Scratch that... May 2020 Update is live!

Microsoft has been working on the Windows 10 May 2020 Update for over a year now, with the company finally ready to release the feature update to the public. According to multiple reports, the publicrelease will happen this week, which means it's that time of the year again when Windows 10 users have to decide whether to hop on to the new update, stick to their older versions, or do something else.

Here are your 3 options to handle the upcoming release:

Install version 2004 (May 2020 Update) as soon as it's releasedBlock its release and stick to your current versionInstall the last stable version of the OS, which currently is version 1909 (November 2019 Update) and wait for the new version to get stable

If you can't wait to get your hands on the upcoming May 2020 Update, we have already shared how you can temporarily join the Windows Insider Program, install version 2004, and then leave the WIP. Otherwise, you can wait a couple of days for the public release to happen to get the newest version of the operating system on your device.

Future proof your devices by installing the Service Pack-like Windows 10 v1909 ahead of next release

The most recommended option right now is to get your machines on Windows 10 November 2019 Update, or version 1909, if you haven't already. Released in the style of a service pack, version 1909 was way more stable than several previous versions of the OS even at its release time since the company entirely focused on performance improvements and system stability than on new features.Over the last several months, the company has serviced it further, making it the right time to get your machines upgraded to version 1909 before the new version drops.

This is also becoming a recommended practice as Microsoft moves to this new system of major-minor updates where H1 brings a major feature update and the Fall update focuses on bug fixes. Those who aren't as keen on new features and want the best and most stable experience on Windows 10, it makes sense to only upgrade to the H2 or the minor update and skip installing the H1 or major upgrade to avoid surprises.

Here is how to install Windows 10 1909, delivered like a cumulative update

Released like a cumulative update, Windows 10 November 2019 Update has now reached its most stable state, making it the absolute best time to install Windows 10 version 1909. If you want to future proof your machine for the next few months and avoid installing Windows 10May 2020 Update until we know how bug-free it is, here is how to update your devices to Windows 10 v1909.

Note: for those running Windows 10 version 1903, the November 2019 Update will be delivered like a cumulative update. However, earlier versions will still have to go through the usual installation process.

Step 1. Click on the Start menu icon and then on the Settings icon.

Step 2. In the new Windows Settings window, click onUpdate & Security.

Step 3. Next, click onCheck for updatesunder theWindows Updatemenu. Don't worry, clicking on check for updates doesn't automatically install a new update now. You will have to click on Download and install now to begin the process.

Step 4. After you click the Check for updates button, Windows Update will start looking for any new updates available for your machine. This process makes sure you only receive a new feature update when it's ready for your machine. If there is a known issue affecting your device, Microsoft doesn't offer a new feature update through Windows Update.

The error code0x80246008 appeared because I shut down the machine while it was still downloading Windows 10 1909. If this happens, you can just click on the Check for updates and then Download and install now button to proceed. You should see the following status:

Step 5. Once Windows Update has downloaded the new update, you will be asked to restart your device. You can choose to restart right then or at a later time.The restart process may take around 30 to 45 minutes, and once you are done, your device will be running the latest Windows 10, version 1909. No setup of any kind required.

What's next

Once you are done installing Windows 10 November 2019 Update, go through first 3 stepsagainto check for cumulative and security updates. This will install the latest patches, which include fixes for most of the small bugs and annoyances. Checking for updates will also install any available security updates.

How to clean install Windows 10 1909

If you want a clean slate, you can also choose to download Windows 10 1909 ISO files from Microsoft (last chance to do so as they are no longer officially available) and install the operating system through the Update Assistant or the Media Creation tool.

- Relevant: how to upgrade Windows 7 to W10 for absolutely free, the legit way