Microsoft blocking Windows 10 May 2020 Update from several devices

Surface Pro 7
Surface Pro 7 (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft is blocking several devices from receiving the Windows 10 May 2020 Update.
  • The block is due to known issues that result in a "compatibility hold."
  • The Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3 are among the affected devices.
  • Microsoft is working on resolutions for the issues.

The list of known issues from Microsoft includes nine issues that result in a compatibility hold. That type of hold means that the latest version of Windows 10 won't appear through Windows Update. You can still force Windows 10 to install on these systems using the Microsoft Update assistant, but Microsoft recommends against it. We also recommend against installing Windows 10 on systems that can be affected by these discovered issues.

Windows 10 May 2020 Update common problems — and the fixes

If you check Windows Update on affected devices, you won't see an update to install. Microsoft also added some text to Windows Update to clarify the situation, which reads:

The Windows 10 May 2020 Update is on its way. We're offering this update to compatible devices, but your device isn't quite ready for it. Once your device is ready, you'll see the update available on this page. There's nothing you need to do at this time.

One issue affects Always On, Always Connected devices, including the Surface Pro 7 and Surface Laptop 3. The issue can cause errors, unexpected shutdowns, and restarts. Another issue can break mouse input with apps and games that use GameInput Redistributable.

As pointed out by The Verge, Microsoft is also throttling the availability of the Windows 10 May 2020 Update through Windows Update. As a result, even devices unaffected by these issues might not see the update at this time.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.