How to block the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, version 1903, from installing

[Firefox]

With the May 2019 feature update to Windows 10 (version 1903) almost ready to hit the fan, here are the best ways to ensure you install it when you’re ready — even in the face of recent forced updates from Microsoft.

Surely you remember how the first release of Windows 10 version 1809 turned out — deleted files, panicked users, yanked upgrades that were unyanked and yanked again. Heaven knows that the release of Windows 10 version 1903 couldn’t be any worse, but there’s every reason to wait and see.

For almost everyone, the new features in version 1903, known to some as the May 2019 Update — Cortana banished, a few anemic phone extensions, newly spry response to a failed update — just aren’t worth the bother of installing and setting up an entirely new copy of Windows. (Unless you really want Candy Crush Soda Saga installed for the umpteenth time.)

If you’re convinced that Cortana should sit in a corner by itself, your opinion may vary, of course. And there are undeniable benefits under the covers. But for 90% of us, I would guess, 1903 isn’t high on the priority list. It certainly isn’t worth thrusting yourself into the unpaid beta-tester pool at the earliest opportunity, while waiting for Microsoft to iron out its problems. Thus, for most Windows 10 users, it makes a whole lot of sense to wait and update to 1903 when you’re good and ready for it — not when Microsoft decides to push it on you. (Whatever you do, don't manually check for updates.)

For the Full Story See: Computer World Article

[nukecad]

For once they have been listening.

One of the new features for 1903 is the ability for Windows Home users to defer all updates for up to 35 days. (Similar to Pro/Enterprise versions).

https://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2019/04/06/microsoft-windows-10-upgrades-updates-stop-upgrades/

I'm not sure if this new feature can be used to delay the update to 1903 itself?

[Porthos]

8 hours ago, Firefox said:

With the May 2019 feature update to Windows 10 (version 1903) almost ready to hit the fan

The fan is officially hit.

Quote

Beginning today, the May 2019 Update is available for customers who would like to install the latest release. If you are ready to install the update, open your Windows Update settings (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update) and select Check for updates. Once the update appears, you can select Download and install now. (Note: You may not see Download and install now on your device as we are slowly throttling up this availability, while we carefully monitor data and feedback). Once the download is complete and the update is ready to install, we’ll notify you so that you can pick the right time to finish the installation and reboot, ensuring the update does not disrupt you. This new ‘Download and install now’ capability is available for devices running Windows 10, version 1803 or version 1809 that also have the May 21st updates (or later) installed. For more information on the new user update controls and how to get the May 2019 Update, watch this video.

 

https://www.tenforums.com/windows-10-news/133029-how-get-windows-10-may-2019-update-version-1903-a.html

Also,

Quote

Windows 10 April 2018 Update approaching end of service
For Windows 10 devices that are at, or within several months of reaching, end of service, Windows Update will automatically initiate a feature update; keeping those devices supported and receiving the monthly updates that are critical to device security and ecosystem health. The Windows 10 April 2018 Update (Windows 10, version 1803) will reach end of service on November 12, 2019 for Home and Pro editions. Starting this June, we will begin updating devices running the April 2018 Update, and earlier versions of Windows 10, to ensure we can continue to service these devices and provide the latest updates, security updates and improvements. We are starting this machine learning (ML)-based rollout process several months in advance of the end of service date to provide adequate time for a smooth update process.

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Edited May 21, 2019 by Porthos

[nukecad]

15 hours ago, nukecad said:

I'm not sure if this new feature can be used to delay the update to 1903 itself?

The cumulative update that gives the 'Update Delay' settings to 1809 was released yesterday (KB4497934).
https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/4497934/windows-10-update-kb4497934

You will/should get KB4497934 before you are offered 1903, and so will be able to delay the update to 1903 for up to 35 days after you are offered it.

[Maurice Naggar]

It seems to me that one basic factor is which Build version is currently installed on each box.

If running Windows 10 version 1803 or 1809, the upgrade will not be automatic.  Remember too, it is all metered.

& as nukecad has noted above, with KB4497934 in place ..... a new feature update gets its own box on the Windows Update page, with a prominent Download and Install Now button

Windows 10 version 1803, the April 2018 Update, will reach its end-of-servicing date on November 12, but Microsoft will begin pushing the version 1903 update to devices running that version in June.

For anyone running the October 2018 Update, version 1809, that release has an end-of-servicing date of May 12, 2020, and should realistically be safe from automatic updates until after the new year.

[nukecad]

I used the Update Assistant to download and install 1903 two days ago (Wednesday).
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Everything went fine and it is running without any problems.
I had a slight concern about my wifi driver being Qualcomm, as there can be an issue with older Qualcomm wifi drivers and 1903, but it wasn't a problem for me.

If you are thinking of updating yourself then the other known issues can be found here:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/release-information/status-windows-10-1903