Skip to main content

Here’s why your PC can’t install the Windows 10 May 2020 Update yet

After nearly a year of beta testing, the latest version of Windows 10 is finally here, but not every computer is ready for it just yet.

There are still some ongoing issues with the Windows 10 May 2020 Update that could result in your PC not finding it in Windows Update, or not installing it at all. Following problems with previous Windows 10 releases, this is all by design, as Microsoft is taking a “measured approach” with its rollout.

The Windows 10 May 2020 Update will only install via a Windows Update on your device when Microsoft is confident that you will have a good experience. Here’s a look at some of the things that might be holding it back.

Gaming issues

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Microsoft has detailed some of the known issues with the Windows 10 May 2020 Update. A lot of these issues have been reported by users in the last 30 days, and they are part of the reason that the update might not install on your device.

If that’s the case with your device, Microsoft applies what’s called a “compatibility hold” to safeguard it. It blocks the update so as not to cause the problems we are about to describe, some of which are of particular concern for gamers.

The first relates to drivers for Nvidia display adapters. Microsoft says that you might have issues with the Windows 10 May 2020 Update if you’re using an Nvidia GPU with drivers below 358.00. This might result in receiving a stop error with a “blue screen of death” during the update process. Microsoft is investigating the issue and says it is working with Nvidia on a fix.

A second issue relates to mouse and keyboard inputs when gaming. Microsoft notes that in the Windows 10 May 2020 Update, some gamers might experience the loss of the mouse input when playing certain titles. This happens due to games and apps that use “GameInput Redistributable,” which is bundled or installed as part of Xbox Game services in Windows 10.

Finally, there’s an issue with variable refresh rates not working as expected on certain devices with Intel integrated graphics in the May 2020 Update. According to Microsoft, when using a monitor with a variable refresh rate, you won’t get variable fresh rates in games using DirectX 9. Again, Microsoft is working on a fix with Intel and is investigating.

There is no timeline for a fix for any of these issues.

Issues with Surface devices

Riley Young / Digital Trends

There have also been issues with Microsoft’s latest Surface devices, including the Surface Pro 7 and the Surface Laptop 3. Issues include problems with the Always-On Connections. Microsoft says affected devices will have more than one Always On-capable network adapter. The problem will lead to unexpected shutdowns or restarts. A fix is coming and could land as early as mid-June.

Alongside the issues with Surface devices and gaming, there are a total of seven others that are holding up the May 2020 Update for you. These range from difficulty connecting to more than one Bluetooth device, Conexant ISST audio drivers, stop errors with Thunderbolt docks, and more. You can see the full list on Microsoft’s website, and check the page to see if and when all these issues have been resolved.

Editors' Recommendations

Arif Bacchus
Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…
The Windows 11 update rollout has finally ended
Person sitting and using a Windows Surface computer with Windows 11.

Windows 11 is now available for everyone, over seven months since the rollout began in October 2021. As of yesterday, Windows 11 has been designated for broad deployment, which means any PC that meets the minimum requirements can now acquire the operating system through Windows Update.

Until now, Microsoft has rolled out the option to upgrade to Windows 11 based on the device's hardware compatibility. Now anyone can get the update, as long as they still meet those minimum standards.

Read more
Beware this fake Windows 11 installer that may harm your PC
Person sitting and using a Windows Surface computer with Windows 11.

If you're looking to download or upgrade to Windows 11 and go to a search engine to find the files to do so, you might want to be very careful. According to recent reports, hackers are currently leveraging a new campaign where you might end up downloading a fake Windows 11 updater, that could leave your system infected with malware.

This new campaign specifically targets people who go to search engines looking to download Windows if their devices don't meet minimum specs. It sends these unsuspecting users to an official-looking, but fake, Microsoft website with a Windows 11 "Download Now" button. The website has official Microsoft logos, favorite icons, and even official Windows 11 imagery. As of this writing, the website is no longer available, but Bleeping Computer provided the screenshot below before the problematic website was pulled.

Read more
Windows 11’s taskbar may get a handy feature from Windows 10
Laptop sitting on a desk showing Windows 11's built-in Microsoft Teams experience.

If you're a heavy multitasker in Windows 11, you might have noticed that your taskbar might be a little messy when you have too many apps open at once. Windows 10 had a handy overflow feature to help in that situation, and according to a noted Windows leaker on Twitter, it could soon make a comeback on Windows 11.

While Microsoft hasn't confirmed anything about this just yet, @thebookisclosed is the one who has the specifics of the feature. With it, you should be able to see and access all of your open apps in a new overflow bin in the Windows 11 taskbar.

Read more