Skip to main content

Windows 10 May 2020 update blocked on many Windows devices

Microsoft recently released its Windows 10 May 2020 Update, also known as version 2004, but it’s now unavailable for many users. As reported by The Verge, users are seeing a notice that their devices are unable to download the new update.

The update was originally made available last week, and mostly included small but useful tweaks such as a visual update to virtual assistant Cortana, improvements to File Explorer, and the addition of a Cloud Download feature that allows for the reinstallation of Windows from the cloud instead of having to use a CD.

However, there have been a number of issues with the update which Microsoft has acknowledged in its known issues post. These include problems with variable refresh rates on certain GPUs, problems with audio drivers, an error when devices connect or disconnect from a Thunderbolt dock, and incompatibilities with older Nvidia display drivers.

These issues only affect certain hardware, however, they have apparently been deemed serious enough that Microsoft has chosen to prevent many users from receiving the update.

If you go to the Windows Update panel on your Windows device, you may see the following message: “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.”

Windows May 2020 Update in unavailable for some users
The Windows 10 May 2020 Update is unavailable for some users Image used with permission by copyright holder

This message appeared on a custom-built gaming PC that we tried to update. Other outlets are also reporting that only a small number of devices are able to update at present.

In previous versions of Windows, if an update was not available for a particular device, then that update would not appear even if the user clicked the “Check for updates” button. Now, Windows acknowledges that there is a new update available but that it is not available for a given device yet. This should help reassure users who have heard that there is an update available but are confused when they hit “Check for updates” and don’t see any feedback.

For now, users who cannot update need only to wait. The update should be available once the bugs have been ironed out.

Editors' Recommendations

Georgina Torbet
Georgina is the Digital Trends space writer, covering human space exploration, planetary science, and cosmology. She…
A new Windows 11 hardware system requirement may be incoming
A man sits, using a laptop running the Windows 11 operating system.

Microsoft appears to finally be putting its foot down on how far back it's willing to go when it comes to supporting older hardware. As of the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 build, Microsoft will require that your processor supports the POPCNT instruction. If you're wondering what that is and whether this will affect you, you're not alone.

This new addition was spotted by Bob Pony on X (formerly Twitter). According to the user, if the CPU doesn't support the POPCNT instruction or it's disabled, Windows won't work at all. Multiple system files now require this instruction, starting with the Windows 11 kernel. Long story short -- no POPCNT, no Windows 11 24H2.

Read more
Microsoft plans to charge for Windows 10 updates in the future
Windows 11 and Windows 10 operating system logos are displayed on laptop screens.

Microsoft has confirmed it will offer security updates for Windows 10 after the end-of-life date for the operating system for consumer users but for a fee.

The brand recently announced plans to charge regular users for Extended Security Updates (ESU) who intend to continue using Windows 10 beyond the October 14, 2025 support date.

Read more
A major Windows update just launched. Here’s what’s new
Person using Windows 11 laptop on their lap by the window.

Microsoft has just announced the latest update to Windows 11, which brings the operating system up to version 23H2. This is a cumulative update that comes with some of the most exciting features already announced in September, including Copilot, and brings some changes to Teams, among other things. Here's what's new and how to get it on your own PC.

When Microsoft first announced Copilot during its September event, many thought that it'd be available right away -- and it was, but not widely. Now, with the 23H2 update, Copilot should be downloaded and toggled on by default, alongside everything else that was announced during the Surface event. Some new things are on the way, too.

Read more