What You Need to Do If a Windows 10 Version Update Causes Major Problems
Many of you will be updating your Windows 10 computers to Windows 10 May 2019 – Version 1903 soon. So now is a good time to remind you that if you have major problems after installing a Windows 10 Version update, there are two things you can do.
First, shut your computer off – completely power it off – and leave it off for approx. 5 minutes then turn it back on. Many times this will resolve problems, but if it does not, you can use the following method to roll back the update and return to the previous version of Windows 10. And the good news is if you do roll back this way you will not lose any programs or data as long as go back to the previous version of Windows 10 within 10 days of installing the version update. After 10 days, this option will no longer be available unless you make some changes.
Here’s the right way to go back to the previous version of Windows if a version update such as the May 2019 Update – version 1903 causes you major problems.
1. Right-click the Start button and click Settings (Or press the Windows Key + i )
2. Click on “Update & Security”
3. In “Update & Security” click on “Recovery”
4. In Recovery, you will have 3 options “Reset this PC”, “Go Back to the previous version of Windows 10” and “Advanced startup”
Once you click “Get started” it will take from 45 to 60 minutes to complete the rollback.
If you don’t see “Go Back to the previous version of Windows 10” as one of your choices then:
a.) The update was not a version update.
b.) You didn’t act soon enough (within 10 days) and too much time has passed since the version update was installed.
c:) You see the option but it’s not clickable or doesn’t work – you have waited too long.
So, now you know what to do if the new Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903) – or any Windows 10 version update – causes you major problems.
Hi TC & EB,
I did have major problems 2 weeks ago with the 1903 installation.
the rear ports for my keyboard and mouse ceased to function, my printer, WiFi broadband, (not cable broadband) VPN, and graphics card extended display were also affected.
I rolled back to v:1809 and spent many hours re-setting and re-installing drivers ‘from their original source – not Microsoft’ for the affected items.
I have a complete backup of every item in the v:1809 computer system on a secondary hard drive and an external hard drive.
I am reluctant to install v:1903 again until I can find all the information available which indicates a clean, bug-free installation.
I fail to understand why the Microsoft team cannot ,”Do it once – do it right.” before releasing upgrades with problems on a gullible public.
Thanks for Cloudeight and the positive information from the two of you on a regular basis.
I’ve rolled back my ASUS computer twice and both times it rolled back to exactly what I had. I didn’t have to reinstall anything. Your previous version of Windows 10, all of your drivers, programs, files are backed up and stored in a file called Windows.OLD. So, I’m not sure why you would have needed to go back and reinstall anything. Something’s not right there, John.
Hi TC & EB
I have been received your emails for almost 20 years. I believe in everything that you say all of your tips and tricks. I believe that it was last week that you gave the green light for the May update of windows 10. A few weeks prior to the green light you suggested to make a USB drive of Windows 10, which I did do, good advice I would have never thought of doing that. I removed the USB drive that I save everything on, as per your advice.
On Sunday evening June 23, 2019, for me was a good time to update to the May update. I went you your email where you had the download link and downloaded the update from there. As far as I know, the update downloaded. Then windows went to install the update and said that it would take several restarts. Restarts one, two, and three went fine. The fourth restart crashed my computer. After the fourth restart, the only thing that came up was the manufactures screen. I could not get my computer to boot into safe mode.
The next day my computer repair guy came to my home to try to get my computer to boot into safe mode or start windows normally. Nothing, just a black screen. He could not fix my computer. He told me that I had Microsoft to thank for breaking my computer.
So I am back to using my windows 7. I am not upset with you, but with Microsoft. When I purchased my computer 4 years ago it was an all in one, cost me $700. I do not have that kind of money now to buy a new one. So I will stick with Windows 7 until I can come up with some cash. At least I have a computer to fall back on.
This computer was only 4 years old. When the computer was 2 years old an update installation did the same thing, but my computer guy was able to reinstall windows and I was on my way once again. This time I was not that lucky.
Also, I have a question. Are refurbished computers good to buy? I noticed the refurbished computers are a lot cheaper in price.
Thanks for your nice comments and for being with us so long. Something doesn’t sound right here – and I am wondering about your Computer tech – not you. Doe not sound like he’s telling you the truth – sounds like he was being dismissive
I will help you any way that I can. Upgrading your computer rarely bricks a computer unless you had major problems prior to the upgrade… like a failing hard drive or a corrupted boot sector.
Anyway, try this:
Power off your computer completely. Leave your computer off for at least 5 minutes. While it is still off, hold down the SHIFT key while you turn it back on. Keep holding the SHIFT key until you see the Advanced Boot Menu – it looks like this
There are several options on that menu that can help you under “Troubleshoot” including Startup repair. You can also boot into Safe Mode with networking.
The only other thing that would cause this kind of problem is if you have boot sector corruption on your hard drive or a failing hard drive.
Please follow the instructions above and let me know if you get the Advanced Boot Menu. If you do, you won’t need a new computer. But we are here to help
As for your question about refurbished PCs… I hope you won’t need a new or refurb PC. But if you’re buying a refurbished computer, make sure you get the same warranty as you’d get with a new one.
I have a question. Suddenly I cannot open my pictures folder anymore by just left clicking as I always did ,it is asking me how I want to open the folder I have to open a new window and then my pictures open in internet explorer. also I tried to get into Cortana and I had to sign in which I never did before and it was fine When I did sign in I was refused because I had tried to sign in too many times. But I never did sign in before. I have win 10 version 1809. Thanks for any help you can give me.
Rina shut down your computer -power it off. Make sure all power lights are off. Leave it off for 5 minutes. Turn it back on – I’ll be you can access your folders normally.