How to Fix: Block Windows 10 May 2019 Update

Infopackets Reader Joe P. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

I understand that Microsoft has started releasing the Windows 10 May 2019 update. These updates align with the twice-a-year large updates and require the computer to restart several times during the update process. I have had problems with Windows 10 feature updates in the past and want to block the Windows 10 May update from installing on my machine in case there are major issues being reported. What do I need to do to block the Windows 10 May update? "

My response:

Generally speaking I don't advise blocking any Windows Updates (even feature updates) as they help to keep your system protected against evolving threats.

To ensure that the system runs smoothly I advise that you make disk image backups of the system on a regular basis. I personally use Macrium Reflect for this type of backup. If you have any issues with an update that breaks something, you can restore the backup and everything will be as if nothing ever happened. If you need help setting this up on your machine, you can contact me for remote support and I will do it for you.

How to Fix: Block Windows 10 May 2019 Update

I understand a lot of folks are wary of feature updates, especially if they've had issues in the past. Based on my experience, this usually happens if Windows is already corrupt (prior to the update); once the feature update installs, that's when things really go screwy. This case is different from a feature update that has many users complaining of the same widely reported bug issue, for example.

Related: Explained: How and Why Windows Goes Corrupt

If you wish to block the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, you can do the following:

1. Click Start, then click PC Settings (the cog wheel icon).
    
2. The "Windows Settings" window will appear. Click the "Updates and Security" option.
    
3. A new window will appear; under the "Windows Update" heading, click the "Advanced options" link.
    
4. The "Advanced Options" window will appear.
   
   For Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise users: scroll down and look for the heading "Choose when updates are installed" and ensure that "Semi-annual (Targeted)" is selected. Directly underneath that, you will see an option that says "Choose the branch readiness level to determine when feature updates are installed". There will be a down arrow box; select 365 (days). This will defer any feature updates for 365 days.
   
   For Windows 10 Home Users: Under the "Update options" heading, ensure that the following option is turned off: "Automatically download updates, even over metered data connections (charges may apply)". This should defer any feature updates indefinitely (which is not recommended). At some point you will need to manually update your Windows 10 branch to ensure you are receiving the latest security features, improvements and bug fixes.

Note: if you do not see any of these options mentioned above, then you are likely running a very old and outdated version of Windows 10 that does not allow you to block Windows 10 feature updates. In that case you will have to download a newer branch of Windows 10 in order to apply these settings; click here to view a full list of Windows 10 versions. If you need help with this, you can contact me for remote support and I will fix this for you.

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I need more questions. If you have a computer question - or even a computer problem that needs fixing - please email me with your question so that I can write more articles like this one. I can't promise I'll respond to all the messages I receive (depending on the volume), but I'll do my best.

About the author: Dennis Faas is the owner and operator of Infopackets.com. With over 30 years of computing experience, Dennis' areas of expertise are a broad range and include PC hardware, Microsoft Windows, Linux, network administration, and virtualization. Dennis holds a Bachelors degree in Computer Science (1999) and has authored 6 books on the topics of MS Windows and PC Security. If you like the advice you received on this page, please up-vote / Like this page and share it with friends. For technical support inquiries, Dennis can be reached via Live chat online this site using the Zopim Chat service (currently located at the bottom left of the screen); optionally, you can contact Dennis through the website contact form.