

Enabling or disabling Storage sense

To enable or disable Storage sense using Group Policy, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for gpedit.msc and click OK to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
3. Browse the following path:Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Storage sense
4. On the right side, double-click the Allow Storage Sense policy.

5. Select the Enabled or Disabled option.Quick note: Using the Enabled or Disabled option will prevent users from changing the state of the feature using the Settings app.

6. Click the Apply button. 
7. Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, if you enabled the option, then Storage sense will run automatically. In the case that you selected the Disabled option, then Storage sense will no longer run automatically, and users will not be able to enable the feature, but they'll be able to access the settings page to free up space manually.

Also, if you're disabling this policy, then all the remaining Storage sense policies available through Group Policy won't have any effect. In the case that you're planning to configure each policy individually, then use the same instructions outlined above, but on step No. 5, make sure to select the Not Configured option.

Scheduling automatic cleanup

If you want to configure when Storage sense should run automatically while preventing users from changing the settings, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for gpedit.msc and click OK to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
3. Browse the following path:Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Storage sense
4. On the right side, double-click the Configure Storage Sense cadence policy.
5. Select the Enabled option.

6. Under the Options section, use the drop-down menu to specify when to run Storage sense automatically. Options available, include:
   • Every day.
   • Every week.
   • Every month.
   • During low free disk space.
7. Click the Apply button. 
8. Click the OK button.

After you complete the steps, the feature will free up space during the cadance you specified.

How to disable temporary files deletion using Storage sense

If you want to prevent Storage sense from deleting temporary files automatically on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for gpedit.msc and click OK to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
3. Browse the following path:Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Storage sense
4. On the right side, double-click the Allow Storage Sense Temporary Files cleanup policy.

5. Select the Disabled option.Quick note: If you're looking to lock the feature to prevent users from modifying this option in the Settings app, then you should select the Enabled option.

6. Click the Apply button. 
7. Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, Storage sense will no longer delete temporary files automatically. However, users will still be able to remove junk files manually to free up space on the device.

You can always revert the changes using the same instructions, but on step No. 5, make sure to select the Not Configured option.

How to set OneDrive folder content retention using Storage sense

Storage sense can free up space by making fully downloaded files online-only content, and starting with the May 2019 Update, using Group Policy, you can now disable the option or set a number of days before dehydrating files (remove the local copy) for up to one year with these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for gpedit.msc and click OK to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
3. Browse the following path:Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Storage sense
4. On the right side, double-click the Configure Storage Sense Cloud Content dehydration threshold policy.

5. Select the Enabled option.Quick note: Selecting the Disabled option will stop Storage sense from making unused OneDrive files available only in the cloud to free up space automatically, but users will continue to be able to use this feature manually.

6. Under the Options section, select the number of days (up to 365 days, instead of 60 using the Settings app) since a OneDrive file has been opened before making it available only in the cloud.
7. Click the Apply button. 
8. Click the OK button.

After you complete the steps, the feature will only dehydrate files that haven't been open according to your configuration. However, if you used the Disabled option, then Storage sense will no longer dehydrate unused files to free up space.

If you want to undo the changes, use the same instructions, but on step No. 5, make sure to select the Not Configured option.

How to set Downloads folder content retention using Storage sense

The cleanup tool can also delete older files from the Downloads folder, but you can disable this option or set the age of the files before deletion up to one year with these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for gpedit.msc and click OK to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
3. Browse the following path:Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Storage sense
4. On the right side, double-click the Configure Storage Sense Downloads cleanup threshold policy.

5. Select the Enabled option.
6. Under the Options section, select the number of days (up to 365 days, instead of 60 using the Settings app) for the age of the file before deletion.Quick note: You can select the Disabled option to turn off the feature, but users will still manage it manually using the Settings app.

7. Click the Apply button. 
8. Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, older files inside the Downloads folder will be removed according to your configuration. If you disabled the feature, then Storage sense will stop deleting files from the folder.

If you change your mind, you can remove the changes using the same instructions, but on step No. 5, make sure to select the Not Configured option.

How to set Recycle Bin content retention using Storage sense

As part of the options to optimize the space usage on your device, Storage sense can also empty the Recycle Bin files. If you prefer to keep the deleted files a little longer, using Group Policy, you can disable the feature or set the number of days (up to one year) before deleting these files automatically using these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for gpedit.msc and click OK to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
3. Browse the following path:Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Storage sense
4. On the right side, double-click the Configure Storage Sense Recycle Bin cleanup threshold policy.

5. Select the Enabled option.
6. Under the Options section, select the number of days (up to 365 days, instead of 60 using the Settings app) before Storage sense empties the Recycle Bin automatically.Quick note: You can select the Disabled option to prevent Storage sense from removing deleted files, but users will still be able to manage it manually using the Settings app.

7. Click Apply. 
8. Click OK.

After you complete the steps, deleted files will continue in the Recycle Bin until you manually delete them. Or if you specified the Enabled option, then deleted files will be removed according to your new settings.

The Group Policy Editor is only available for devices running Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education, which means that these set of instructions won't apply to Windows 10 Home. However, you can always upgrade to unlock the Group Policy Editor and other features by getting a new product license from the Microsoft Store.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

On Windows 10, Windows Security is an experience that includes the settings to manage all of the built-in security features, including Windows Defender Antivirus, Windows Firewall, online security, and more.

Starting with the May 2019 Update (version 1903), Windows 10 is introducing Tamper Protection, which is a new feature designed to protect the Windows Security app against unauthorized changes that are not made directly through the experience.

Although this is a welcome addition that adds an extra layer of protection on Windows 10, it can cause some problems when you need to manage security settings through another app or command line tools, such as PowerShell or Command Prompt.

Fortunately, whether you want to improve your system security, or you're required to manage security settings using another app, the updated version of Windows Security makes it simple to enable or disable the new Tamper Protection feature.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to enable and disable the Tamper Protection feature included with the Windows Security app starting with the May 2019 Update.

• How to disable Tamper Protection on Windows Security
• How to enable Tamper Protection on Windows Security

How to disable Tamper Protection on Windows Security

To disable the Tamper Protection feature on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Windows Security and click the top result to open the experience.
3. Click on Virus & threat protection.
4. Under the "Virus & threat protection" section, click the Manage settings option.

5. Turn off the Tamper Protection toggle switch.

Once you complete the steps, you will be able to change the Windows Security settings using command lines or using any other app.

How to enable Tamper Protection on Windows Security

To enable the Tamper Protection feature to prevent unauthorized setting changes on the Windows Security app, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Windows Security and click the top result to open the experience.
3. Click on Virus & threat protection.
4. Under the "Virus & threat protection" section, click the Manage settings option.

5. Turn on the Tamper Protection toggle switch.

After you complete the steps, Windows 10 will protect the security of your device by preventing users or malicious apps from changing essential settings, including real-time protection, cloud-delivered protection, and behavior monitoring.

Mauro recommends all these affordable accessories

Hi, I'm Mauro Huculak, Windows Central's help and how-to guru. I wrote the post you're reading now, and I know the Windows OS inside and out. But I'm also a bit of a hardware geek. These are some of the affordable gadgets on my desk today.

Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse ($72 at Amazon)

I know mice, and this is the one I use every day. The MX Master is a wireless high-precision mouse that's very comfortable to use and has many great features, including the ability to connect with multiple devices, an infinite scroll wheel, back and forward buttons, all of which you can customize.

Ktrio Extended Gaming Mouse Pad ($12 at Amazon)

If you spend a lot of time typing, your palms and mouse will leave tracks on your desk. My solution was to start using gaming mouse pads, which are big enough for you to use the keyboard and the mouse comfortably. This is the one I use and recommend.

Supernight LED light strip ($20 at Amazon)

You could just use a regular light bulb in your office, but if you want to add some ambient lighting with different colors, an RGB LED strip is the way to go. This one is Mauro-approved.

On Windows 10, when new quality or feature updates are available, they download and install automatically, and then you'll receive a notification to schedule a restart as necessary.

However, if you're among those users who are constantly pausing and rescheduling updates, starting with the May 2019 Update (version 1903), Windows 10 is adding advanced settings that allow you to set the number of days before maintenance updates and feature updates are installed automatically. In addition, you'll even find a new option to specified when your device should restart to apply the new changes automatically.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to change the deadline to install updates on Windows 10 automatically with the new feature available with the May 2019 Update and later versions.

• How to set deadlines for updates and restarts using Group Policy
• How to set deadlines for updates and restarts using Registry

How to set deadlines for updates and restarts using Group Policy

To control when Windows 10 should run updates automatically and restart your device, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for gpedit and click the top result to open the Group Policy Editor.
3. Browse the following path:Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update
4. On the right side, double-click the Specify deadlines for automatic updates and restarts policy.

5. Select the Enabled option.
6. Under the "Options" section, use the Quality updates (days) drop-down menu to specify the number of days before Windows Update runs automatically to install monthly updates.
7. Use the Feature updates (days) drop-down menu to specify the number of days before Windows Update runs automatically to install a new version of Windows 10.
8. Use the Grace period (days) drop-down menu to specify the number of days to wait before restarting the device to apply the new changes.

9. (Optional) Check the Don't auto-restart until end of grace period option.
10. Click Apply.
11. Click OK.

Once you complete the steps, quality and feature updates will only install and restart your device to complete the process during the times you specified ignoring the active hours settings.

Although you can decide when automatic updates and restarts should occur, you can only set deadlines for up to 30 days for a feature and quality updates, and you can only postpone a restart for up to 7 days. Also, using this policy, users won't be allowed to reschedule a restart.

If you want to revert the changes, you can use the same instructions outlined above, but on step No. 5, make sure to select the Not Configured option.

How to set deadlines for updates and restarts using Registry

In the case you're running Windows 10 Home, you won't have access to the Local Group Policy Editor, but you can still change the automatic update and restart options on Windows 10 by modifying the Registry.

Warning: This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky, and it can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don't do it correctly. It's recommended to create a temporary full backup of your PC before proceeding.

1. Open Start.
2. Search for regedit and click the top result to open the Registry.
3. Browse the following path:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdateQuick tip: On Windows 10, you can now copy and paste the path in the Registry's address bar to quickly jump to the key destination.
4. Right-click the WindowsUpdate (folder) key, select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.

5. Name the key SetComplianceDeadline and press Enter.
6. Double-click the newly created DWORD and change its value from 0 to 1 to enable the policy.

7. Click the OK button.
8. Right-click the WindowsUpdate (folder) key, select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.
9. Name the key ConfigureDeadlineForQualityUpdates and press Enter.
10. Double-click the newly created DWORD and select Decimal as the base option.
11. Specify the number of days (2 to 30) before Windows Update runs automatically to install a new version of Windows 10.

12. Click the OK button.
13. Right-click the WindowsUpdate (folder) key, select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.
14. Name the key ConfigureDeadlineForFeatureUpdates and press Enter.
15. Double-click the newly created DWORD and select Decimal as the base option.
16. Specify the number of days (2 to 30) before Windows Update runs automatically to install monthly updates.

17. Click the OK button.
18. Right-click the WindowsUpdate (folder) key, select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.
19. Name the key ConfigureDeadlineGracePeriod and press Enter.
20. Double-click the newly created DWORD and select Decimal as the base option.
21. Specify the number of days (0 to 7) to wait before restarting the device to apply the update.

22. Click the OK button.
23. Right-click the WindowsUpdate (folder) key, select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.
24. Name the key ConfigureDeadlineNoAutoReboot and press Enter.
25. Double-click the newly created DWORD and select Decimal as the base option.
26. Change value from 0 to 1 to prevent auto-restarts until the end of the grace period.

27. Click the OK button.

After completing the steps, feature and quality updates will install automatically based on your configuration bypassing the active hours settings.

In addition, similar to Group Policy, deadlines can be specified for up to 30 days for feature and quality updates, and you can only delay a restart for up to 7 days. Also, using these Registry settings will prevent users from rescheduling a restart.

If you change your mind, at any time, you can revert the changes using the same instructions, but on step No. 5, make sure to select all the DWORD keys that you've created, right-click the selection, and select the Delete option.

Wrapping things up

While these new settings give you a little more control over updates, consider that when enabling this feature, Windows 10 will override additional policies, including:

• Specify deadline before auto restart for update installation.
• Specify Engaged restart transition and notification schedule for updates.
• Always automatically restart at the scheduled time.
• No auto-restart with logged on users for scheduled automatic updates installation.

If you're looking to disable or change how Windows 10 updates download and install on your device, then you should use this guide.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

Mauro recommends all these affordable accessories

Hi, I'm Mauro Huculak, Windows Central's help and how-to guru. I wrote the post you're reading now, and I know the Windows OS inside and out. But I'm also a bit of a hardware geek. These are some of the affordable gadgets on my desk today.

Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse ($72 at Amazon)

I know mice, and this is the one I use every day. The MX Master is a wireless high-precision mouse that's very comfortable to use and has many great features, including the ability to connect with multiple devices, an infinite scroll wheel, back and forward buttons, all of which you can customize.

Ktrio Extended Gaming Mouse Pad ($12 at Amazon)

If you spend a lot of time typing, your palms and mouse will leave tracks on your desk. My solution was to start using gaming mouse pads, which are big enough for you to use the keyboard and the mouse comfortably. This is the one I use and recommend.

Supernight LED light strip ($20 at Amazon)

You could just use a regular light bulb in your office, but if you want to add some ambient lighting with different colors, an RGB LED strip is the way to go. This one is Mauro-approved.

On Windows 10, you can use the Storage settings to view and manage many aspects of all the drives connected to your computer. However, starting with the May 2019 Update (version 1903), the Storage page receives an update, and now, it only shows the storage usage for the main drive (the one that has the Windows 10 installation) regardless if you have multiple drives connected to your device.

According to the company, the new design gives you a faster and dynamic breakdown of your device without additional steps.

Despite the new changes, it doesn't mean that you can no longer manage other storage devices connected to your computer, Windows 10 just moved the settings to a different location.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to view all the drivers and space usage on the May 2019 Update.

How to view storage usage for all drives using Settings

To see all the storage devices connected to your computer in the Settings app, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click on Storage.
4. Under the "More storage settings" section, click the View storage usage on other drivers option.

While in the page, under the "Local storage" section, you'll see a list with all the drives (such as internal secondary hard drives, external removable hard drives, and USB flash drives) that Windows 10 detected on your computer.

In addition, similar to previous versions, with Windows 10 version 1903, you'll be able to see at a glance the storage usage of each drive. You can even click on each drive to see in more details how storage is being used with access to options to delete temporary files and other files to free up space.

Mauro recommends all these affordable accessories

Hi, I'm Mauro Huculak, Windows Central's help and how-to guru. I wrote the post you're reading now, and I know the Windows OS inside and out. But I'm also a bit of a hardware geek. These are some of the affordable gadgets on my desk today.

Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse ($72 at Amazon)

I know mice, and this is the one I use every day. The MX Master is a wireless high-precision mouse that's very comfortable to use and has many great features, including the ability to connect with multiple devices, an infinite scroll wheel, back and forward buttons, all of which you can customize.

Ktrio Extended Gaming Mouse Pad ($12 at Amazon)

If you spend a lot of time typing, your palms and mouse will leave tracks on your desk. My solution was to start using gaming mouse pads, which are big enough for you to use the keyboard and the mouse comfortably. This is the one I use and recommend.

Supernight LED light strip ($20 at Amazon)

You could just use a regular light bulb in your office, but if you want to add some ambient lighting with different colors, an RGB LED strip is the way to go. This one is Mauro-approved.

Although on Windows 10, the ability to change the color mode to customize the desktop and app experience has been around for a long time, it's not until the release of the May 2019 Update (version 1903) that you see a more consistent experience and more options.

For instance, in previous versions, you're able to use a light mode, but it's was limited and inconsistent as the Start menu, taskbar, Action Center, and other visuals didn't use light colors. Also, before the October 2018 Update, a dark mode was available, but again it's wasn't consistent as legacy features like File Explorer and Windows Console didn't include a dark color scheme.

Starting with the first semi-annual feature update for 2019, the Settings app introduces new options that allow you to enable a true light mode that expands the light color scheme across all visual elements. If you select the dark mode, you'll notice that it's more consistent, and the colors now expand to the Windows Console. In addition, there's even a new custom mode, which allows you to set the default colors for Windows 10 and apps individually.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to customize your desktop experience with the new color settings available with the May 2019 Update.

• How to enable Light mode on Windows 10
• How to enable Dark mode on Windows 10
• How to enable Custom color mode on Windows 10

How to enable Light mode on Windows 10

After upgrading to the May 2019 Update, you can switch to the light mode experience using the Colors or Themes settings.

Using Colors settings

To enable the new light theme on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click on Colors.
4. Use the "Choose your color" drop-down menu and select the Light option.

Once you complete the steps, the apps and the Windows 10 elements, including the Settings app, taskbar, Action Center, flyout menus, and other visuals will switch to the lighter color scheme.

Using Theme settings

Alternatively, you can also enable the light color scheme using the Themes settings with these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Themes.
3. Select the Windows (Light) theme.

After completing the steps, the desktop background will change to the default system wallpaper, and apps and the desktop environment will switch to the lighter color scheme.

How to enable Dark mode on Windows 10

If you prefer the dark color scheme for the desktop elements and apps, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click on Colors.
4. Use the "Choose your color" drop-down menu and select the Dark option.

Once you complete the steps, the dark color scheme will be available across the Windows 10 elements and supported apps.

How to enable Custom color mode on Windows 10

To use a custom color mode on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click on Colors.
4. Use the "Choose your color" drop-down menu and select the Custom option.
5. To activate the legacy light mode, use the Dark option for the "Windows mode."
6. Select the Light option for the "app mode."

Of course, if you want to use the Windows 10 elements with a light color, and app in dark mode, you can also do that inverting your selections on steps No. 5 and 6.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

Microsoft created the Windows Insider Program to allow developers as well as enthusiasts to test and provide feedback of the new features and enhancements coming in the next version of Windows 10.

The program is available with four different readiness levels, which are commonly known as "rings," including Fast, Slow, Release Preview, and Skip, and they represent the stability of the code. Typically, the "Fast" ring offers new features and changes as soon as they're ready without enough internal testing. Roughly every two weeks, but it'll depend on the development stage. As a result, preview builds in this ring may not be stable, and you need to be prepared to deal with more bugs, errors, and other issues.

The "Slow" ring also provides early access to upcoming features and changes, but the builds are a little more stable. Usually, previews will appear in this ring after the development team improved and resolved issues based on feedback. The only caveat is that updates in the Slow ring are not available as often as in the Fast ring.

If you use the "Release Preview" ring, you'll receive previews of quality updates, drivers, and apps. However, because every version of Windows 10 must pass through every level of readiness, when the new feature update is complete, it'll become available in the Release Preview too. Also, starting with the May 2019 Update rollout, pre-releases of Windows 10 will roll out in this ring around a month before it's generally available to minimize unknown issues from reaching customers.

Finally, the "Skip" ring (or Skip Ahead) is a type of Fast ring that allows users to jump ahead to the following version of Windows 10 before the current development is considered complete. Usually, the seats for this level are limited, the code can be very unstable, and you're likely not going to see any significant features.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to join a computer in the Windows Insider Program to test upcoming features and changes for the platform with the settings available on the May 2019 Update. In addition, we'll outline the steps to manage the Insider settings as well as the steps to safely remove your device from the program.

• How to opt-in to the Windows Insider Program
• How to manage settings in the Windows Insider Program
• How to opt-out of the Windows Insider Program

Warning: This is a friendly reminder that during an upgrade things can always go wrong especially when installing a pre-release version of Windows 10. It's recommended to make a temporary full backup of your PC before proceeding.

How to opt-in to the Windows Insider Program

To enroll a desktop, laptop, or tablet to the Windows Insider Program, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & security.
3. Click on Windows Insider Program.
4. Click the Get started button.

5. Click the Link an account button.

6. Select your Microsoft account.
7. Click the Continue button.
8. Click the Register button (if applicable).

9. Click the Sign Up button.

10. Check the I've read and accept the terms of this agreement option.
11. Click the Submit button.

12. Click the Close button.
13. Under the "Pick your Insider settings" section, select the channel that you want to use:
    • Slow: Delivers preview builds with the latest improvements and new features with minimal risks of coming across bugs and significant problems.
    • Fast: Provides previews with the most up-to-date features and changes, but using this level means more unstable builds, and it's likely that you'll see errors, bugs, and problems with features.
    • Release Preview: Offers the final version of the next version of Windows 10 as soon as it's considered ready. However, the builds in this level may still contain unknown issues, which usually are patch with quality updates before it becomes available to the public. In addition, this level also includes previews for upcoming updates, drivers, and apps.
    • Skip: Allow you access to skip ahead to the next version of Windows 10. Typically, you'll start getting rough and buggy previews as soon as Microsoft gets close to finalize a new feature update.
14. Click the Confirm button.

15. Click the Confirm button again to agree to the terms.

16. Click the Restart Now button.

Once you complete the steps, your device will start downloading and installing builds from the Windows Insider Program as soon as they become available in the ring that you selected.

You can always check if there's a new preview available on Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and clicking the Check for Updates button to get the latest update immediately. However, remember that it can take up to 24 hours before previews become available for your device.

How to manage settings in the Windows Insider Program

While enrolled in the Windows Insider Program, you can switch between levels to slow down or speed the cadence of new features and improvements, and you can even change the Microsoft account to another account as necessary.

Switch Insider preview rings

To change between Insider Preview rings, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & security.
3. Click on Windows Insider Program.
4. Under the "Pick your Insider settings" section, click your current level.

5. Select a new ring:
   • Slow.
   • Fast.
   • Release Preview.
   • Skip.

6. Click the back button on the top-left corner.
7. Under the "Pick your Insider settings" section, should now display the new ring.

After you complete the steps, your computer will start receiving previews from the level that you selected.

Switch Insider preview account

To change your account information, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & security.
3. Click on Windows Insider Program.
4. Under the "Windows Insider account" section, click your current account.
5. Click the Change button.

6. Select or add a new account.
7. Click the Continue button.

Once you complete the steps, your device will connect to the Windows Insider Program with the account you specified.

How to opt-out of the Windows Insider Program

To safely remove your device from the Windows Insider Program, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & security.
3. Click on Windows Insider Program.
4. Under the "Stop getting preview builds" section, turn on the toggle switch.

After you complete the steps, you'll continue to receive preview builds, but once the new version releases, it'll install automatically, and then your computer will gracefully opt-out of the program.

If you're already running a preview of Windows 10, and you want to go back to the latest stable version, you'll need to backup your data, and perform a clean installation of the newest version of Windows 10.

Mauro recommends all these affordable accessories

Hi, I'm Mauro Huculak, Windows Central's help and how-to guru. I wrote the post you're reading now, and I know the Windows OS inside and out. But I'm also a bit of a hardware geek. These are some of the affordable gadgets on my desk today.

Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse ($72 at Amazon)

I know mice, and this is the one I use every day. The MX Master is a wireless high-precision mouse that's very comfortable to use and has many great features, including the ability to connect with multiple devices, an infinite scroll wheel, back and forward buttons, all of which you can customize.

Ktrio Extended Gaming Mouse Pad ($12 at Amazon)

If you spend a lot of time typing, your palms and mouse will leave tracks on your desk. My solution was to start using gaming mouse pads, which are big enough for you to use the keyboard and the mouse comfortably. This is the one I use and recommend.

Supernight LED light strip ($20 at Amazon)

You could just use a regular light bulb in your office, but if you want to add some ambient lighting with different colors, an RGB LED strip is the way to go. This one is Mauro-approved.

What you need to know

• The Windows 10 May 2019 Update is now generally available, but Microsoft is continuing to test fixes with Insiders.
• Windows 10 build 18362.145 is now available to Slow and Release Preview ring Insiders with a slew of fixes in tow.
• The fixes in this cumulative update will eventually make their way to everyone.

Even as the Windows 10 May 2019 Update has started its general rollout, Microsoft has opted to continue testing more fixes with Windows Insiders. Insiders on the Slow and Release Preview rings today can download Windows 10 preview build 18362.145, bringing with it several fixes.

Here's a look at what's included:

• Addresses an issue that may prevent Custom URI Schemes for Application Protocol handlers from starting the corresponding application for local intranet and trusted sites on Internet Explorer.
• Addresses an issue that prevents certain apps from launching when you set folder redirection for the Roaming AppData folder to a network path.
• Addresses an issue that my turn off Night light mode during display mode changes.
• Addresses an issue that may distort the rendering of a full-screen game when the Microsoft Game bar is visible on top of the game.
• Addresses an issue that prevents the removal of Bluetooth® peripheral devices from some systems with specific Bluetooth radios.
• Addresses an issue that may cause event 7600 in the Domain Name System (DNS) server event log to contain an unreadable server name.
• Addresses an issue in which the dots per inch (DPI) of the guest does not match the host.
• Addresses an issue that may cause an external USB device or SD memory card to be reassigned to an incorrect drive during installation. For more information, see "This PC can't be upgraded to Windows 10" error on a computer that has a USB device or SD card attached.
• Addresses an issue in which a File Share Witness does not remove Server Message Block (SMB) handles, which causes a server to eventually stop accepting SMB connections.
• Addresses an issue that prevents an application protocol URL from being opened when hosted on an intranet page.
• Addresses an issue with BranchCache when it is in distributed cache mode. BranchCache may use more disk space than assigned for the republication cache. To fully address the issue, devices that have exceeded the disk space assignments should empty BranchCache using the netsh branchcache flush command.
• Addresses an issue that may prevent some Direct3D applications and games from entering full-screen mode if the display's orientation has been changed from the default.
• Addresses an issue with creating a Windows catalog file on an x64 system using Windows System Image Manager. For more information, see What's new in ADK kits and tools.

If you're on the Slow or Release Preview rings, you should be able to grab this batch of fixes via Windows Update now. Otherwise, it shouldn't be too long before we see the fixes included in this cumulative update make their way to everyone running the Windows 10 May 2019 Update.

Cheap PC accessories we love

Take a gander at these awesome PC accessories, all of which will enhance your Windows experience.

Anker 4 port USB 3.0 hub ($10 at Amazon)

Whether on a desktop or laptop PC, you always need more ports to connect things to. This hub gives you an additional four USB 3.0 Type A ports.

Ikea Fixa Cable Management System ($11 at Amazon)

This IKEA cable management kit is your ticket to a clean setup. It's simple and functional.

NZXT Puck ($20 at Amazon)

This clever little accessory has powerful magnets on the rear to make it stick to any of the metal panels on your PC case or anything else. It's great for hanging accessories like headsets.

Starting with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903), as part of the Fluent Design System gradual rollout, the Sign-in screen adds an acrylic effect that blurs the background, removing surrounding clutter and helping you to focus the attention in the login task.

While this is a welcome addition, it's not a feature for everyone. If you prefer the traditional experience with a clear background, you can disable the acrylic material effect from the Sign-in screen in at least three ways using the Settings app, Group Policy Editor, and the Registry.

In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through the different methods to disable the Sign-in screen acrylic material effect available with the May 2019 Update.

• How to disable Sign-in screen blur background using Settings
• How to disable Sign-in screen blur background using Group Policy
• How to disable Sign-in screen blur background using Registry

How to disable Sign-in screen blur background using Settings

The easiest and safest process to disable the acrylic material effect in the Sign-in screen background is to use the Settings app, with these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Personalization.
3. Click on Colors.
4. Turn off the Transparency effects toggle switch.

Once you complete these steps, the Sign-in screen will show a clear background like in previous versions. The only caveat to using this option is that you'll also lose the transparency effects across the desktop and apps.

How to disable Sign-in screen blur background using Group Policy

If you're running Windows 10 Pro (or Enterprise), you can disable the acrylic material effect from the Sign-in screen using the Local Group Policy Editor.

1. Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
2. Type gpedit.msc and click OK to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
3. Browse the following path:Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\System\Logon
4. On the right side, double-click the Show clear logon background policy.

5. Select the Enabled option.

6. Click the Apply button. 
7. Click the OK button.

After completing the steps, the Sign-in background will show a clear background without disabling the transparency effects across the desktop and apps.

If you change your mind, you can rollback the previous settings using the same instructions, but on step No. 5, select the Not Configured option for the policy.

How to disable Sign-in screen blur background using Registry

If you're running Windows 10 Home, you won't have access to the Local Group Policy Editor, but you can still disable the translucent effect on the Sign-in screen using the Registry.

Warning: This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky, and it can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don't do it correctly. We recommend making a full backup of your PC before proceeding.

1. Open Start.
2. Search for regedit, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option to open the Registry.
3. Browse the following path:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsQuick Tip: On Windows 10, you can now copy and paste the path in the Registry's address bar to quickly jump to the key destination.
4. Right-click the Windows (folder) key, select New, and click on Key.

5. Name the key System and press Enter.
6. Right-click the newly created key, select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.

7. Name the key DisableAcrylicBackgroundOnLogon and press Enter.
8. Double-click the newly created DWORD and set the value from 0 to 1.

9. Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, you should be able to lock your device, and when trying to sign-in you should now see a clear background.

You can always revert the changes using the same instructions outlined above, but on step No. 8, make sure to change the value for the DisableAcrylicBackgroundOnLogon DWORD from 1 to 0.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

Mauro recommends all these affordable accessories

Hi, I'm Mauro Huculak, Windows Central's help and how-to guru. I wrote the post you're reading now, and I know the Windows OS inside and out. But I'm also a bit of a hardware geek. These are some of the affordable gadgets on my desk today.

Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse ($72 at Amazon)

I know mice, and this is the one I use every day. The MX Master is a wireless high-precision mouse that's very comfortable to use and has many great features, including the ability to connect with multiple devices, an infinite scroll wheel, back and forward buttons, all of which you can customize.

Ktrio Extended Gaming Mouse Pad ($12 at Amazon)

If you spend a lot of time typing, your palms and mouse will leave tracks on your desk. My solution was to start using gaming mouse pads, which are big enough for you to use the keyboard and the mouse comfortably. This is the one I use and recommend.

Supernight LED light strip ($20 at Amazon)

You could just use a regular light bulb in your office, but if you want to add some ambient lighting with different colors, an RGB LED strip is the way to go. This one is Mauro-approved.

Alongside many new changes and features, the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903) adds a few subtle but welcome improvements to the Start menu to make the experience more consistent and useful.

For example, beginning with the first semi-annual feature update, the Start menu becomes a separate app, gets proper light-mode support and receives several visual tweaks.

In this Windows 10 guide, we dive into the improvements with the Start menu shipping with the May 2019 Update.

Start menu improvements with the May 2019 Update

These are the new improvements you'll find in the Start menu after upgrading to the May 2019 Update.

Start menu process

In previous versions, the Start menu was part of the Shell experience (ShellExperienceHost.exe), which is an essential process that also handles graphical elements and several other components. Starting with the May 2019 Update, the Start menu is an entirely separate app that runs in its own process (StartMenuExperienceHost.exe), even though it'll feel like it's part of the Shell.

Using this new approach brings some unique benefits. For instance, now that the Start menu is a separate app, it'll reduce the number of issues. It'll make the experience more stable, faster to open, and it'll simplify debugging for developers.

Simplified layout

The updated version of the menu also ships with a new simplified default tile layout that reduces the number of columns from two to one, with top-level tiles for a cleaner look and feel.

In the new layout, you'll now only find two groups of tiles, including Productivity and Explore, each one with only six medium tiles. Also, each group features a folder with links to the online version of the Office apps, and another folder with links to download games from the Microsoft Store.

Although Windows 10 isn't reducing the number of default apps, with the new version, you'll be able to uninstall even more inbox apps (such as 3D Viewer, Calendar, Calculator, Paint 3D, Snip & Sketch, and others) directly from the Start menu or using the Settings app.

If you're upgrading from a previous version, Windows 10 won't change your current layout. Instead, the new default layout will be available on new devices after performing a clean installation and creating a new user account.

Pinning changes

Although you've been able to pin and unpin tiles for a long time, it hasn't been possible to do the same for groups and folders. Instead of having to empty a folder or group to remove it, starting with the May 2019 Update, you can simply right-click a folder or group to find a new option to unpin from Start.

Left navigation pane

In addition, the May 2019 Update also updates the left navigation pane of the Start menu. For example, now the left pane expands automatically as you hover over any of the buttons, revealing their labels, which makes it easier to identify their actions.

Also, clicking the power button, you'll find new icons for Sleep, Shut down, and Restart, and if there's an update pending, the power button will now include an orange dot indicating that a restart is pending. (The indicator will also appear in the Windows Update icon in the notification area of the taskbar.)

Finally, opening the profile menu, you'll notice that each option (Sign out, Lock, and Change account settings) now has a new icon for a more consistent experience.

Light mode support

While in the past, you were able to use a system Light mode, it was very inconsistent, as elements like the Start menu didn't use any kind of light colors. Starting with the May 2019 Update, Windows 10 introduces a proper Light mode, and when enabled, the color scheme will expand across all the visual elements, including on Start and its context menu.

Cheap PC accessories we love

Take a gander at these awesome PC accessories, all of which will enhance your Windows experience.

Anker 4 port USB 3.0 hub ($10 at Amazon)

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Ikea Fixa Cable Management System ($11 at Amazon)

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NZXT Puck ($20 at Amazon)

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Starting with the May 2019 Update (version 1903), Windows 10 is introducing a number of new changes to the Windows Console experience, which expands to Command Prompt, PowerShell, and the Windows Subsystem for Linux.

In the seventh major release of the OS, the command line console is getting some welcome additions, including visual tweaks to the user interface, and you can now access more settings to customize the canvas and cursor. In addition, if you use Linux on Windows 10, the experience introduces new commands and the ability to access Linux files using Command Prompt and File Explorer.

In this Windows 10 guide, we highlight the new improvements available with the Windows Console experience starting with the May 2019 Update.

Windows Console changes with the May 2019 Update

These are the most exciting changes coming to Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Windows Subsystem for Linux consoles with the first semi-annual update in 2019 for Windows 10.

New Terminal tab for the Windows Console

When accessing the Windows Console settings (right-clicking the title bar and selecting the Properties option), you'll notice a new "Terminal" tab that introduces new settings.

In the "Terminal Colors" section, checking the Use Separate Foreground option allows you to change the color of text, and the Use Separate Background will enable you to change the background color using RGB codes.

The "Cursor Shape" section includes five new shapes to customize the blinking cursor for the console.

• Use Legacy Style is the default option, and it enables the traditional thick underscore cursor.

• Underscore is similar to the legacy style, but it's a thinner cursor.

• Vertical Bar, as the name implies, enables a vertical cursor similar to the cursor available in text editors.

• Empty Box is a thick vertical cursor with an empty middle.

• Solid Box is a solid thick rectangle in a vertical orientation.

The Terminal tab also includes the "Cursor Colors" section that allows you to invert the cursor color, which is the default option, and it inverses the color based on the background color.

Or you can select the User Color option to specify a custom color for the cursor using an RGB code.

Finally, the Terminal Scrolling section also has a "Disable Scroll-Forward" option that limits forward scrolling only to the end of the last output. (If this option is disabled [default], you can scroll up and down anywhere within the buffer.)

Dark theme tweaks

In this new version, when using the dark system mode, you'll notice the scrollbars for Command Prompt, PowerShell, and the Windows Subsystem for Linux console will now use the dark color scheme as well for a more consistent experience.

Zoom in (and out)

As part of the functionality updates, when using any of the Windows Console experiences, you can now use Ctrl + Mouse Wheel to zoom in and out text.

Windows Subsystem for Linux

The May 2019 Update also delivers some improvements to the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) console, including new access to the Linux files within the Windows 10 experience, new commands, and other changes.

Accessing Linux files from Windows 10

Starting with version 1903, you can access the Linux files from Windows 10 using File Explorer or Command Prompt.

Although this may not seem significant, it's an important change because in the past, trying to modify these files will result in problems, but now you can natively access the files by typing

\\wsl$

followed by the distro name (for example,

\\wsl$\Ubuntu

) in the address bar of File Explorer or Command Prompt or PowerShell.

If you want to see a list of all the distros installed on your computer, use the

\\wsl$

path.

Once in the distro folder, you can browse the files and folders normally. If you're in File Explorer, you can access the context menu. You can add, remove, move, and copy files and folders, and you can even open and edit files with any text or code editor without damaging the distro.

WSL commands

Finally, this feature update also improves the Linux command line experience with consolidations of existing and addition of new commands. As a result, when using the wsl.exe, you can now run all the commands required to control and configure the Windows Subsystem for Linux.

Also, you'll find several new commands to use a different user to run commands and to import, export, and terminate distros. For instance, you can use the

--user

or

-u

command to run commands as a different user.

Using the new

--export

allows you to export the distro to a tar file. The

--import

command to import a tar file as a new distro. Also, there's the

--terminate

or

-t

command to terminate a distro.

As part of the consolidation efforts, the May 2019 Update brings already available commands with "wslconfig.exe" to "wsl.exe," including:

• --upgrade: Upgrades the distro to the WsIFs file system format.
• –-setdefault (-s): Configures the distro as the new default.
• –-unregister: Remove registration for the distro.
• –-list (-l): Creates a list of the distros installed on your device. Also, the --all lists all the distros, including those being added or removed, and the --running switch lets you see only the distros currently in use.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

Affordable accessories that'll pair perfectly with your PC

Every one of these awesome PC accessories will enhance your everyday experience — and none cost more than $30.

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Once you upgrade to the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903), you'll notice something different in the taskbar. You'll see a search box and a Cortana button next to it. This is because starting with this new major release, Cortana and Search are becoming two separate features, which means that the classic search is coming back.

In this new version of Windows 10, the overall experience to search files, folders, and the web remain similar to previous versions, but there are a few interesting changes. For instance, you can now control the aspects of search from the new dedicated Search section available in the Settings app. You can enable a new enhanced option to expand the search capability to your entire device. The search interface in taskbar gets a bunch of tweaks, and a lot more.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to manage the new Search settings and the instructions to use the experience with the May 2019 Update.

• How to manage permissions settings for Search
• How to manage index settings for Search
• How to find files and apps with Search
• How to manage taskbar button for Search

How to manage permissions settings for Search

In the past, the Permissions & History page was part of the Cortana experience, but starting with the May 2019 Update, the page has been relocated to the new "Search" section, and it allows you to control many privacy and feature settings to improve your search experience.

Restricting search results

Alongside files and apps results, Windows 10 can also provide results for web searches. However, because web previews can include unsuitable content, you can adjust the settings to specify a custom filter level.

To change the search preview restriction level, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Search Windows.
3. Click on Permissions & History.
4. Under the "SafeSearch" section, select one of the search filter levels:
   • Strict — doesn't show results that may contain adult text, images, and videos for web searches.
   • Moderate — filters out videos and images that may contain adult content (default).
   • Off — search results are shown without restrictions.

Once you complete the steps, search results will be restricted depending on your settings.

Getting cloud search results

Windows 10 can not only provide search results for files and folders stored locally on your device but also from content stored in the cloud (OneDrive or OneDrive for Business).

To allow or deny cloud search within Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Search Windows.
3. Click on Permissions & History.
4. Under the "Cloud content search" section, select and turn on or off the toggle switch to allow or deny cloud search on Windows 10:
   • Microsoft account — allows you to search files, images, and emails stored in the cloud.
   • Work or School account — allows you to make your files, images, and emails stored in your organization cloud searchable in your computer.

After completing the steps, depending on your configuration, you'll be able to run a query in the Search interface, and the results will now include content stored locally on your device and from those files, emails, and images stored in the cloud.

Managing search history

Windows 10 can collect searches from one or multiple devices that you own to provide a more personalized experience. If you're not interested in this functionality, you can use the history settings to control your search experience.

To manage search history on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Search Windows.
3. Click on Permissions & History.
4. Under the "History" section, turn off the My device history toggle switch to prevent the system from collecting search information to improve results.
5. Click the Clear my device history button to delete searches using apps and settings.
6. Turn on the My search history toggle switch if you want Windows 10 to collect your searches to improve your search experience across devices. (The default state of this setting is off.)Quick note: You can also click the "Search history" settings option to open your Microsoft account online to customize your search experience further.

Once you complete the steps, depending on your settings, search results will improve over time when searching for apps and settings on your computer or across your devices.

How to manage index settings for Search

Search Windows is a new page available in the Settings app, and it includes new features and options previously available through Control Panel to manage various aspects of the indexing process on Windows 10.

Viewing indexing stats

To view the current indexing status starting with the May 2019 Update, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Search Windows.
3. Click on Searching Windows.
4. See Indexing Status section.

Once the in the settings page, at the top, you'll notice the indexing status of your device, which shows you the number of items that have been indexed and those items yet to be added to the searchable list.

Using Enhanced mode

In addition to the features previously available, starting with version 1903, Windows 10 is also introducing a new Enhanced search mode that allows you to search your entire device, and not just your Documents, Videos, Pictures, Music, and Desktop folders.

To enable the new Enhanced search feature on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Search Windows.
3. Click on Searching Windows.
4. Under the "Find My Files" section, select the Enhanced option.

After completing the steps, when you perform a search, Windows 10 will look into all the folders and drives (not just your libraries and desktop) to find the item that you want.

Excluding folders

If there are specific folders that you wish not to be searchable, the new Search Windows settings have an option to exclude folders from search.

To include or exclude folders from search, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Search Windows.
3. Click on Searching Windows.
4. Under the "Excluded Folders" section, click the Add an excluded folder button.

5. Select the folder that you don't want to index.
6. Click the Select Folder button.

Once you complete the steps, the folder and its content will not participate in the search experience on your device.

Although the enhanced option has been designed to search your entire system, Windows 10 automatically removes specific folders from the search index, including the $Windows.~BT, Programs Files (x86), Program Files, Windows, and other folders. If you want to make these and other folders searchable, make sure to select the folder and click the Remove excluded folder button.

Customizing advanced settings

If you need to tweak the indexing settings even further, you can customize the experience using the advanced settings to index encrypted files, rebuild the index database, make new file formats searchable, and more.

To change the search index advanced settings on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Search Windows.
3. Click on Searching Windows.
4. Under the "More Search Indexer Settings" section, click the Advanced Search Indexer Settings option.

5. Click the Advanced button.

6. Click the Index Settings tab.
7. Under the "File Settings" section, you can enable two features:
   • Index encrypted files — makes files and folders using encryption searchable.
   • Treat similar words with diacritics as different words — recognizes two words as similar if one other is similar but it has an accent, and the other doesn't.

8. Under the "Troubleshooting" section, you can click the Rebuild button to delete and recreate the index database when Search isn't working correctly.
9. Under the Index location section, you can specify another folder or driver to relocate the index database.
10. Click the File Types tab.
11. Check or clear the file formats that are searchable on Windows 10.
12. Under the "How should this file be indexed" section, you can select two settings:
    • Index Properties — Only indexes metadata information.
    • Index Properties and File Contents — indexes the metadata information and the content inside the file.
    Important: This is not a global setting, as such you must specify the index option per file extension.

13. The Add new extension to list option allows you to includes new file formats to the list to make them searchable.

In addition, while in the "Indexing Options" page (part of the old Control Panel experience), you can use the Modify button to add and remove locations, but it's similar to using the "Exclude folders" settings. However, you'll notice a Pause button, which allows you to temporarily stop Windows 10 from trying to index files and folders.

Fixing search problems

If files or emails don't appear in results, Search is causing your device to run slow, or any other problem, you can use the indexer troubleshooter to resolve most common issues.

To run the indexer troubleshooter on Windows 10 version 1903, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Search Windows.
3. Click on Searching Windows.
4. Under the "Something not working" section, click the Run the indexer troubleshooter to resolve common search issues option to fix problems.

5. Select one or multiple problems that you want to troubleshoot.

6. Click the Next button.
7. Continue with the on-screen directions.

After completing the steps, Search experience should start working normally.

How to find files and apps with Search

Alongside the new features and improvements, starting with the May 2019 Update, you're also getting a new Search interface in the taskbar. The new interface introduces a new landing page that uses improved spacing to display your recent activities from Timeline.

You'll also notice a "Top apps" section which lists your most frequently accessed applications using tiles with rounded corners.

As you type a search query, the results will appear in a similar layout as the search experience available with the Windows 10 October 2018 Update, which shows results in the left pane with additional options (Open, Run as administrator, Open file location, etc.) in the right side.

In this feature update, you'll find the same search filters like in previous versions, but with the difference that this time around, the "Apps" filter is getting an update with a new landing page that includes two lists that surfaces your frequent and most recent applications.

The new Search experience also features some Fluent Design visual improvements, including acrylic and shadow effects as well as full support for the dark and new light system mode.

How to manage taskbar button for Search

The May 2019 Update, by default, ships with the full Search box pinned to the taskbar. However, if you want to reclaim taskbar space, you can customize the experience.

If you want to remove the search box while still having quick access to Search, use these steps:

1. Right-click the taskbar.
2. Select the Search submenu.
3. Choose the option that you want to use:
   • Hidden — removes the search box from the taskbar, but you can still use search on Windows 10 by opening the Start menu and just starting typing the query.
   • Show search icon — replaces the box for a search button, which you can click to access the experience faster.
   • Show search box — default option, shows the big search box in the taskbar.

Once you complete the steps, depending on your configuration, you'll have more space to pin apps in the taskbar.

What are your thoughts in the updated search experience? Tell us in the comments.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

In addition to the extensive list of incremental changes and new features, the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903) also introduces several changes to the sign-in experience to increase security while making settings easier to use.

For example, in this new version, you can set up a new account without ever having to deal with a complicated password. The Sign-in options page is getting revamped to make settings less intimidating when setting up an account using Windows Hello. The Sign-in screen is getting a visual update with Fluent Design touches and much more.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll highlight the most significant changes as part of the sign-in experience coming with the May 2019 Update.

Sign-in changes with the May 2019 Update

These are the new improvements available with Windows 10 version 1903 for the sign-in experience.

The blur effect

Starting with the first semi-annual update in 2019, the Sign-in screen is getting updated with a new acrylic effect that blurs the background as you enter your account password.

The effect is part of the Fluent Design improvements, and it aims to remove distraction and help you focus the attention to the sign-in process.

While there's not a setting to disable this feature, you can disable the transparency option in the Colors settings page to remove the blur. However, disabling the settings will also turn off transparency across the experience.

Alternatively, if you're running Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise, you can also disable the acrylic effect by enabling the Show clear logon background policy on Group Policy > Administrative Templates > System > Logon.

Sign-in screen

Perhaps one of the most significant changes available with version 1903 is the ability to set up a new account without ever needing to deal with a complex password.

If you have a phone number associated with your Microsoft account, you can send an SMS code to your phone, which you can then use to finish setting up the account. Once you're in the desktop, you can use the Sign-in options page in the "Accounts" settings section to add a Windows Hello Face, Fingerprint, or PIN method of authentication.

The process is straightforward, when you need to add a new user, on Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, under the "Other users" section, click the Add someone else to this PC button, and enter the phone number associated with a Microsoft account. Then lock your device, select the phone number from the Sign-in screen, click the Sign-in options button, click the PIN option, and then click the Sign in option, and continue with the on-screen directions to finish setting up the account.

Also, when you need to reset your Windows Hello PIN, you'll find a new visual experience similar to the one available when resetting your Microsoft account password online. The new visual is not only available in the Sign-in screen, but throughout the account creation wizard in the Settings app.

When using assistive technology, if you ever forget your Windows 10 account password or PIN, Narrator will stay available the entire time during the reset process.

Sign-in settings changes

The Sign-in settings page is getting an update as well to allow users to quickly set up the different methods of authentication using Windows Hello Face, Fingerprint, PIN, Password, and Picture Password without much difficulty.

You'll also find a new option to set authentication using a security key, which is possible thanks to the recent support for FIDO2 and CTAP2 security standards added with the October 2018 Update.

Additionally, the "Use my sign-in info to automatically finish setting up my device and reopen my apps after an update or restart" option is now enabled by default for computers connected to a Cloud Domain. However, this will only be true as long as BitLocker, SecureBoot, and TPM 2.0 are also enabled.

Out-of-box experience (OOBE)

Finally, in this new version, Windows 10 is also making it easier to create a new account without having to enter a password.

If you're performing a clean installation of Windows 10 with the May 2019 Update, during the OOBE experience to finish setting up your device, when you're adding a new account, instead of typing a password to authorize the account, you can now use the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone to securely approve the account.

What do you think about the sign-in changes available with Windows 10 version 1903? Let us know in the comments.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

As it has done with every new Windows 10 feature update, Microsoft this week has published a list of features that have or will be removed from the OS starting with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, known as version 1903, released earlier this week.

As with every new Windows 10 feature update, Microsoft is removing old features that are either no longer needed, no longer fit in with the product, or have been replaced with a modern alternative. This is to keep the OS free of unnecessary clutter.

Features removed or will be removed soon:

This is a list of features that Microsoft has removed or will be removing soon from the OS soon.

• XDDM-based remote display driver: Starting with this release the Remote Desktop Services uses a Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) based Indirect Display Driver (IDD) for a single session remote desktop. The support for Windows 2000 Display Driver Model (XDDM) based remote display drivers will be removed in a future release. Independent Software Vendors that use XDDM-based remote display driver should plan a migration to the WDDM driver model.
• Desktop messaging app doesn't offer messages sync: The messaging app on Desktop has a sync feature that can be used to sync SMS text messages received from Windows Mobile and keep a copy of them on the Desktop. The sync feature has been removed from all devices. Due to this change, you will only be able to access messages from the device that received the message.

Features no longer in development

This is a list of features that Microsoft is no longer developing, and will likely be removed in a future version of Windows 10.

• Taskbar settings roaming: Roaming of taskbar settings is no longer being developed and we plan to disable this capability in a future release.
• Wi-Fi WEP and TKIP: In this release a warning message will appear when connecting to Wi-Fi networks secured with WEP or TKIP, which are not as secure as those using WPA2 or WPA3. In a future release, any connection to a Wi-Fi network using these old ciphers will be disallowed. Wi-Fi routers should be updated to use AES ciphers, available with WPA2 or WPA3.
• Windows To Go: Windows To Go is no longer being developed. The feature does not support feature updates and therefore does not enable you to stay current. It also requires a specific type of USB that is no longer supported by many OEMs.
• Print 3D app: Going forward, 3D Builder is the recommended 3D printing app. To 3D print objects on new Windows devices, customers must first install 3D Builder from the Store.

Some of these features will be stuff you've probably never heard of before, and others might be more known, such as Windows To Go which allowed customers, mainly enterprises, to boot a full Windows installation from a USB key.

Did you use any of these features? Let is know in the comments.

As part of the May 2019 Update (version 1903), Windows 10 is introducing significant improvements to the input experience.

For instance, in this new version, the emoji panel becomes more useful with the addition of quick access to symbols and kaomoji. If you use the touch keyboard, you'll be able to type faster and more accurately, and you'll be able to access even more symbols. In the language department, Windows 10 now includes support for ADLaM and Osage scripts, and as part of the Narrator experience, you will find a lot of enhancements and new features.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll be taking a closer look at the input changes shipping with the May 2019 Update.

• Emoji panel changes with the May 2019 Update
• Touch keyboard changes with the May 2019 Update
• Language changes with the May 2019 Update
• Narrator changes with the May 2019 Update

Emoji panel changes with the May 2019 Update

Starting with version 1903, Windows 10 is implementing emoji version 12, which just means around sixty additional emoji, including mechanical arm, deaf person, otter, drop of blood, and otter. Also, version 12 ships with more variants for gender and skin tone for a more diverse and inclusive experience.

In addition, the emoji panel is getting an update that adds a new tab that allows you to perform a quick search and insert symbols virtually anywhere, including in any text editor, word processing application, social media post, and emails.

After upgrading to this new version, you can bring up the emoji panel using the Windows key + ; keyboard shortcut, and access symbols within the omega tab.

As part of the available symbols, you can use the tabs at the bottom of the experience to access the different sections, including for punctuation, currency, geometric, math, Latin, and language symbols.

Also, as you use them, the most commonly used symbols will be listed in the frequently used tab (clock button).

Finally, the emoji panel now includes kaomoji, which are similar to emoji, but each idea or emotion is represented using characters.

Similar to the tab for symbols, you can use the tabs at the bottom of the experience to browse the different kaomoji categories, and the commonly used items will be listed in the frequently used tab (clock button).

Touch keyboard changes with the May 2019 Update

The touch keyboard experience is also getting some improvements. Starting with the May 2019 Update, Windows 10 is introducing a new mechanism that can detect your typing behavior to adjust the hit target dynamically to predict the key that you intend to press more accurately.

You'll not see any visual changes, but the new improvement should result in faster and more accurate typing.

Symbols

In addition, using the touch keyboard, you can now access even more symbols and special characters. The new symbols are available clicking the omega button while inside the "&123" view.

As you open the experience, you can click the buttons next to "abc" to navigate the available sections (punctuation, currency, geometric, math, Latin, and language symbols) to find the symbol you need.

If you type in Vietnamese, this update ships with Vietnamese Telex and Number-key based (VNI) keyboards for the best possible typing experience in this language.

Furthermore, the May 2019 Update also includes Indic Phonetic keyboard support for Bangla, Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi, Malayalam, Punjabi, Odia, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada.

SwiftKey

On Windows 10, SwiftKey is an essential feature that offers accurate predictions and autocorrections when typing, and with the new update, the technology is now expanding to even more languages, including:

• English (Canada).
• English (India).
• French (Canada).
• French (Belgium).
• French (Switzerland).
• Portuguese (Portugal).
• German (Switzerland).
• Spanish (United States).

Also, when using any of the above languages, you can even get text predictions when using a physical keyboard.

Japanese IME

Alongside the typing improvements, the first semi-annual update for Windows 10, also ships with changes for the Japanese IME. For instance, now the experience is more reliable and secure than before. Microsoft is making design changes, including a new modern interface to provide IME candidates, and each text prediction now has an index to make it easier to select.

In addition, if you type in Japanese, you'll now be able to adjust configurations within the Settings app.

Language changes with the May 2019 Update

As part of the language experience, Windows 10 version 1903 introduces several changes. For example, in this new version, you'll find a new Windows Ebrima font, which should help to view and read documents and websites using the ADLaM script, and now there's support for ADLaM and Osage keyboards.

If you're not familiar, the Osage script is used to write in the native language of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma, and the ADLaM script is used to write in the language of the Fulani people of West Africa.

Also, starting with this update, when adding a new language using the Settings app, you'll get additional options to install a language pack and the settings to set a particular language as the default display language.

If available, during the installation process, you'll also see the options to install speech recognition and text-to-speech features.

Finally, the Language settings page now includes a link to choose an input method as the default for a language.

Narrator changes with the May 2019 Update

In a continued effort to make Windows 10 accessible by anyone, the May 2019 Update also delivers a slew of tweaks and changes to the Narrator experience.

Read by Sentence

Starting with this new version, Narrator introduces a feature called "Read by Sentence," which is designed to let you read current, previous, and next sentences using touch or with these keyboard shortcuts:

• Caps + Ctrl + Comma (,): Reads current sentence.
• Caps + Ctrl + Period (.): Reads next sentence.
• Caps + Ctrl + M: Reads previous sentence.

If you're using a braille display, you can use "Read by Sentence" pressing the dots 2-3-4 or 2-3-4-7 in command input mode.

Sentence

Narrator also now ships with a "Sentence" view, which you can access with the Caps + Page Up or Caps + Page Down commands. While in the new view, you can navigate each sentence using the Caps + Left arrow (previous sentence) and Caps + Right arrow (next sentence) commands.

Caps lock

On the May 2019 Update, Narrator will let you know when you start typing with Caps lock enabled by accident. If you want to use the old behavior, you'll be able to change it using the Narrator settings page, and making sure to disable the "Change when you receive Caps lock warnings while typing" option under the "Change what you hear when typing" section.

Phonetic reading

The character phonetic reading functionality no longer announces phonetic information (for example, "a" for "Alpha" and "b" for "bravo") by default. If you must use character phonetics, you need to press the Narrator key + Comma twice.

You can now use the Narrator key + 5 twice command to announce the current character phonetics.

In addition, the feature now also announces the current state for hardware buttons (for instance, volume keys).

Narrator Home

Starting with this new update, you'll find an updated "Narrator Home" experience with everything you need to know to get started which will appear you launch Narrator.

Reading

Narrator now uses capitalization for all reading modes. If this isn't a feature for you, use the Narrator key + 4 to disable or re-enable it.

It's now possible to read the text on the entire window using the text-reading commands, and you can even have the feature read groups of keyboard keys when they're pressed.

The assistive technology now detects combo edit controls, and it'll announce them as "Combo Edit" instead of "Edit."

Also, by default, when reading text, you can select the option to move the mouse cursor as Narrator reads you the text with the new option "Move my cursor as Narrator reads text" option available from the Narrator settings page.

Narrator for web browsers

The May 2019 Update also introduces tweaks to improve its support when using Google Chrome.

You can now use the up and down arrows, and while on a slider, the left and right arrows will decrease and increase the slider in scan mode.

It's now possible to navigate using the tab keys. You can use continuous reading commands, and navigate links and headers.

On supported browsers, Narrator can now read the complete link aloud, and while on a web page, the commands will stay visible. (This also works for the Mail or Outlook app for Windows 10.)

Finally, if you use Microsoft Edge, Narrator now will no longer announce "non-selected" cells in a table when the aria-selected property isn't configured. Also, the experience will stop announcing exit and re-enter a table while reading a single table, or parent table data while inside a nested table.

Narrator sign-in assistance

If you're having trouble signing in to your account, Narrator has been updated to stay by your side while you reset your password or PIN.

Additional support

Finally, as part of braille improvements, this version includes BRLTTY version 5.6, which introduces USB support for Orbit 20 and Inceptor displays.

Also, Baum displays now support B9 and B10 interchangeably. The Liblouis tables and binaries have been updated to version 3.7, and the system can now recognize BrailleNote Touch with USB.

Alongside the braille improvements, the framework for UI Automation now ships with translating IAccessible2 information support for Chrome.

What are your thoughts in the new input changes shipping with the May 2019 Update? Tell us in the comments.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

Microsoft is now rolling out the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903) to the masses with a slew of improvements and several new features to enhance your experience, whether you're using a desktop, laptop, or tablet. This is the seventh major update since the original launch, and it's the first semi-annual update of 2019 releasing to supported devices.

However, as a result of major code changes, a new feature update also means potential new issues during and after the upgrade that can negatively impact the overall usability and performance.

Also, consider that many of the problems moving to a new version aren't necessarily issues with the new version of Windows 10. A lot of times the reason for an installation failure is because of outdated drivers, conflicting applications, custom configurations, and hardware related issues.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll dive into some of the problems and the instructions to resolve them as you make the leap to the May 2019 Update on your device.

Windows 10 May 2019 Update fixes to common issues

Usually, when your device undergoes an upgrade to a new version, you may see two types of issues. You may come across errors that are known problems that can occur for many reasons, but they're not necessarily bugs with the May 2019 Update, and then there are those problems that are results of unknown bugs and compatibility problems with the latest feature update.

This guide highlights the steps to deal with both types of issues as you embark into the upgrade process and after the installation of Windows 10:

• How to fix unexpected errors installing the May 2019 Update using Windows Update
• How to fix error 0x800F0922 downloading the May 2019 Update using Windows Update
• How to fix install completion problems with the May 2019 Update
• How to fix error 0x80190001, 0x80073712, 0x80245006 installing the May 2019 Update files using Windows Update
• How to fix errors installing the May 2019 Update using Media Creation Tool
• How to fix issues installing the May 2019 Update using USB bootable media
• How to fix error 0x8007025D installing the May 2019 Update using ISO
• How to fix Update Assistant stuck downloading Windows 10 May 2019 Update
• How to fix error 0x8007042B or 0x800700B7 installing the May 2019 Update using the Windows Setup
• How to fix storage error 0x80070070, 0x80070008, or 0xC190020e installing the May 2019 Update
• How to fix hardware error 0xC1900200, 0xC1900202, or 0x80300024 installing the May 2019 Update
• How to fix driver error 0xC1900101 or 0x80090011 installing the May 2019 Update
• How to fix app compatibility error 0xC1900208 installing the May 2019 Update
• How to fix driver compatibility error 0x800F0923 installing the May 2019 Update
• How to fix error 0xC1900107 starting upgrade of the May 2019 Update
• How to fix account error 0x80070522 installing the May 2019 Update
• How to fix accidental restart error 0x80200056 installing the May 2019 Update
• How to fix activation problems with the May 2019 Update
• How to fix networking problems with the May 2019 Update
• How to fix black screen problems with the May 2019 Update
• How to fix error with external storage upgrading to the May 2019 Update
• How to fix Bluetooth issues after upgrading to the May 2019 Update
• How to fix Wi-Fi issues after upgrading to the May 2019 Update
• How to fix AMD RAID driver problems upgrading to the May 2019 Update
• How to fix brightness problem after upgrading to the May 2019 Update
• How to fix Dolby Atmos audio issues after upgrading to the May 2019 Update
• How to fix night light problems after installing the May 2019 Update
• How to fix duplicate user folders after installing the May 2019 Update
• How to fix intcdaud.sys error upgrading to the May 2019 Update
• How to fix Windows Sandbox error 0x80070002 with the May 2019 Update
• How to properly upgrade to the Windows 10 May 2019 Update

How to fix unexpected errors installing the May 2019 Update using Windows Update

While the recommended method to install a new version of Windows 10 is to use Windows Update, many times, you'll come across different error messages that will prevent you from completing the installation.

Using this method, you can see a lot of different errors depending on the problem. However, if you don't know the cause of the issue, you can use the Windows Update troubleshooter to let the system fix the problem automatically.

To resolve errors with Windows Update to install the new feature update, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Click on Troubleshoot.
4. Under the "Get up and running" section, select the Windows Update option.
5. Click the Run the troubleshooter button.

6. Click the Apply this fix option (if applicable).

7. Continue with the on-screen directions.
8. Restart your computer.

Once you complete the steps, in the "Windows Update" settings page, click the Check for updates button to continue with the upgrade to version 1903.

In the case that Windows Update isn't working because of a networking issue, you may need to use the Network Adapter troubleshooter, under the "Find and fix other problems" section, in the "Troubleshoot" settings page to resolve the problem automatically.

How to fix error 0x800F0922 downloading the May 2019 Update using Windows Update

If you're seeing the error 0x800F0922 using Windows Update, then it could indicate that your device isn't able to connect to the update servers, or the System Reserved partition is out of space.

Terminating a VPN session

Usually, the 0x800F0922 error will appear when you're trying to download the files to install a new feature update while you're connected to a VPN server.

To resolve this issue, simply disconnect from the VPN section:

1. Click the network icon in the taskbar.
2. Select the VPN connection.

3. Click the Disconnect button.

If you use a different VPN client, make sure to check the software vendor support website for more specific details to disconnect.

Modifying System Reserved partition

If you're using a third-party antivirus or another type of security software, sometimes they store data on the System Reserved partition, which can be the reason you're not able to install the May 2019 Update.

Usually, you can resolve this issue using a third-party tool to make the Reserved Partition bigger. (This partition should be 500MB or larger.)

Alternatively, you can perform a clean installation with the new feature update, which will wipe out the hard drive and create the necessary partitions automatically.

How to fix install completion problems with the May 2019 Update

When using Windows Update to install a new version of Windows 10 or monthly update, there's a chance that you'll see one of these two errors:

• Error: We couldn't complete the updates. Undoing changes. Don't turn off your computer.
• Error: Failure configuring Windows Updates. Reverting changes.

These are common messages that can prevent the upgrade process from completing successfully, and you won't be able to continue until you investigate and fix the exact error.

Fortunately, the Windows Update settings page includes a section with information about each update that you're trying to install, and you can use this information to continue the investigation and fix the issue.

To find out the exact error that caused the upgrade process to fail, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Click on Windows Update.
4. Click the View your update history option.

5. Check the error code for the failed update.

Once you complete the steps, you can use your preferred search engine to research the error, or better yet, you can ask in the Windows Central forums to find a solution for the problem.

Using Media Creation Tool

Using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool can also result on an error 0x80246007. If this is the case, then it means that the download didn't complete successfully.

To get around the issue, either try an in-place upgrade again or use the tool to start from scratch with a clean copy of Windows 10.

How to fix error 0x80190001, 0x80073712, or 0x80245006 installing the May 2019 Update files using Windows Update

If you get the 0x80190001 error, it means that a problem has occurred during the download process. If you see error 0x80073712 or 0x80245006 trying to install the new feature update, it indicates that some of the upgrade files are either damaged or missing.

The easiest way to fix this issue is to use the Storage settings to delete the temporary install files and then go through the upgrade process again.

To clean downloaded temporary files on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click on Storage.
4. Under the "Storage sense" section, click the Free up space now option.

5. Clear the default selections.
6. Check the Temporary Windows installation files or Windows Setup temporary files option.

7. Click the Remove files button.

After completing the steps, in the "Windows Update" settings page, click the Check for updates button to proceed with the upgrade to the May 2019 Update.

Alternatively, you can avoid this issue using the Media Creation Tool to perform a clean installation of Windows 10 with the new feature update.

How to fix errors installing the May 2019 Update using Media Creation Tool

The Media Creation Tool is a handy utility to perform an in-place upgrade or create a bootable media to install a new version of Windows 10, such as the May 2019 Update. However, you can end up with a Dynamic Update problem, which can prevent the tool from starting the upgrade process even after restarting it.

If after restarting the Media Creation Tool, the upgrade files get stuck downloading, you may need to start the installation process manually using these steps:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Browse to the following path:C:\$Windows.~BT\Sources
3. Double-click the Setupprep.exe file to start the upgrade.

Once you complete the steps, you should be able to continue with the upgrade process to the May 2019 Update. If you're still seeing the same problem, then you should try the Update Assistant.

Fixing Media Creation Tool stuck downloading updates

As part of the upgrade process, the Media Creation Tool downloads the files required to upgrade, and then check for additional updates.

If the tool gets stuck checking for the update before the upgrade, use these steps:

1. Restart the Media Creation Tool.
2. As soon as the installation files finish downloading, unplug the network cable from your computer or disconnect from the wireless network.

After you complete the steps, the tool will timeout, skip the updates, and it'll continue with the upgrade process.

How to fix issues installing the May 2019 Update using USB bootable media

If you're planning to upgrade your device using a USB media created with the Media Creation Tool, the Windows 10 May 2019 Update may fail every time you try the installation process.

Typically, this happens because some of the files may be damaged or missing inside the USB flash drive. To fix this problem, use the Media Creation Tool one more time to recreate the bootable media. (If available, try creating the installation media using another computer.)

To create a USB media, use these steps:

1. Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft. (Use the Download tool now button.)
2. Double-click the MediaCreationToolxxxx.exe file to start the utility.
3. Click the Accept button.
4. Select the Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC option.

5. Click the Next button.
6. Select your language, architecture, and edition settings, if different from the default selection.

7. Click the Next button.
8. Select the USB flash drive option.

9. Click the Next button.
10. Select a removable drive from the list.

11. Click the Next button.
12. Click the Finish button.

Once you complete the steps, you'll end up with a brand-new USB media without corrupted files, which you can now use to install the Windows 10 May 2019 Update.

How to fix error 0x8007025D installing the May 2019 Update using ISO

In the case that you see the 0x8007025D - 0x2000C error during the upgrade process, then some of the files may be corrupted in the Windows 10 ISO file.

To fix this problem, use the Media Creation Tool to create a new Windows 10 ISO file with these steps:

1. Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft. (Use the Download tool now button.)
2. Double-click the MediaCreationToolxxxx.exe file to launch the utility.
3. Click the Accept button.
4. Select the Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC option.

5. Select your language, architecture, and edition settings, if different from the default selection.

6. Click the Next button.
7. Select the ISO file option.

8. Click the Next button.

Once you complete the steps, the utility will create a new ISO file that should now work to upgrade your computer or virtual machine.

How to fix Update Assistant stuck downloading Windows 10 May 2019 Update

While the Update Assistant tool has been designed to install feature updates when Windows Update isn't working, sometimes, the utility can run into problems of its own, including getting stuck during the update download process.

Typically, the issues that can occur using the Update Assistant are associated with network problems. If this is the case, you can use these tips to fix the problem:

• Restart your device, and then try the Update Assistant again.
• Disconnect the network cable from your computer, or disable your network connection. Wait around one minute, reconnect to the network, and use the Update Assistant one more time.

If you're still dealing with the same problem, use the Media Creation Tool to upgrade your device to the May 2019 Update.

How to fix error 0x8007042B or 0x800700B7 installing the May 2019 Update using the Windows Setup

As you try to upgrade to Windows 10 version 1903 using the Media Creation Tool, USB install media, or Update Assistant, you may experience the error 0x8007042B 0x4000D, along with the "Something went wrong" message, or error 0x800700B7 0x2000A which will prevent the installation of the feature update.

Usually, the error 0x8007042B 0x4000D or 0x800700B7 0x2000A indicate that the Windows Setup cannot continue as a result of another process running in the background. For instance, the setup can stop unexpectedly because of a third-party security software (such as antivirus), or a process for certain applications.

To get around this problem, either identify and terminate the application and its background processes and start again. Uninstall the programs that may be causing the issue (such as antivirus or anti-spyware). Or perform a clean boot of Windows 10 and try the upgrade process one more time.

To uninstall applications on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Apps.
3. Click on Apps & features.
4. Select the app you want to remove, and click the Uninstall button.

5. Click the Uninstall button again to confirm.

After you complete the steps, use the same instructions again to remove any other conflicting apps. (After the installation, remember to reinstall the third-party software.)

How to fix storage error 0x80070070, 0x80070008, or 0xC190020e installing the May 2019 Update

As part of the minimum hardware requirements, you need at least 20GB of available storage to upgrade a 64-bit version or 16GB of space for a 32-bit version. If your device doesn't meet the storage requirements, you may get one of the following error messages:

• 0x80070070 – 0x50011
• 0x80070070 – 0x50012
• 0x80070070 – 0x60000
• 0x80070008
• 0xC190020e

To resolve the storage problem installing the May 2019 Update, use the Settings app to free up space using these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click on Storage.
4. Under section "Storage sense" section, click the Free up space now option.

5. Select the files you want to delete to reclaim space, including:
   • Windows Upgrade log files.
   • System created Windows Error Reporting Files.
   • Windows Defender Antivirus.
   • Windows Update Cleanup.
   • Thumbnails.
   • Temporary Windows installation files.
   • Temporary files.
   • Recycle Bin.
   • Temporary Internet Files.
   • Delivery Optimization Files.
   • DirectX Shader Cache.
   Warning: Do not select the "Windows Setup temporary files" or "Windows ESD installation files" options as these are the files required to upgrade your device.
6. Click the Remove files button.

Once you complete the steps, if you're able to clear enough space, you should be able to install Windows 10 version 1903 without problems.

Alternatively, you can connect an external storage (such as an external hard drive or USB flash drive) with at least 16GB of storage, and then, Windows 10 will use it as temporary storage to perform the installation.

How to fix hardware error 0xC1900200, 0xC1900202, or 0x80300024 installing the May 2019 Update

Although Windows 10 can run in most hardware configurations, you may stumble upon error 0xC1900200 – 0x20008, 0xC1900202 – 0x20008, or 0x80300024, if the device doesn't meet the minimum requirements.

If you're about to install Windows 10 with the May 2019 Update, make sure the device includes these minimum hardware requirements:

• CPU: 1GHz.
• Memory: 2GB for 32 bit or 64 bit.
• Disk: 16GB for 32 bit or 20GB for 64 bit.
• Graphics: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver.
• Display: 800x600.

While you may not see errors on high-end computers, it could be an issue on low-end devices. In the case that the 0xC1900200 – 0x20008 or 0xC1900202 – 0x20008 error comes up, the problem is likely to be not enough RAM, which you can resolve installing additional memory.

You can use this guide to find out the hardware information of your device to determine if a hardware upgrade is required.

Fixing error 0x80070002 0x20009

Another common problem while trying to install a new version of Windows 10 is error 0x80070002 0x20009, which indicates that the system is unable to find the specific files.

Usually, this error happens when you have more than one drive connected to your computer. To quickly fix the problem, disconnect secondary internal drives as well as external drives (including USB flash drives). You only need the main drive that will house the Windows 10 installation and the drive that contains the installation files.

How to fix driver error 0xC1900101 or 0x80090011 installing the May 2019 Update

When installing the May 2019 Update, if you come across one of the 0xC1900101 or 0x80090011 errors, then you're dealing with a driver issue.

Here's a list of possible variants of the error:

• 0xC1900101 - 0x20004
• 0xC1900101 - 0x2000c
• 0xC1900101 - 0x20017
• 0xC1900101 - 0x30018
• 0xC1900101 - 0x3000D
• 0xC1900101 - 0x4000D
• 0xC1900101 - 0x40017

To overcome the problem, you can use the following solutions:

Disconnect peripherals

One way to avoid errors with drivers is to disconnect the peripheral preventing your device from upgrading. After installing the feature update, you can reconnect them again.

Usually, it's always recommended to disconnect all peripherals that aren't essential to complete the installation, including external drives, printers, Bluetooth devices, USB devices, cameras, and other peripherals to prevent issues.

Free up storage

Available space can be one of the reasons for one of the 0xC1900101 errors. If this is the case, use Storage sense, remove non-essential apps and games, and delete (or export) personal files to free up space.

If you need more assistance, use this guide to reclaim as much storage as possible.

Update device drivers

In the case that your computer is getting one of the 0xC1900101 or 0x80090011 error, make sure you're using the most up-to-date drivers from your manufacturer.

To install the latest driver updates on your computer, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Device Manager, and click the top result to open the experience.
3. Expand the branch with the device causing issues. (Typically, it'll have a yellow exclamation mark.)
4. Right-click the device, and select the Update driver option.

5. Click the Browse my computer for driver software option. (Or click the Search automatically for updated driver software option to check for updates automatically.)

6. Select the location of the unpacked folder with the driver files.

7. Click the Next button.
8. Continue with the on-screen directions.

If you're downloading the driver from your manufacturer support website, skip the above instructions, and make sure to use their steps to install the update.

Repair main drive

You can also use the CHKDSK command line tool to check and fix logical and physical errors on the hard drive that could be preventing your device from upgrading correctly.

To repair errors inside the hard drive, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
3. Type the following command and press Enter:chkdsk/f c:

4. Type Y and press Enter to schedule a scan.
5. Restart your computer.

Once you complete the steps, during the startup process, the CHKDSK tool will scan and repair any errors that it may find on the hard drive.

Resolve issues with current installation

Windows 10 ships with the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Servicing and Management (DISM) tools, which can help you repair problems with your device current installation that can help to avoid seeing 0xC1900101 errors.

You don't need to use both tools. You should start with the SFC tool in Command Prompt, and if you continue having issues, then you should try the DISM command tool to fix problems with the current installation.

Update device manually

In the case that you've tried everything, and you're still running into the same issue, an alternative option includes performing a clean installation of Windows 10 with the May 2019 Update using the Media Creation Tool.

How to fix app compatibility error 0xC1900208 installing the May 2019 Update

When upgrading to the May 2019 Update, you may also see error 0xC1900208 – 0x4000C, which reveals that some of your installed applications are incompatible with the installation process.

To address this issue, uninstall the apps that may be blocking the installation (such as non-Microsoft antivirus, anti-spyware, and other security software).

You can remove apps from your computer using these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Apps.
3. Click on Apps & features.
4. Select the app causing the problem.Quick tip: If you don't know the app causing the problem, usually, the problem is the antivirus and older software.
5. Click the Uninstall button.

6. Click the Uninstall button again.

After you complete the steps, you should be able to finish the installation of Windows 10 version 1903 without problems.

How to fix driver compatibility error 0x800F0923 installing the May 2019 Update

When you see error 0x800F0923, it means that there's a compatibility problem with a device driver or program installed on your computer.

Usually, you'll see this error when there's an issue with the graphics driver. It can also be a compatibility problem with an old piece of software or third-party antivirus. Or one of the components inside your computer is using an outdated driver.

If you stumble upon the error 0x800F0923, you can use the Media Creation Tool or Update Assistant tool. These tools can detect and show you a report of any common hardware compatibility issue.

In the case that it's a driver problem, it's recommended to download and install the most up-to-date driver available from your manufacturer support website, using their instructions.

Quick tip: Sometimes manufacturers also offer beta versions of their drivers, which may fix the problem in question.

If the device is using the latest driver, you can try uninstalling it, then continue with the version 1903 installation. After the upgrade, you can re-install the driver again.

To quickly remove a device driver on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Device Manager, and click the top result to open the experience.
3. Expand the branch that contains the device with the problematic driver.
4. Right-click it, and select the Uninstall device option.

5. Click the Uninstall button again.

After completing the steps, you should be able to finish the upgrade of the May 2019 Update without problems.

Other related errors

In addition to error 0x800F0923, you may also see error 0x80070490 - 0x20007 during the installation, which means that one or multiple device drivers are not compatible. If your device gets the error 0x80070003 - 0x20007, then it indicates that the upgrade failed during the driver installation phase.

If you see any of these two errors, after the device rolls back to the previous version, use the above instructions to remove the problematic driver, and then go through the upgrade process one more time.

App compatibility problem

In the case that you're dealing with a compatibility issue with an app, then make sure to download the latest update from your vendor support website. Or remove the app using these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Apps.
3. Click on Apps & features.
4. Select the app you want to remove, and click the Uninstall button.

5. Click the Uninstall button again.
6. Continue with the on-screen directions.

Once you complete the steps, proceed with the upgrade, and after the installation, you should be able to reinstall the app again without issues.

How to fix error 0xC1900107 starting upgrade of the May 2019 Update

During the installation process of the May 2019 Update, there's a chance of running into the 0xC1900107 error, which means that you recently upgraded your computer, and a copy of the previous installation still present on the hard drive.

You can get around the issue restarting your computer, and proceeding with the upgrade again. However, if you're still having the problem, then use the Storage settings to delete the previous version manually.

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click on Storage.
4. Under "Storage sense," click the Change how we free up space automatically option.

5. Under the "Free up space now" section, check the Delete previous versions of Windows option.

6. Click the Clean now button.

After completing the steps, run the setup one more time, and you should be able to upgrade successfully.

How to fix account error 0x80070522 installing the May 2019 Update

When you're trying to install the May 2019 Update, you may also get the 0x80070522 error. If you get this error, it means that the upgrade process has been started from a standard account.

To resolve this issue, sign-in with an administrator account, and rerun the Windows 10 setup one more time. (If you're in a managed environment, you may need to contact your system administrator for assistance.)

How to fix accidental restart error 0x80200056 installing the May 2019 Update

If you get the 0x80200056 error, it means that you may have accidentally restarted your device in the middle of the upgrade process. Thankfully, this isn't a significant problem, you only need to rerun the setup and make sure to keep your computer turned on throughout the entire process.

How to fix activation problems with the May 2019 Update

Windows 10 can reactivate automatically after an upgrade, clean installation, or even after upgrading (some) hardware components as long as it was previously activated. However, sometimes, there's a chance that your copy of Windows 10 won't install after installing the Windows 10 version 1903.

If your computer doesn't activate, you'll end up seeing a "Windows not activated" message along with the 0x803F7001 error in the Activation settings page.

Usually, Windows 10 will reactivate automatically after a few days, but you can use the Activation Troubleshooter to activate immediately.

How to fix networking problems with the May 2019 Update

Although the installation may complete successfully, sometimes, you can end up with networking problems. For example, you may not be able to connect to the internet, or the connection may not be consistent whether you're using an Ethernet or wireless adapter.

When you're dealing with a networking problem, a lot of factors can affect connectivity, such as signal, cable, adapter, settings, driver, router, internet service provider, and even a bug in the new release of Windows 10.

Resolving a network related issue can take a lot of time, but if you're experiencing a problem after upgrading to the May 2019 Update, then it could be a driver or settings problem, which you may be able to fix with these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Network & Security.
3. Click on Status.
4. Under the "Change your network settings" section, click the Network Troubleshoot button.

5. Continue with the on-screen directions.

Once you complete the steps, you should be able to connect to the internet.

Resetting network adapter settings

If you're unable to connect to the network, you can reset all the network adapters installed on your computer, which you can do using these steps:

Warning: Using these steps will reset all adapters on your device. If you're using a wireless connection, you'll need to re-enter the passphrase to connect.

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Network & Security.
3. Click on Status.
4. Under the "Change your network settings" section, click the Network reset button.

5. Click the Reset now button.

After completing the steps, the system will remove and reinstall all the adapters connected to your computer, and it'll reset the settings to their defaults.

In the case that these instructions didn't fix the problem, it could be a bug with the May 2019 Update. You can refer to this guide with tips to overcome most networking problems.

How to fix black screen problems with the May 2019 Update

A black screen can occur during or after installing Windows 10 version 1903. Usually, when you see a black screen, it's a problem with the graphics card driver, one of the internal components, or it could be a previous update that didn't install correctly.

If you're seeing a black screen on your device, you can refer to this guide to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

In the case the problem persists after the upgrade, the update may not be ready for your device, as such it's recommended to rollback to the previous version using these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Click on Recovery.
4. Under the "Go back to a previous version of Windows 10" section, click the Get started button.

5. Select any reason.
6. Click the Next button.

7. Click the No, thanks button.

8. Click the Next button.

9. Click the Next button again.

10. Click the Go back to earlier build button.

After you complete the steps, you should wait until there's a new update that fixes the problem.

Once you remove the feature update, Windows 10 will try to download it again, but you can use these steps to block the new version until you know for sure that the problem has been fixed.

How to fix Bluetooth issues after upgrading to the May 2019 Update

After installing version 1903, you may encounter problems discovering or connecting Bluetooth devices to your computer. According to Microsoft, the feature update has some issues with some Bluetooth drivers available from Realtek and Qualcomm, and as a result the May 2019 Update won't be offered to affected devices until the problem has been resolved.

If you already upgraded your device using the Media Creation Tool or Update Assistant, the software company is advising to proactively check your computer manufacturer support website for updated drivers.

In the case that an update is available, you should download and install the new versions of driver following your manufacturer instructions. However, if there are no instructions and you need assistance, you can follow this guide to install the driver update.

Also, remember that you need to install Qualcomm drivers greater than version 10.0.1.11, and Realtek drivers greater than version 1.5.1011.0.

How to fix error with external storage upgrading to the May 2019 Update

During the upgrade process to the May 2019 Update, a number of users are reporting the "This PC can't be upgraded to Windows 10" error message.

This is a known issue that happens as a result of inappropriate drive reassignment when a USB flash drive, memory card, or secondary internal drive is connected to your computer as you try to install the Windows 10 version 1903.

Microsoft is currently blocking the update on devices that may be affected by this issue until a permanent solution releases. However, if you don't want to wait, to get around this problem, it's recommended to disconnect all external drives as well as secondary internal hard drives from your computer. Then restart Windows 10, and try to upgrade to the May 2019 Update one more time.

How to fix Wi-Fi issues after upgrading to the May 2019 Update

Some users may experience problems, such as intermittent connectivity using a wireless adapter from Qualcomm, after upgrading to the Windows 10 May 2019 Update.

If you have a working internet connection, it's likely that your device is using an outdated version of the Qualcomm driver.

Microsoft is aware of this issue, and it's blocking the feature update on computers using an older version of the driver, as such to get around this issue, you must update the Wi-Fi driver by downloading and installing the latest package from your computer manufacturer using their instructions.

If the support website isn't offering any assistance, download the driver, double-click the ".exe" self-extracting package, or use this guide to extract the content of the ".zip" compressed file, and then use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Device Manager and click the top result to open the experience.
3. Double-click the category with the adapter you want to update.
4. Right-click the device, and select the Update Driver option.

5. Click the Browse my computer for driver software option.

6. Click the Browse button.

7. Select the main folder with the content you have extracted earlier.
8. Click the OK button.
9. Check the Include subfolders option to allow the wizard to find the correct ".inf" file with the instructions to update the driver.
10. Click the Next button.

Once the newer driver has been applied, you can proceed with the installation of the May 2019 Update.

How to fix AMD RAID driver problems upgrading to the May 2019 Update

If you're running an AMD Ryzen system configured in SATA or NVMe RAID mode using an outdated driver (version 9.2.0.105 or lower), when you try to upgrade to Windows 10 version 1903, you'll get the following message:

"A driver is installed that causes stability problems on Windows. This driver will be disabled. Check with your software/driver provider for an updated version that runs on this version of Windows."

And you won't be able to continue with the installation of the feature update.

This is a known issue, and you come across this problem, you should download and install the AMD RAID driver (9.2.0.105 or later) from this AMD support website. (The package contains the driver and PDF file with the instructions on how to set up and update the RAID driver.)

Once the updated driver has been installed, you can proceed with the normal installation of version 1903.

How to fix brightness problem after upgrading to the May 2019 Update

After installing the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903), users may report issues adjusting the brightness settings. For instance, the brightness settings may apply, but the display won't show any effect.

This is a known issue on devices using Intel display drivers, and Microsoft is currently using a compatibility hold on affected devices until there's a permanent solution.

If you already upgraded to version 1903, and you're experiencing this issue, the workaround is to restart your computer to apply the settings correctly.

How to fix Dolby Atmos audio issues after upgrading to the May 2019 Update

If you recently upgraded your computer to Windows 10 version 1903, you may notice audio loss using Dolby Atmos for headphones and home theater using the extensions downloaded from the Microsoft Store.

This is another known issue, and it happens because an error with the licensing configuration, where the user is unable to connect with the Dolby Access app and enable audio with the extensions.

Devices using this audio configuration will not receive the new version until there's a permanent fix, and there's not a workaround to mitigate this problem.

If you already upgraded your device, you should avoid using Dolby Atmos or remove the feature update until the problem is resolved using these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Click on Recovery.
4. Under the "Go back to a previous version of Windows 10" section, click the Get started button.

5. Select any reason.
6. Click the Next button.

7. Click the No, thanks button.

8. Click the Next button.

9. Click the Next button again.

10. Click the Go back to earlier build button.

After you complete the steps, you should wait until there's a new update that fixes the problem, and then re-apply the new version.

How to fix night light problems after installing the May 2019 Update

If you are running the May 2019 Update, there's a chance that night light may stop working when connecting to an external display, projector, or dock. When rotating the screen. Or when making any changes to the display settings.

According to Microsoft, this is a known issue, and it's actively working to offer a permanent solution. In the mean time, the new version won't be offered to devices that may encounter this problem.

However, in the case that you're already running Windows 10 version 1903, it's recommended to turn on and off the feature to try fixing the issue with these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click on Display.
4. Under the "Color" section, turn on and off the Night light toggle switch.

If you're still having issues, then restart your computer to get night light working again.

How to fix duplicate user folders after installing the May 2019 Update

After upgrading to the latest version of Windows 10, you may find an empty folder with the same of the main profile folder.

According to Microsoft, this behavior occurs if you previously redirected you account folders (Desktop, Documents, or Pictures) to a different location using the File Explorer settings, OneDrive wizard to backup those locations, or selecting the option to keep your files using the Out-of-Box-Experience (OOBE) after installing Windows 10.

Microsoft is currently investigating the issue, and even though, this issue doesn't cause data loss, the company is promising an update to permanently resolve this issue. Also, devices that include redirected folders now have a compatibility block to prevent the feature update from installing until there's a permanent fix.

How to fix battery drain with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update

If you recently attempted to upgrade your laptop or tablet, you probably came across the "intcdaud.sys" or "What needs your attention" notification during the process.

Microsoft is aware of this issue, and it appears because there's an issue with the Intel Display Audio device drivers (versions 10.25.0.3 through 10.25.0.8) that may result in higher then normal battery drain.

The company is currently working with Intel to resolve the issue permanently. In the meantime, the company is advising to cancel the installation by clicking the Back button in the wizard if you receive the warning. Otherwise, if you try to upgrade, the installation will fail and revert back to the previous version.

How to fix Windows Sandbox error 0x80070002 with the May 2019 Update

After installing the May 2019 Update, some users are reporting "ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND (0x80070002)" trying to initialize Windows Sandbox.

According to Microsoft is an error that may appear on devices that changed the system language during the upgrade process to version 1903. The company is currently working to permanently fix this issue with an upcoming update, but if you must address the problem immediately, you can perform an clean installation with these instructions to get around the "ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND (0x80070002)."

How to properly upgrade to the Windows 10 May 2019 Update

Although Microsoft aims to offer the best possible upgrade experience, the process to build a new version of Windows 10 that is compatible with countless hardware and software configurations is difficult, and it can result in many unexpected problems during and after the installation.

However, it doesn't mean that you should never upgrade your device, as new releases bring new features, fixes, and usually improve many security aspects. If you plan the installation properly, the chances of running into issues and errors will be significantly lower.

Below we share several tips to minimize the impact as you try to install the May 2019 Update on your computer.

Create a temporary backup

A full backup is your best friend when installing a new version of Windows 10. While the setup process has a mechanism to restore the previous version in case something goes wrong during the upgrade process, there's always a chance of something unexpected will happen. Case and point, during the October 2018 Update rollout, Microsoft was forced to halt the deployment of the update due to a number of bugs, including a problem that caused data loss to a small number of users.

Instead of rushing into clicking the Install button, you should use the built-in imaging tool to create a temporary backup, which you can then use to recover your system if you run into problems after installing the May 2019 Update. Or you should at least backup your personal files to an external drive or to the cloud using OneDrive.

Undo blocking settings

If you're using custom system settings, there's a chance that one of the settings is blocking your computer from getting the Windows 10 May 2019 Update.

To check and undo system settings that may prevent your device from downloading the new update, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Click the Advanced options link.

4. Turn off the Pause Updates toggle switch.
5. Under the "Choose when updates are installed" section, select the Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted) option.

6. Use the drop-down menu and select 0 days for both options.

Once you complete the steps, the May 2019 Update should now be able to download and install automatically.

Uninstall non-essential apps

Usually, an upgrade will fail as a result of compatibility issues with outdated or poorly designed applications. If you want to reduce the chances of problems during the installation of the May 2019 Update, make sure to remove apps that are likely to cause problems, such as old classic programs and third-party antivirus.

To remove apps on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Apps.
3. Click on Apps & features.
4. Select the app you want to remove, and click the Uninstall button.

5. Continue with the on-screen directions to complete the removal.

Once you complete the steps, you can repeat the instructions to uninstall additional apps.

Disabling antivirus

In addition to old programs, you may want to consider temporarily uninstalling third-party security software, such as antivirus, firewall, and others. After installing the feature update, you can reinstall them back.

Although the risks of leaving your device unprotected during the upgrade process are relatively low, it's assumed that you understand the consequences that it's never recommended to leave your computer without protection.

You should consult your security software vendor for specific instructions. If you're dealing with the Windows Defender Antivirus, you can disable the real-time protection feature using these steps:

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
3. Under the "Virus & threat protection settings" section, click the Manage settings option.

4. Turn off the Real-time protection toggle switch.

After you complete the steps, the real-time protection will re-enable automatically after the upgrade.

Disconnect non-essential peripherals

A lot of times, the installation for a new version of Windows 10 will fail because of compatibility problems with one or multiple peripherals connected to your device.

You can reduce the number of problems by disconnecting all non-essential peripherals before clicking the Install button. The devices that you want to unplug, include removable storage (such as USB flash drive, SD cards, external hard drives), printers, scanners, dongles, and Bluetooth peripherals.

When preparing to upgrade to the May 2019 Update, you only need a mouse, keyboard, monitor, and an internet connection. After the installation, you can reconnect all the peripherals to your system.

Disable metered connections

A network connection set as a metered to data will block version 1903 from downloading and installing automatically. If you want to upgrade your system to the latest feature update, you have to disable any network connection set as metered.

If you're using a limited internet connection, make sure there's enough data left before removing the configuration or make sure to switch to a network connection that isn't capped before proceeding.

To disable a metered connection on Windows 10, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Network & Security.
3. Click on Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
4. Click the network connection.

5. Turn off the Set as metered connection toggle switch.

After completing the steps, use Windows Update to download and install the new feature update on your device.

Turn off the firewall

Sometimes the Windows 10 or third-party firewall can come between your device and the feature update causing errors and other problems. If you're using a firewall, make sure to disable it before proceeding with the installation.

You should consult your security software vendor for specific instructions. However, if you're using the Windows Firewall, you can use these steps to disable the feature:

1. Open Windows Security.
2. Click on Firewall & network protection.
3. Click the network with the "active" label.

4. Turn off the Windows Firewall toggle switch.

Once you complete the steps, your device should be able to download the upgrade files without issues.

Upgrade using clean installation

If you've followed all our recommendations, and you're still unable to install Windows 10 version 1903, then you should consider performing a clean installation.

When you use a clean installation, you'll erasing everything and installing a fresh copy of Windows 10 with the latest feature update, which can help to resolve performance and many other issues.

If you want to try a clean installation, you should use the Media Creation Tool to create a USB media, which you can use to boot your computer and complete the setup. You can find all the steps to perform this task in this guide.

Wrapping things up

While the first semi-annual update for Windows 10 is now rolling out to compatible devices with new features and improvements, remember that when a major release becomes available (at least during the early days) unknown bugs and compatibility issues are expected.

If you're planning to install version 1903 immediately after the official launch, before rushing into the process, keep in mind that Microsoft always recommends waiting until the update downloads to your device automatically. The reason is that using Windows Update, the company can more accurately scan and detect if your configuration is compatible with the new feature update, which can save you a lot of headaches.

Did you come across any problems installing version 1903? If so, how did you fix the issue? Let us know in the comments.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

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In addition to the new features and enhancements bundled with the May 2019 Update (version 1903), Windows 10 is also introducing a slew of changes to the Settings app to help users customize and modify system settings.

Starting with version 1903, the Settings experience revamps the homepage with a new header design (controlled feature) similar to the one found in the Microsoft account page online, and you'll find many new settings and tweaks.

For instance, you can now install fonts using a drag-and-drop gesture. The app includes new options to choose a custom color and size for the mouse pointer. If the date and time are incorrect, you can now sync this information manually. Search now has its very-own settings section. Windows 10 Home users can pause updates. You're getting a redesigned experience to enroll in the Windows Insider Program, and a lot more.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll dive into the improvements and tweaks shipping with the Settings app with the May 2019 Update.

What's new in the Settings app

In this new version, perhaps the most noticeable change in the Settings app is the new header design that appears at the top of the homepage. The new header is meant to highlight the user information with quick access to common settings (such as OneDrive and Windows Update). Additionally, each option has a badge indicating its status. While the green badge means everything is working as expected, if it turns yellow, then it means that your attention is required.

Important: This is a controlled feature, and it may not be available for all users. If you upgraded your device using the Windows Insider Program, there's a chance that you'll get it. Otherwise, the homepage of the Settings app will look just like in previous versions.

If the new header looks familiar, it's because is the same design found in your Microsoft account online.

Also, across the experience, the text has been updated to make settings easier to understand, and as part of the Fluent Design System gradual rollout, you will notice a new shadow effect for drop-down menus.

Alongside the visual changes, the Settings app includes updates to some of the pages and introduces new options.

These are all the new improvements you'll find in the Settings app in more detail:

• System
• Devices
• Network & Internet
• Personalization
• Apps
• Accounts
• Time & Language
• Ease of Access
• Search
• Cortana
• Privacy
• Update & Security

System

On Settings > System > Display, inside the Advanced scaling settings page, you won't see new options, but starting with the May 2019 Update, the setting to fix scaling for apps that may look blurry after a system change is now enabled by default.

On Settings > System, the Notifications & actions page no longer includes the options to edit the quick actions buttons as you can now perform this task within Action Center.

On Settings > System, the Focus assist page has been updated with a new "When I'm using an app in full screen" rule that allows you to suppress notifications when using apps in full-screen mode.

In addition, Windows 10 now adds Nearby Sharing as one of the default priority exceptions that can show notifications while focus assist is enabled with the Priority only option.

On Settings > System, the Power & Sleep page now includes a slider to select the power mode to optimize battery life to save energy or best performance.

If this option looks familiar is because it's the same option previously available in the battery flyout menu in the taskbar.

On Settings > System, the Storage page has been revamped with a new design that dynamically shows how the storage is being used in the main drive (C:) and can help you to quickly find out how you can free up space.

Clicking the new "Show more categories" option, you can also see a breakdown of the areas using more space. While this view is new in the Storage page, this is the same view that was previously only available in the "Storage usage" page.

Starting with version 1903, accessing the System & reserved item, you can check whether Reserved storage is enabled and the amount of space the system is currently reserving.

Reserved storage is a new feature designed to set aside part of the available local storage, which Windows 10 can use to minimize problems while applying updates. The feature will be enabled automatically on devices that come pre-installed with the May 2019 Update, or after performing a clean installation of Windows 10.

If you use multiple hard drives, they will no longer be available on the Storage page. However, they're not missing, as the Settings app now lists all the local drives in a separate page, which you can access clicking the View storage usage on other drives option, under the "More storage settings" section.

Furthermore, under the "More storage settings" section, you'll now also find an Optimize Drives option to give you quick access to the defragmentation tool.

Of course, Storage sense still alive in this version, and you can manage its settings clicking the Configure Storage Sense or run in now option, under the "Storage" section.

On Settings > System, the Multitasking page receives a minor update that converts the "Snap" settings into checkboxes, instead of switches.

Devices

On Settings > Devices, the Printer & Scanners page isn't getting significant improvements, but if you're having printing issues, the right page, under "Related settings," you'll find an option to run the printer troubleshooter to resolve common problems.

On Settings > Devices, the Typing page, under the "More keyboard settings" section, you'll notice a new Make my keyboard focus easier to see option, which opens the "Cursor & Pointer" settings page.

Also, inside the "Advanced keyboard settings" page there's a new option to access settings to manage language hotkeys.

Network & Internet

On Settings > Network & Internet, the Ethernet page now shows the network name in the adapter, and inside the properties page, there's a new IP settings section that allows you to set a static TCP/IP configuration. (Previously, in the Settings app, this option was only available for wireless adapters.)

Personalization

On Settings > Personalization, the Colors page relocates the option to change the color theme to the top of the page, and now, the setting is a drop-down menu.

Using the Light option enables the new color scheme that brings light colors to the Start menu, taskbar, Action Center, flyout menus, touch keyboard, and many other visual elements.

If you like the classic light theme, then you can select the Custom option, and make sure to set the "Choose your default Windows mode" option to Dark, and the "Choose your default app mode" option to Light.

On Settings > Personalization, the Themes page doesn't introduce new settings, but it includes a new Windows (light) theme which also enables the new light theme using the default Windows 10 background.

On Settings > Personalization, the Fonts page for some odd reason now has a drag-and-drop option to install a new font using a file.

Also, this new version introduces the Windows Ebrima font to read your ADLaM web pages and documents, and there's new keyboard support for ADLaM and Osage. (If you're unfamiliar, the Osage script is used to write in the native language of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma. The ADLaM script is used to write in the language of the Fulani people of West Africa.)

Apps

On Settings > Apps, the Apps & features page introduces some subtle changes. For example, the "Installing apps" section, which includes the settings to control the type of apps you can install on your device, is now called "Choose where to get apps," and the options remain the same, but with new names:

• Anywhere.
• Anywhere, but let me know if there's a comparable app in the Microsoft Store.
• Anywhere, but warm me before installing an app that's not from the Microsoft Store.
• The Microsoft Store only (recommended).

In addition, starting with the May 2019 Update, Windows 10 is relaxing its policy allowing to uninstall more inbox apps, including:

• 3D Viewer.
• Calculator.
• Calendar.
• Groove Music.
• Mail.
• Movies & TV.
• Paint 3D.
• Snip & Sketch.
• Sticky Notes.
• Voice Recorder.

Accounts

On Settings > Accounts, the Sign-in options page has been completely revamped with version 1903 to make it easier for users to set up the different methods of authentication using Windows Hello, traditional or picture password, and there's even a new option to sign-in using a Security Key.

Also, the "Use my sign-in info to automatically finish setting up my device and reopen my apps after an update or restart" option will be enabled by default for devices connected to a Cloud Domain as long as the following requirements are enabled:

• BitLocker.
• SecureBoot.
• TPM 2.0.

On Settings > Accounts, the Family & other users page now allows you to set up an account using a phone number without the need of using complex passwords.

Once the account is created, the users will receive an SMS code to sign in and finish setting up the account. Also, to secure their account, the user can then configure Windows Hello Face, Fingerprint, or PIN to access the account.

Time & Language

On Settings > Time & Language, the Date & Time page includes a new option to synchronize the system clock with the time server manually.

According to the company, the new option is meant to help in situations where the time service was previously disabled, or you find that the clock isn't displaying the correct time.

In addition, under the "Synchronize your clock" section, you can now see the last time the clock was synchronized and with which server.

On Settings > Time & Language, the Region page doesn't include new settings, but the page icon has now been updated.

On Settings > Time & Language, the Language page includes some improvements to install a new language. For example, starting with the May 2019 Update, when adding a new language, you'll see new preference options to install a package and settings to set a particular language as the display language.

If available, during the installation process, you'll also see the options to add the speech recognition and text-to-speech features.

Finally, under the "Preferred languages," you will notice a link to choose an input method to always use as the default for a language.

On Settings > Time & Language, the Speech page, as part of the Narrator experience, there's a new "Manage voices" section, which shows the voice packages available on your device, and you can now use the Add voice button to install additional voices for other languages without having to install a full language pack.

Ease of Access

On Settings > Ease of Access, the Cursor & pointer page introduces new settings to change the pointer size and color.

Using the slider, you can now choose among 15 different pointer sizes, and clicking the rainbow wheel button. You can select from various suggested colors for the pointer.

If the color isn't in the list, you can click the Pick a custom pointer color button to create the custom color that you like.

On Settings > Ease of Access, the Color filters page isn't changing significantly, but now, you'll notice a message letting you know that "Night light" is affecting the color filter experience with a link to disable the feature.

On Settings > Ease of Access, the Narrator page has been updated with several improvements, sections and descriptions include updated text, and some previous settings have been reorganized. For instance, in this new version, you'll find more options to control Narrator at start-up, including:

• Allow the shortcut key to start Narrator.
• Start Narrator after sign-in for me.
• Start Narrator before sign-in for anyone.
• Show Narrator Home when Narrator starts.
• Minimize Narrator Home to the system tray.

Under the "Personalize Narrator's voice" section, there's a new link to add more voice packages as needed, and you'll no longer find the options to emphasize formatted text or turn on intonation pauses.

In the "Change what you hear when reading and interacting" section, you can now select among five new verbosity levels to control the amount of content you hear. In addition, you can now cycle through all the levels using the Narrator + V command.

Other options in this section include:

• Have Narrator's voice emphasize formatted text.
• Hear phonetics as you read by character.
• Have Narrator use punctuation to determine pauses when reading.
• Hear advanced detail, like help text, on buttons and other controls.
• Hear hints on how to interact with buttons and other controls.
• Hear Narrator announce whey an action can't be performed.
• Hear audio cues when you perform actions.

The "Choose keyboard settings" section doesn't include new options, but now, there's a new link to create your own keyboard commands.

Under the "Use Narrator cursor" section, there's a new drop-down menu that allows you to select between two cursor navigation modes (Normal and Advanced).

Search

On Settings > Search, Searching Windows is a new page starting with the May 2019 Update, which includes the settings previously available in Control Panel and new features to manage indexing on Windows 10.

The new page includes an "Indexing Status" section to highlight the content already searchable and those files pending to be indexed.

Under the "Find My Files" section, you can use the Classic search mode, or you can select the new Enhanced mode, which allows Windows 10 to search the entire drive and not just the desktop, documents, pictures, and videos libraries.

Also, there's an "Excluded Folders" section, which as the name implies, it allows you to specify the folder that you don't want to be searchable, which can help to speed the indexing process. While you can manage this option manually, Windows 10 will also exclude some known folders automatically.

At the bottom of the page, you'll find the "More Search Indexer Settings" section that includes two options, including access to the Advanced Search Indexer Settings using Control Panel, and you'll find an option to access the troubleshooter to fix common search problems on Windows 10.

In addition to the "Searching Windows" page, you'll also notice that the new section includes the Permissions & History and More details pages. They were previously available in the Cortana section, but now that the digital assistant and search are separate features, both of the pages have been relocated to the Search section.

Cortana

On Settings > Cortana, the Talk to Cortana page doesn't introduce new changes, but it removes the option to change the name that the assistant uses to call you.

On Settings > Cortana, the Permissions page doesn't introduce new changes. Instead, it removes most of the settings, which are now available in the Permissions & History page for the Search experience.

In addition, the Cortana section no longer includes the Cortana across my devices page, which included the settings to configure notifications coming from your phone.

Privacy

On Settings > Privacy, the Diagnostics & feedback page has been updated with settings to manage the "Recommended troubleshooting" feature.

Options available include:

• Fix problems for me without asking.
• Tell me when problems get fixed.
• Ask me before fixing problems.

On Settings > Privacy, the Camera page doesn't include new settings, but you can now see which apps are currently accessing the camera.

Also, at the bottom of the page, the settings pages introduce an option to allow or deny camera access to classic desktop applications (but this setting may not apply to every app).

On Settings > Privacy, the Microphone page, similar to the Camera page, now shows which apps are currently accessing the microphone.

In addition, you can use the setting available at the bottom of the page to decide whether or not classic desktop applications can access your microphone. (This setting may not work with every application.)

On Settings > Privacy, Voice activation is a new page shipping with the May 2019 Update, and it allows you to control which applications (such as Cortana and Alexa) can proactively listen to voice commands and can continue listening after a command is detected.

On Settings > Privacy, Phone calls is a new page available with this new version, and it includes the settings allow or deny users from using certain apps to make phone calls.

When this feature is enabled, Windows 10 will use the cellular network of the phone linked to your device to make the call. (Be aware that this feature may cause additional charges to your phone bill.)

Update & Security

On Settings > Update & Security, the Windows Update page and some of the sub-pages are receiving refinements.

Starting with this new version, instead of plain links, the settings page now displays options like "Pause updates," "Change active hours," "View update history," and "Advanced options" with icons and line of description.

Previously, you needed to access the "Advanced options" page to temporarily pause updates, but now, the option is easily accessible within the Windows Update page. Also, beginning with the May 2019 Update, the feature is not only available for Windows 10 Pro, but for Windows 10 Home users too.

The first semi-annual update for Windows 10 also brings a smarter Active hours feature. In the past, you needed to proactively adjust the settings based on your schedule to prevent sudden reboots to apply updates while you're actively using your device. However, as a result of having to remember to change the settings was yet another challenge, starting with version 1903, Windows 10 includes an option to adjust your active hours based on your computer activity automatically.

If you prefer to adjust the settings manually, you need to disable the automatic option, and then click the Change option to change your active hours.

On Settings > Update & Security, the Delivery Optimization page isn't getting new visual changes, but starting with the May 2019 Update, Windows 10 is adding support for LEDBAT for uploads to peers in the same network.

This new change has been implemented to reduce congestion in the network and allows uploads to stop sending data when the network is being used for traffic with higher priority.

On Settings > Update & Security, the Troubleshoot page has been updated with a new Recommended Troubleshooting feature allowing Windows 10 to apply troubleshooting steps automatically for common problems.

Using the feature, Windows 10 can automatically change settings to match your hardware configuration, restore settings for essential services, and it can even make system changes to ensure your device operates normally.

In addition, Recommended Troubleshooting can also suggest fixes for non-critical problems, which can apply manually using the Settings app. However, the feature will apply fixes for critical issues automatically, and it's not possible to disable it.

Finally, you can click the View history link to view the fixes that Windows 10 has already applied, and even though, there's not an option to disable the troubleshooting steps, you can use the new settings in the "Diagnostics & feedback" page to change the behavior of this feature.

On Settings > Update & Security, the Recovery page, includes an updated Reset this PC experience with changes to make the feature more consistent across devices, and the process now takes fewer steps whether you're keeping your files or removing everything.

On Settings > Update & Security, the Windows Insider Program page is getting a design update to make it easier to enroll and unroll devices from the program.

In addition to updating the page descriptions, it's now easier to see in which ring your computer is enrolled. If you want to switch rings, you can click the current enrollment, and then select the ring that you want to use, including Slow, Fast, Release Preview, or Skip.

The main page also shows the account linked to the Windows Insider Program and the selected account. You'll get options to change or unlink the account.

Finally, you can now gracefully opt-out of the program with a single option under the "Stop getting preview builds" section. (If you decide to opt-out your device from the program, you'll continue to receive previews, but once the final version of Windows 10 releases, the device will no longer get new builds.)

Wrapping things up

While you'll still need to use Control Panel occasionally, starting with the May 2019 Update, the Settings app introduces a slew of significant changes, improvements, and features that brings the experience one step closer to be the one-stop-shop to manage all the Windows 10 system settings.

What are your thoughts on the changes the May 2019 Update brings to the Settings app? Tell us in the comments.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

Mauro recommends all these affordable accessories

Hi, I'm Mauro Huculak, Windows Central's help and how-to guru. I wrote the post you're reading now, and I know the Windows OS inside and out. But I'm also a bit of a hardware geek. These are some of the affordable gadgets on my desk today.

Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse ($72 at Amazon)

I know mice, and this is the one I use every day. The MX Master is a wireless high-precision mouse that's very comfortable to use and has many great features, including the ability to connect with multiple devices, an infinite scroll wheel, back and forward buttons, all of which you can customize.

Ktrio Extended Gaming Mouse Pad ($12 at Amazon)

If you spend a lot of time typing, your palms and mouse will leave tracks on your desk. My solution was to start using gaming mouse pads, which are big enough for you to use the keyboard and the mouse comfortably. This is the one I use and recommend.

Supernight LED light strip ($20 at Amazon)

You could just use a regular light bulb in your office, but if you want to add some ambient lighting with different colors, an RGB LED strip is the way to go. This one is Mauro-approved.

The new Windows 10 Game Bar is a vast improvement on the old Game Bar, while also incorporating Xbox social features currently available only to the Xbox Windows 10 app. Today, Microsoft announced that the new Game Bar is rolling out to users on the Windows 10 May 2019 Update.

The Windows 10 Game Bar, accessible with Windows Key + G, incorporates many new features, including Spotify integration, Discord-like party chat voice overlays, performance monitoring, and more. It's also far, far faster than the current Game Bar, and the Windows 10 Xbox app itself, while also being accessible anywhere on Windows 10, rather than just inside apps. Microsoft announced that the new Game Bar is rolling out now to users on the May 2019 Update, via an app update on the Microsoft Store.

Update May 22, 2019: The new Game Bar appears to be rolling out for users on the Windows 10 October 2018 update as well!

• Windows 10 Game Bar @ Microsoft Store

Here's a run down of some of the features that the Windows 10 Game Bar has so far.

• Broadcast and capture tools for games, which also works inside any apps.
• Performance monitors for CPU, GPU, and RAM.
• Audio mixer tool.
• Spotify controls for music.
• A chat panel for Xbox Live messages and voice party chats.
• Xbox Live friends list, and friends browsing.
• Xbox Live notifications.
• Mixer picture-in-picture live streaming.
• Modular interface with pinnable panels, that can show up on top of your other windows and games.
• Access local game clips and screenshots for sharing.
• Looking For Group tool for finding gamers to play with.
• The ability to show/hide features depending on which you want.

Microsoft also announced yesterday that GIF support is also coming to the Windows 10 Game Bar messages in the near future, alongside the Android and iOS apps. Microsoft noted that the current Windows 10 Xbox app is not slated to receive the new messaging systems, which makes it sound as though the old Xbox app might be getting phased out in favor of new Windows 10 Game Bar features.

If you're not ready to get the May 2019 Update yet, the Windows 10 Game Bar is also available for beta testers in the Windows 10 Gaming Test Flight Ring, which is a mini tester pool for soliciting feedback on the new system. Hit the links below for info on how to get on board with either the May 2019 update, or get the new Game Bar early on your current Windows 10 build via the Gaming Test Flight ring.

• How to get the Windows 10 May 2019 Update right now
• How to join the Windows 10 Gaming Test Flight ring

Affordable accessories that'll pair perfectly with your PC

Every one of these awesome PC accessories will enhance your everyday experience — and none cost more than $30.

KLIM Aim RGB gaming mouse ($30 at Amazon)

Whether you're a gamer or not, this is an absurdly good mouse for the price. It's ambidextrous, has a responsive sensor, a braided cable, tank-like build quality, and, yes, it has RGB lighting, though you can turn it off if that's not your thing.

AmazonBasics USB speakers ($16 at Amazon)

These neat little speakers may only pack 2.4W of total power, but don't let that fool you. For something so small you get a well-rounded sound and a stylish design. And they only cost $16.

Razer mouse bungee ($20 at Amazon)

Use a wired mouse? You need a mouse bungee to keep your cable tidy and free of snags. You get no drag on the cable, and this one has subtle styling, a rust-resistant spring and a weighted base, all for $20.

Microsoft's next big Windows 10 feature update is here. Codenamed "19H1," and known officially as the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, this release brings with it a few new features and lots of improvements to already existing ones. Let's take a look!

Windows Shell

Here's a list of expected changes:

• A new light theme is available which turns the taskbar, Start menu, and other areas of the Windows Shell white.
• Shadows are now present under several UI elements in including XAML context menus and window popups.
• The login screen now features Acrylic blur effects.
• The Emoji Panel is now drag-able.
• Emoji 12, Kaomoji, and Symbols are available in the Emoji Panel.
• Focus Assist will now automatically turn on when entering full screen in an app.
• You can now customize quick actions directly within the Action Center.
• A new brightness slider is now present in the quick actions area in Action Center.
• The default wallpaper has been updated with lighter colors and a flatter aesthetic.
• Snip & Sketch now supports window snip for easy screenshotting of app windows.
• Start and Taskbar jump lists now feature Fluent Design reveal and blur effects.
• The power and account menus in the Start menu now includes icons.
• The Start menu default layout has been simplified, now using a single column with a cleaner setup.
• You can now unpin entire live tile groups in the Start menu.
• The File Explorer icon is now slightly darker to better fit in with the light theme.
• Game Bar has been updated with a new UI.
• Cloud Clipboard's UI has been tweaked to better suite keyboard and mouse use.
• Taskbar jump lists will now match your taskbar color.

Search and Cortana

We expect to see these changes and enhancements:

• Search features a new landing page for recent activities and search-category UI along the top.
• Search and Cortana are now separate.
• Cortana will now start automatically listening when you click on its icon in the taskbar.
• A new "top apps" area is present that displays your most used apps for quick launching.

Settings

Here's a list of features and changes we expect in Settings:

• Settings homepage has a new personalized banner at the top which provides quick access to Microsoft Rewards, OneDrive, Your Phone, and Updates.
• Users can now theme the Windows Shell separately from apps with a new custom color mode.
• You can now use the Settings app to configure advanced Ethernet IP settings, including configuration of static IP addresses and preferred DNS server settings.
• Task Manager will now tell you which apps are scaling per-monitor or by system.
• Windows Hello settings have been redesigned with a cleaner user experience.
• You can now set up a security key directly in Settings.
• A new enhanced search mode provides granular control over file searching to increased performance.
• Storage settings have been updated with a new design and cleaner user experience.
• You can now uninstall several more inbox apps including:
  • 3D viewer.
  • Calculator.
  • Calendar.
  • Groove Music.
  • Mail.
  • Movies & TV.
  • Paint 3D.
  • Snip & Sketch.
  • Sticky Notes.
  • Voice Recorder.
• A new troubleshooting system is present and uses diagnostic data sent from your PC to deliver a set of fixes matching problems that have been detected on your device.
• Microsoft will now recommend a fix when Windows detects an issue.
• "Fix scaling for legacy apps" is now on by default.
• Windows Update has been updated with a new layout that brings forward several functions including pause updates, intelligent active hours, and more.
• Intelligent active hours will automatically adjust your set active hours depending on whether your usage hours change to avoid missing installing an update while not interrupting your workflow.
• You can now manually sync the system clock with Microsoft for accurate timekeeping.
• You can now adjust the size of the cursor.
• You can now create new password-less Microsoft Accounts with just a phone number.
• Windows 10 Enterprise can now use Automatic Restart and Sign-On.
• The pin reset experience has been refined.
• Windows will now reserve up to 7GB of disk space for updates.
• The "Reset this PC" option has been updated with a slightly different UI.
• You can now drag new fonts directly into the Settings fonts page to install them.
• The Windows Insider Program page has been updated with a new UI.
• Insiders can now choose to automatically opt-out of the Insider Program when an in-development version of Windows is completed.

Apps

These are the apps-related enhancements we expect:

• A new Office app is present and provides quick access to your recent documents and Office web apps.
• The "Settings and more..." menu in Edge can now break out of the app window.

Miscellaneous changes

And some other random changes:

• Microsoft is reworking how game downloads and installs work from the Microsoft Store. It should be much more stable and reliable now.
• Fixed an issue resulting in the back button in Settings and other apps becoming white text on a white background if you hovered over it.
• You can now read ADLaM documents and webpages with the Windows Ebrima font.
• A microphone icon is now present in the system tray when your microphone is in use.
• Pressing F4 when in Registry Editor will now place the caret at the end of the address bar, expanding the autocomplete dropdown.
• You can now read next, current and previous sentences in Narrator.
• Vietnamese Telex and Number key-based keyboards are now available.
• Indic Phonetic keyboards are now available for PC.
• More symbols are now available on the touch keyboard.
• Narrator will now alert you when you are accidentally typing with Caps Lock turned on.
• The modern print dialog now supports light theme.
• The touch keyboard will now invisibly dynamically adjust hit points for letters based on how you type.
• Narrator has a new home experience that lets you launch into specific narrator features.
• Windows Sandbox lets Pro and Enterprise users run a virtual instance of Windows 10 on top of your active install to test apps.
• You can now set a default tab in Task Manager.
• You can now resize the cursor via a slider, with up to 15 different sizes to choose from.
• Windows 10 Home users will now have light mode enabled by default after a clean install. Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise continues to use dark mode enabled by default.
• Start is now its own process and will no longer go to sleep, meaning it should feel responsive all the time.
• This release includes improved RAW image format support.
• A new "globe" disconnected icon is now present in the System Tray when disconnected from the internet.
• Win32 apps now run within Windows Mixed Reality.
• ADLaM and Osage are now supported in the virtual keyboard.
• Narrator now announces headings at all verbosity levels.
• WSL users can now view Linux user files directly within File Explorer.

Catch up on all the changes from the previous Windows 10 updates

Seeing a feature that isn't listed here? Perhaps it was added in a previous Windows 10 update. Check out our changelogs for those below!

• Windows 10 Redstone 5 complete changelog
• Windows 10 Redstone 4 complete changelog
• Windows 10 Redstone 3 complete changelog

Updated May 22, 2019: We updated this changelog with the latest changes found in release build 18362.

As part of the Windows as a Service (WaaS) update model, Microsoft is now rolling out the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903), which means compatible devices around the world will soon start receiving new features and improvements.

Similar to previous versions, the update will roll out gradually, but it'll no longer download and install automatically. Starting with version 1903, compatible devices will now receive a notification, and the installation won't start until the user initiates the process manually through Windows Update. However, if the device is running an older version close to the end of service, Windows 10 will try to force the feature update automatically to keep the computer supported.

Although the feature update should install without issues, if you'd rather wait until the new version is rock-solid, or you're happy with your installation, even though it may be getting close to its end of service, you can delay the Windows 10 May 2019 Update in at least three ways without losing maintenance updates.

Related: The difference between 'feature updates' and 'quality updates'

In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through the different ways that you can delay the May 2019 Update on your device, whether it's running Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Home, without missing essential quality updates.

• How to delay the Windows 10 May 2019 Update
• How to defer the Windows 10 May 2019 Update
• How to block the Windows 10 May 2019 Update

How to delay the Windows 10 May 2019 Update

If you clicked the Download and install now button on the Windows Update page, but you can't proceed as soon as it's ready because you're using the device, you can postpone the installation to a different time or day with the Settings app.

Postponing feature update installation

If the feature update is ready to install, but you wish not to proceed immediately, you can postpone the installation of the May 2019 Update for about a week, using these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Click on Windows Update.
4. Click the Schedule the restart link.

5. Under the "Schedule a time" section, turn on the toggle switch.

6. Select the time and day the device will restart automatically to finish the installation (up to seven days in the future).

After you complete these steps, the device will not restart automatically to change your current setup until the schedule you specified.

If you're planning to upgrade to version 1903 later the same day, but you want to avoid going through the process while you need to work on the device, you can configure your active hours to upgrade on a later time.

Pausing feature update downloads

To delay the download and installation of a new version of Windows 10 for several days on a device close to the end of service, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Click on Windows Update.
4. Click the Advanced options link.

5. Under the "Pause Updates" section, turn on the toggle switch.

Once you complete the steps, your computer will not receive feature or quality updates through Windows Update for up to 35 days (depending on your available settings).

How to defer the Windows 10 May 2019 Update

If you're not ready to commit to the new version, and you're using Windows 10 Pro, the Settings app offers an advanced option to defer feature updates for up to 18 months since the original release.

To defer the May 2019 Update until you're ready, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Click on Windows Update.
4. Click the Advanced options link.

5. Under the "Choose when updates are installed" section, select the level that you want to use to block the May 2019 Update:
   • Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted) — Defers version 1903 up to 365 days after its original release date.
   • Semi-Annual Channel — Defers version 1903 up to 365 days after it releases to organizations. Usually, it takes four months after a new feature update becomes available in the Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted) readiness level.
   Quick tip: If you want to delay the May 2019 Update for the longest possible time, you should select Semi-Annual Channel, as this option will allow you to defer a feature update up to 18 months.

6. Use the drop-down menu to choose the number of days that you want defer the feature update.

Once you complete these steps, Windows 10 version 1903 won't install until after the day you configured in the settings. However, your device will continue to receive security and maintenance updates to address any issues and security vulnerabilities for as long as the version that you're using is supported.

How to block the Windows 10 May 2019 Update

The Home edition of Windows 10 doesn't include the same option as Windows 10 Pro to defer new versions. However, if you're running Windows 10 Home, you can still block the May 2019 Update from installing automatically using a metered connection.

A metered connection allows you to minimize the data usage of Windows 10 on capped internet connections. However, because this feature also prevents updates from downloading automatically, you can use it to temporarily block the May 2019 Update from downloading until you remove the settings.

To set a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection as metered to block a feature update, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Network & Internet.
3. Click on Wi-Fi or Ethernet (depending on your connection).
4. Select the network connection connected to the internet.

5. Turn on the Metered connection toggle switch.

6. Click the back button in the top-left corner.
7. Click the Home button.
8. Click on Update & Security.
9. Click on Windows Update.
10. Click the Advanced options link.

11. Under the "Update options" section, make sure to turn off the Automatically download updates, even over metered data connections toggle switch.

After completing the steps, the May 2019 Update, as well as quality updates, will be blocked on your computer until you revert the changes. However, if you're running a supported version of Windows 10, you'll continue to receive critical updates regardless of the settings.

These instructions apply to a specific network connection. They don't apply to a network adapter. This means that if you connect your computer to a different network, you must also set that connection as metered. Otherwise, Windows Update will ignore the settings and try to download the feature update.

Also, using this method will block live tiles from showing updates in the Start menu, Microsoft Store apps may stop receiving updates, and files may stop syncing automatically to services like OneDrive.

While it's never a good idea to skip updates, as they are important to safeguard your device and files, this is still one of the best alternatives to block version 1903 on Windows 10 Home — or if the version that you're running is getting close to its end of service.

If you're concerned about updates, the Microsoft support site offers up-to-date information about monthly updates for Windows 10. If you learn about a new quality update, you can use this guide to download and install it manually.

Whenever you're ready to remove a metered connection, you can use the same instructions, but on step No. 5, make sure to turn "off" the Metered connection toggle switch.

Wrapping things up

Although the delivery process to upgrade is changing with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, the new change only applies to devices running newer releases. If you're using an older version close to its end of service, Windows Update will try to download and install the new feature update automatically as usual.

The instructions outlined in this guide will help you prevent the feature update from installing automatically on your desktop, laptop, or tablet, no matter the situation.

However, this guide isn't meant to imply that you should skip the new version. Updates are critical to keeping your device and data safe and secure from malware, hackers, and other threats. They are also essential to access new features and changes to improve the overall experience and make you more productive, but it's also a known fact that during the initial rollout phase, unknown bugs, problems, and isolated incidents are expected. It happened in the past, and it'll happen in the future.

If you're concern about the security of your device, consider that with the new update control changes you'll still be able to click the Check for updates buttons in the Windows Update settings page without triggering an upgrade.

Also, every new version of Windows 10 is supported for at least 18 months, and while running a supported version, the device will continue to receive quality updates to patch security vulnerabilities, fix issues, and improve performance.

During the installation of the May 2019 Update, Windows 10 sets aside a copy of the previous installation as a precaution, in the event that the upgrade process fails, and the system needs to restore the original settings, or you have to rollback as a result of issues with the new version.

The only caveat is that this fail-safe mechanism can eat up a considerable amount of space. Although you can't prevent Windows 10 from creating a recovery copy, after the upgrade, you can delete these temporary files to reclaim up to around 20GB of storage. It may not seem significant for devices with multi-terabyte hard drives, but it could be a lot for laptops and tablets with load capacity.

Related: Windows 10 May 2019 Update review

If you can't spare the space, or the new version is working smoothly and there's no need to keep these files, you can delete the previous installation in at least three different ways using the Settings app and the legacy Disk Cleanup tool.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to delete the leftover files wasting valuable space after upgrading to the May 2019 Update (version 1903).

• How to free up space after May 2019 Update using Storage sense
• How to free up space after May 2019 Update using Temporary files
• How to free up space after May 2019 Update using Disk Cleanup

How to free up space after May 2019 Update using Storage sense

After installing the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, you can use Storage sense to delete the previous installation files from your computer using these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click on Storage.
4. Under the "Storage" section, click the Configure Storage Sense or run it now option.

5. Under the "Free up space now" section, check the Delete previous version of Windows option.
6. Click the Clean now button.

Once you complete the steps, the system will delete the "Windows.old" folder that contains your previous installation reclaiming several gigabytes of space for more important files.

How to free up space after May 2019 Update using Temporary files

In addition to the Storage sense settings, Windows 10 also allows you to delete the previous installation files using the Temporary files settings.

To free up space after the upgrade to version 1903, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on System.
3. Click on Storage.
4. Under the "Local Disk (C:)" section, click the Temporary files option.

5. Check the Previous Windows installation(s) option.Quick tip: You can also select other temporary files (such as Delivery Optimization Files and Windows update log files) to recover even more storage.
6. Click the Remove files button.

After completing the steps, the system will delete the previous installation files and any other temporary files that you may have selected using this method.

How to free up space after May 2019 Update using Disk Cleanup

Alternatively, you can still use the Disk Cleanup tool to delete the "Windows.old" folder containing the previous installation files after upgrading to Windows 10 version 1903.

To use Disk Cleanup to delete the temporary files, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Disk Cleanup, click the top result to open the experience.
3. Click the Clean up system files button.

4. Check the Previous Windows installation(s) option.Quick tip: You can also select other temporary files (such as Delivery Optimization Files and Windows update log files) to recover even more space.

5. (Important) Clear the Downloads option to prevent deleting your previously downloaded files from the internet.
6. Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, the backup copy of the earlier installation will be deleted from your device freeing up several gigabytes of storage on the main hard drive.

Wrapping things up

While these instructions can help you to free up several gigabytes of storage, you should know that these temporary files are required in the case that you want to rollback to the previous version for any reason. It's only a good idea to delete these files when you're sure the new version is working without issues.

However, if you delete the previous installation files, and the device starts experiencing problems, you can still rollback, but you'll need to perform a clean installation of an older version of Windows 10.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

Mauro recommends all these affordable accessories

Hi, I'm Mauro Huculak, Windows Central's help and how-to guru. I wrote the post you're reading now, and I know the Windows OS inside and out. But I'm also a bit of a hardware geek. These are some of the affordable gadgets on my desk today.

Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse ($72 at Amazon)

I know mice, and this is the one I use every day. The MX Master is a wireless high-precision mouse that's very comfortable to use and has many great features, including the ability to connect with multiple devices, an infinite scroll wheel, back and forward buttons, all of which you can customize.

Ktrio Extended Gaming Mouse Pad ($12 at Amazon)

If you spend a lot of time typing, your palms and mouse will leave tracks on your desk. My solution was to start using gaming mouse pads, which are big enough for you to use the keyboard and the mouse comfortably. This is the one I use and recommend.

Supernight LED light strip ($20 at Amazon)

You could just use a regular light bulb in your office, but if you want to add some ambient lighting with different colors, an RGB LED strip is the way to go. This one is Mauro-approved.

Windows Sandbox is a new feature available beginning with the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903) designed to run untrusted applications inside a lightweight isolated environment running independently from your main installation.

Technically, Windows Sandbox is a virtual machine created on demand using Microsoft's hypervisor using the same OS image as the one on your machine. However, it's a very lightweight environment of around 100MB, which has been optimized to boot and run faster, its focus is on security, and it works more efficiently using integrated kernel scheduler, virtual graphics, and smart memory management.

Although you can create a virtual machine to accomplish a similar experience, there are some key benefits with Windows Sandbox. For instance, you don't need to spend additional steps creating or downloading a virtual machine. Every time you launch the feature, it runs a new clean installation of Windows 10. When you finish testing an application and close Windows Sandbox, everything gets deleted automatically. Also, using virtualization isolates anything occurring inside the environment from your main installation offering maximum security to test untrusted applications.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to enable and get started using the Windows Sandbox feature available with the May 2019 Update.

• Windows Sandbox system requirements
• How to enable Windows Sandbox on Windows 10
• How to use Windows Sandbox on Windows 10

Windows Sandbox system requirements

Before proceeding, to enable and use Windows Sandbox, your device must meet the following minimum hardware and software requirements:

• Windows 10 Pro (or Enterprise).
• Hardware virtualization.
• AMD64 architecture.
• 2 processor cores minimum (4 cores with hyperthreading is recommended).
• 4GB of RAM (8GB is recommended).
• 1GB of HDD space (SSD is recommended).

How to enable Windows Sandbox on Windows 10

The process to enable Windows Sandbox is straightforward using the Windows Features experience.

Enabling virtualization

Before you can enable Windows Sandbox, you must make sure that your device supports hardware virtualization and the feature is enabled in the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) firmware.

To check if your device supports virtualization, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Command Prompt and click the top result.
3. Type the following command and press Enter:systeminfo.exe
4. Under the "Hyper-V Requirements" section, if "Virtualization Enabled In Firmware" reads Yes, then you can use Windows Sandbox.

If virtualization isn't enabled, you'll need to start your device in its BIOS or UEFI firmware and enable the feature. This process typically requires hitting one of the function keys (F1, F2, F3, F10, or F12), the ESC, or Delete key as soon as you start your computer. However, these settings will vary by manufacturer, and even by computer model. So make sure to check your device manufacturer's support website for more specific instructions.

Enabling Windows Sandbox

To enable Windows Sandbox on Windows 10 version 1903 or later, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Turn Windows features on or off, and click the top result to open the Windows Features experience.
3. Check the Windows Sandbox option.

4. Click the OK button.
5. Click the Restart now button.

After completing the steps, you can start using the new virtualization layer to temporarily install and test untrusted applications.

How to use Windows Sandbox on Windows 10

The process to get started using Windows Sandbox is easy; just follow these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Windows Sandbox, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
3. On your physical device, right-click the app installer that you want to test, and select the Copy option.
4. Inside the Windows Sandbox experience, right-click on the desktop and select the Paste option to transfer the executable.Quick tip: Although you can't drag and drop from your main installation into Windows Sandbox to transfer files, you can also download the application files using Microsoft Edge.

5. Double-click the installer (.exe, .msi, etc) to begin the installation.
6. Continue with the on-screen directions to complete the installation.

Once you complete the steps, you can start using the untrusted app normally just like any other application. In addition, you can use the Ctrl + Alt + Break (or Pause) keyboard shortcut to enter and exit Windows Sandbox in full-screen mode. If you use high contrast mode, inside the virtualization experience, you can use the Shift + Alt + PrintScreen keyboard shortcut to enable high contrast.

After you're done testing the application, click the X button, on the top-right corner, and click the OK button to close Sandbox. As you terminate the experience, the virtual machine and its content will be erased from your device permanently without affecting your device installation of Windows 10.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

Affordable accessories that'll pair perfectly with your PC

Every one of these awesome PC accessories will enhance your everyday experience — and none cost more than $30.

KLIM Aim RGB gaming mouse ($30 at Amazon)

Whether you're a gamer or not, this is an absurdly good mouse for the price. It's ambidextrous, has a responsive sensor, a braided cable, tank-like build quality, and, yes, it has RGB lighting, though you can turn it off if that's not your thing.

AmazonBasics USB speakers ($16 at Amazon)

These neat little speakers may only pack 2.4W of total power, but don't let that fool you. For something so small you get a well-rounded sound and a stylish design. And they only cost $16.

Razer mouse bungee ($20 at Amazon)

Use a wired mouse? You need a mouse bungee to keep your cable tidy and free of snags. You get no drag on the cable, and this one has subtle styling, a rust-resistant spring and a weighted base, all for $20.

Microsoft is starting the gradual rollout on the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903) on May 21. This update represents the seventh major refresh in the last four years, and it's a significant update that introduces several new features and a slew of improvements.

In this new version, you'll find many incremental changes and new features, such as new visuals with a new light theme and effects as part of the Fluent Design System. "Windows Sandbox" is a new feature that will help you run untrusted apps without affecting your installation. "Recommended Troubleshooting" will fix common problems automatically, and "Reserved storage" will ensure updates install successfully. Also, Windows 10 Home users will finally be able to disable updates (at least temporarily), and much more.

Related: Windows 10 May 2019 Update review

However, starting with version 1903, Microsoft is making significant changes to the update experience, and it's not guaranteed that your device will get the update the first day.

In this Windows 10 guide, we'll outline the rollout process that Microsoft is expected to use to make sure every device has a good experience upgrading to the May 2019 Update.

What devices are initially getting the May 2019 Update?

Similar to previous versions, Microsoft is planning to roll out the first semi-annual feature update in 2019 gradually, but the download process will change. Starting with the May 2019 Update, Windows 10 will let you choose when to download and install the new feature update, instead of forcing the upgrade automatically.

Once version 1903 becomes available, if your device configuration is known to be compatible, then you'll receive a notification to inform that the update is ready. After receiving the notification, and only when you're ready, you'll have to initiate the upgrade process manually from the Windows Update page to download and install that latest version.

Although you can now decide when to upgrade your system, on computers running an older version nearing the end of service Windows Update will download and install the May 2019 Update automatically like in previous releases to keep the device supported.

Furthermore, only devices that Microsoft is confident of having a smooth upgrade experience will see the option to upgrade in the Windows update settings page. Initially, as the new version graduates the Release Preview ring, it'll be available for devices running version 1803 and version 1809, clicking the Download and install now button manually through Windows Update, and automatically on devices running a release that is getting close to the end of service.

As the rollout progresses, Microsoft will diligently continue to monitor and collect telemetry data and real-time feedback from consumers and manufacturers to prevent issues like what we saw with the October 2018 Update. Then when the May 2019 Update has proven to be more compatible, it'll expand to other devices (usually within weeks of the original release date).

If an unknown issue should appear, Microsoft will temporarily block the feature update on devices that could be affected, and the block will remain until the problem has been resolved permanently.

While the new version will initially be available on select hardware configurations, other factors can prevent your device from receiving Windows 10 version 1903, even if it's known to be compatible. Some of these factors can include a specific piece of hardware or peripheral connected to your computer, incompatible device drivers, applications, security software, and your geographical location can also dictate when the new feature update will be available to you.

Is there any way to upgrade manually without waiting?

Once version 1903 is ready for your device, you'll get a notification to start the installation. However, if you don't want to wait to upgrade using the recommended option, there are multiple ways to upgrade manually as soon as the update becomes available.

Update assistant

The Microsoft Update Assistant is a simple tool available to upgrade devices with problems using the Windows Update option. However, anyone can download and use this tool to skip the queue to install the May 2019 Update.

After the assistant receives an update to support the new version, you only need to download the tool from this Microsoft support website.Then it's a matter of launching the tool, and clicking the Update now button to install the new version.

Media Creation Tool

Alternatively, you can use the Media Creation Tool to upgrade your device to the Windows 10 May 2019 Update avoiding long waits. The tool is similar to the Update Assistant with the difference that you can choose to perform an in-place upgrade or a clean installation.

Once the Media Creation Tool receives the necessary update, you can download the tool clicking the Download tool now button from this Microsoft support website. Then simply launch the tool, select the Upgrade this PC option and continue with the on-screen directions to complete the installation.

In the case that your computer is having performance issues, it's best to use the tool to perform a clean installation to start with a fresh copy of the most up-to-date version of Windows 10. (Just remember to create a temporary backup in case something happens and you need to rollback.)

Wrapping things up

On May 21, the Windows 10 May 2019 Update will be available across all the supported markets, but it'll be a slow rollout that could take several months before every device gets upgraded.

If your device isn't getting the new feature update, it's likely that the new version isn't fully compatible. If you want to avoid issues, we recommend waiting until you receive the notification about the May 2019 Update through Windows Update.

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

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What you need to know

• The May 2019 Update has started its full rollout after months of testing with Windows Insiders.
• Microsoft is taking a throttled approach to the rollout, but you can see if it's available for you now via Windows Update.
• For more on the May 2019 Update, check out our full review.

Microsoft today officially launched the Windows 10 May 2019 Update for everyone. The move comes after months of testing and Microsoft's promise to put the update through a longer period of testing before release after the October 2018 Update launched with several major bugs.

"Based on positive data and the feedback we've seen from this longer preview phase; I'm pleased today to share that we are beginning to make the Windows 10 May Update available," Microsoft Director of Program Management John Cable said in a blog post announcing the update's availability. "We will be taking a measured and throttled approach, allowing us to study device health data as we increase availability via Windows Update."

Microsoft says that it is slowly making the update available for everyone via Windows Update. But those who are ready to install the latest feature update can initiate it now via Windows Update. Note that, because of the throttled approach, you may not see the May 2019 Update as available for download right away.

Today also marks the launch of Microsoft's new Windows release health dashboard, which provides an overview of each update's current rollout status, along with a list of known and mitigated issues.

Beyond the general availability of the May 2019 Update, Microsoft noted the upcoming end of service date for the April 2018 Update, which is set for November 12, 2019. Starting in June, Microsoft says it will begin updating devices still running on the April 2018 Update "to ensure we can continue to service these devices and provide the latest updates, security updates and improvements."

Windows 10 May 2019 Update review: Simple changes make Microsoft's OS run smoother

Affordable accessories that'll pair perfectly with your PC

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Assuming there aren't any major last-minute bugs, Microsoft is expected to start rolling out the Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903) on May 21, 2019. This is the seventh feature update available for compatible devices that delivers a slew of improvements and several new features to enhance the overall experience.

While this new version won't significantly change the way you use Windows 10, it does introduce a list of incremental changes and new features, such as a true system light theme and "Reserved Storage" to minimize the impact of update installation.

The May 2019 Update also introduces "Windows Sandbox" to securely run untrusted apps without putting your device at risk. "Recommended Troubleshooting" will help keep your system running smoothly by applying fixes to common problems automatically. Windows 10 Home users will finally be able to pause quality updates. Search once again becomes an independent feature, and it can now search your entire device. You can now let the system adjust active hours automatically, and much more.

Similar to previous releases, Windows 10 version 1903 will roll out gradually, starting with newer devices and then it'll expand more broadly. Usually, most devices will receive the update automatically within the first several weeks, but it's expected to take months before the feature update reaches everyone. However, if you're ready to move on, you can always force the upgrade manually in at least three different ways.

In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through the steps to download and install the May 2019 Update (version 1903) on your device.

• How to download the Windows 10 May 2019 Update with Windows Update
• How to download the Windows 10 May 2019 Update with Update Assistant
• How to download the Windows 10 May 2019 Update with Media Creation Tool

Important: While the upgrade is a non-destructive process, you should always consider creating a temporary backup before clicking the Install button, just in case you need to undo the changes if you run into a critical issue.

How to download Windows 10 May 2019 Update using Windows Update

The safest approach to get the May 2019 Update is to wait until you get the notification that it's available for your device. However, if it's been a while and you haven't received the update, you can force your device to upgrade using Windows Update as soon as it's available.

To upgrade to version 1903 using Windows Update, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. Click on Windows Update.
4. Click the Check for updates button.

5. Click the Download and install now button, under the Feature Update to Windows 10, version 1903 section.
6. Click the Restart Now button after the update has been downloaded on your device.

Once you complete the steps, the new version will download and install automatically, similar to the installation of a quality update, with the difference that it'll take longer to apply.