However, as many have reported, the new version is buggy. The main problems are mysterious error codes such as “0x80242016” and the PC taking forever to reboot during any of its update stages. If it seems frustrating, do not worry. The following tried-and-tested procedure will help you install Windows 10 Version 1903 updates in your first attempt. You might have to spare between four to eight hours, but the update occurs in the system tray background, which means you can continue to use your laptop for light tasks.

In my experience (after two failed attempts), the biggest challenge with version 1903 lies in the automatic update itself, which is scheduled by Microsoft. You must completely ignore this warning – a cold restart will consume more time, freeze at a moment’s notice and there is no pause button if you have a wonky Internet connection. Instead, it is better to use the Windows Update Assistant which we shall discuss in the next section. Before that, check for the most common problems, such as lack of disk space and device manager errors. Once done, download a tiny software called “Windows Update Troubleshooter.” It will automatically detect any update problems in a few minutes.

The troubleshooter will let you know if you must download and install any pending updates. Click “Apply this fix.”

The most pressing PC problems will be addressed by the troubleshooter, such as an update of Windows components that need to be repaired. Not all errors are serious. For example, I found a few database errors, which is normal.

You can view the troubleshooting report for more details of the unresolved errors.

Download the Updates – It Will Take a While

Go to the Windows Update Assistant Page and download the “Windows 10 May 2019 update.” Before you download the updates, it will let you know if your PC is compatible. If you see the below screen, you will be successful in updating to 1903.

Once you run the program, you will be greeted by a welcome screen. Click “Update now.”

Ensure that your Internet connection is running smoothly. In case of Internet trouble, do not discontinue the program or shut down your PC. Microsoft recommends that you keep the PC connected via a charging cable at all times. As soon as your Internet resumes, so will the update. Try to use an unlimited Internet connection.

The first 25 percent of downloading the update will consume a lot of time. Be patient, as there is nothing wrong with the update. You can minimize the window to a system tray. Once the download has completed, the system will automatically restart.

Verifying the Download and Finishing the Update

In the next stage the update assistant will verify the download and get your computer ready. This phase will not consume much time.

After the download is verified, your PC will restart again. In the third and final stage, Windows 10 will update itself. Generally, there are no issues, but some people have reported that they were stuck at 51 to 99 percent. It is mostly an Internet issue which you can solve by fixing your connectivity and restarting the update.

The third update stage will take a while (two or three hours), and your PC has to restart once again. After the restart, you can see the new homepage screen for Windows 10, version 1903. In the following screen you’ll notice that Cortana and Search are now separated.

Additionally, there is an enhanced search mode and Windows Sandbox which is a virtual machine feature. The enhanced search option in Version 1903 allows you to search for files that you forgot a long time ago.

Conclusion

Windows 10 version 1903 will be the last major update for a very long time. Sure, it is buggy, but it might lead to new functionalities in the near future. Did you face any problems with Windows 10 updates? Please share your experience in the comments.