Windows 10 gets two major feature updates every year, one in the spring and the other in the fall. The first update of this year will be available for you from May 28. We explain how to install the Windows 10 May 2020 update (or not) and tell you what to expect from it.
At the time of writing, there is no way for regular users to manually install the May update yet. You are therefore dependent on when Microsoft will prepare the update for your system. As always, there is talk of a rollout, so not all PCs will be offered the update on May 28 at the same time. You may need a little more patience.
Check for updates under Settings, Update & Security. You may have previous updates waiting for you to install. Then click To download and install any remaining updates.
Eventually you will get the message here Your PC has been updated. Nevertheless, click Looking for updates. If you get the option to Feature update to Windows 10, version 2004 then you know that the May 2020 update is available for you. click on Download and install now to apply the update.
Please note that a reboot of your system is required. Make sure you have any open documents saved in advance so you don't lose any work. It is also a good idea to back up important files in case something goes wrong. Then you always have it on hand.
What's new in the May 2020 Update for Windows 10?
In the past, these kinds of major updates were always full of new programs and useful extras, but the latter are smaller in nature. This also applies to the May 2020 update, which contains little news for the majority of Windows 10 users.
For example, adjustments have been made to Cortana. You would expect the digital assistant to get more features, but the opposite is true. The speech assistant is getting a smaller and smaller role in Windows 10. Moreover, Cortana still does not understand Dutch.
Those who like to experiment with Linux in addition to Windows can get started with a new version of the Windows subsystem for Linux. This allows you to run Linux programs within Windows 10 itself. WSL2 performs up to 20 times faster than the previous edition, making it compatible with more Linux software. Including the much-requested support for Docker.
In addition, the update process for WSL is streamlined. WSL updates are now part of the regular Windows updates and are installed along this route.
Occasionally a reinstall of Windows 10 is necessary. Previously often a tedious job, but this is becoming easier every time. The May 2020 update introduces the option to install Windows 10 "from the cloud." You no longer have to look for the installation files yourself and then put them on a USB stick, et cetera. You will find the option below Settings, System Restore, Start over with a clean install of Windows.
Within the explorer, the search function has been improved. For example, search suggestions are given based on the files in (sub)folders. Files that you have stored in OneDrive are also included in the search results. Another welcome change is the way you let Bluetooth devices connect. This is done purely via taskbar notifications, so you no longer have to search through all kinds of different menus.
Postpone Windows 10 update
You may not be thrilled with this Windows update at all. Not surprising, because there is always a chance that it introduces problems that you did not have before. Fortunately, feature updates like the May 2020 update can be delayed for up to a year.
Enough time to watch the cat out of the tree. You can read exactly how to do that in our previous article about delaying Windows 10 updates.
