Windows 10 Version 1803 Users Will Be Forced to Update to Version 1903

By | May 26, 2019
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Windows 10 Version 1803 Users Will Be Forced to Update to Version 1903

When Microsoft announced version 1903, they also announced the end-of-life date for Windows 10 version 1803 (April 2018 Update). For Windows 10 Pro and Home users that date is 12 November 2019. As the end-of-life nears, Microsoft will force the update to Version 1903 (May 2019 Update). But if you’re thinking you can relax because you have until November, think again. Microsoft will begin rolling out the forced updates via Windows Update starting in June 2019.

Microsoft says…

“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…”

It’s important to note that most Windows 10 users are currently running Windows 10 version 1803 (April 2018 Update). Version 1809 (October 2018 Update) was released in October 2018, then yanked from Windows Update because of serious problems that caused some users to lose personal data. Microsoft then re-released version 1809 on 13 November 2018. However, Microsoft intentionally slowed the rollout to a crawl. By the time Windows 10 version 1903 (May 2019 Update) was released, only about 30% of Windows 10 users had upgraded or had been upgraded to Windows 10 version 1809 (October 2018 Update). Consequently, about 70% of all Windows 10 users will be affected by the forced update to Windows 10 version 1903.

After Windows 10 version 1903 is installed, there will be no forced updates. The user will be notified that a feature (version) update is available and they will have a choice to install the update or keep their current version. They will not be forced to update until the actual end-of-life (End-of-Service) date approaches. The current lifecycle of Windows 10 feature updates (version updates) is 18 months from its release date.

So, if you’re using Windows 10 version 1803 (April 2018 Update), and you’ve been reading that Microsoft is backing off its hardline stance of forcing Windows 10 feature updates on its users… it does not apply to you. Starting in June 2019, Microsoft will be rolling out the forced update for all Windows 10 version 1803 users. It will be a slow rollout starting in June and ending sometime in October 2019 so many of you will not be affected right away.

Source: Microsoft

One more thing!

If you’re not sure what version of Windows you’re using, right-click your Windows 10 start button, click on Run, type WINVER in the Run box and press Enter. You’ll see this dialog appear showing the Windows 10 version number and the build number.

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11 thoughts on “Windows 10 Version 1803 Users Will Be Forced to Update to Version 1903

  1. Frances G Rouse

    Thank you For this information. Can we stop the update?

    Reply
    1. infoave Post author

      There are no “safe” ways to stop the update. If you turn off Windows Updates altogether you’ll not get security updates that protect you from malicious code and OS vulnerabilities. You can try turning on Metered Connections. It works some of the time. It blocks large updates while allowing smaller updates like security updates and patches.

      Reply
  2. Cynthia

    Thanks so much for this info. At least I know what’s coming. Hopefully I will be later on their list.

    Reply
  3. Robert F.

    I take it since I am currently using 1809 I will have the choice of when to upgrade to 1903? Thanks.

    Reply
    1. infoave Post author

      Hi Robert. Windows 10 v 1809’s end-of-service is not until April 2020. So you don’t have to worry about being forced to update to version 1903 until December 2019 at the earliest and probably not until after the first of the year. Keep in mind, there’s nothing wrong with 1903 – it probably has the most new features of any update yet. It’s just no one should be forced to install it immediately after its release. In a month or two, all the bugs will be worked out and then it should be good to install for everyone.

      Reply
  4. Vic Moss

    I have had ver 1903 for some time and have not had any problems (so far) hopefully everyone will have the same positive results that I have

    Reply
    1. infoave Post author

      Vic, the public version of 1903 was not released until 21 Many 2019 – 6 days ago. So, if you’ve been using 1903 for some time, then you have an insider’s version which is not the same as the public version. The insiders’ version is several builds ahead of the public version. I just don’t want people to get the idea that public version has been out for some time – it’s been out less than one week (today is 27 May 19). The current build number of the insiders’ version 1903 is build number 18898.1000. The released version or 1903 (public version) is build #18362.113 – quite a few builds behind the insiders’ version. And it’s important to note, I would have never installed an “insiders’ version” on my main computer. I’ve been down that dusty road too many times.

      I like 1903 too, but I’m not running the publish version, I’m running the insiders’ version. Just don’t want people using the insiders’ version to coax others to upgrade to Windows 10 1903 yet. It’s only been out six days, I’d rather have people wait a few weeks and let others be the guinea pigs 🙂

      Reply
  5. Linda Kelm

    Both of my computers received Version 1809 this weekend. Talk about last minute!! I just think it’s really odd I got them both, especially with this news. I’m glad that they are both upgraded to Version 1809 now and I don’t have to worry about this until April 2020!

    Reply
    1. infoave Post author

      Linda, you’re not “good until April 2020”. Your good until approx 4 months before April. Version 1803’s end-of-life date comes in October 2019, but Microsoft will force the update on 1803 users in June – 4 months prior to the end-of-service date. It will be a slow rollout so not everyone will get the update in June, but that’s when the forced update starts rolling out. For 1809 users it will start rolling out in December or early January 2020. So don’t be surprised if your forced upgrade comes well before April 2020/

      Reply
  6. Laura

    So how will this effect 1803/1809/1903 Enterprise editions? Will they be forced as well?

    Reply
    1. infoave Post author

      It does not affect 1903 users at all. It does not affect 1809 users until next spring. It only affects 1803 users. It does not matter if they use Pro or Home – the only 2 versions we work with. Enterprise editions may have different deadlines – for those you should contact your system administrator.

      Reply

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