Microsoft removes the last Windows 10 upgrade blocks: Why users need to update

Ahead of the upcoming 21H1 May update for Windows 10 scheduled for release in the coming weeks, Microsoft has announced that it has finally removed the last roadblocks to updating to the Windows 10 October release - also known as the 20H2 update.

The company regularly places ‘blocks’ on upgrades to the latest release of Windows for certain device models depending on the hardware inside. This is usually because of some incompatible driver or other software issues which could prevent users from successfully upgrading. Until Microsoft or the device manufacturer fixes the issues, the user is unable to update to that version of Windows.

Read more: Microsoft wants you to update your Windows 10 PC before it stops supporting these outdated versions next month 

Microsoft has now updated its documentation for Windows 10 20H2 and Windows Server 20H2 to inform users that they can now update their Windows 10 installation to the current latest version, from an older release such as the 2004 release and the 1909 release from two years ago. Microsoft will soon drop support for some older versions, which make the removal of these update blocks a welcome move.

Some of these the problems resolved by Microsoft include issues with Conexant audio drivers, lower gaming performance, Microsoft Edge missing on some installations, and issues with printing and missing colours from printers, issues with Microsoft Office, Thunderbolt NVMe SSD problems, as well as issues with Japanese and Chinese languages using the keyboard.

Also read: Windows 10 21H1 update focuses on improving remote working condition

We have previously reported that users who are running older versions of Windows 10 should upgrade to the latest 20H2 version eat the earliest as Microsoft will drop support for Windows 10 versions released on November 2019, October 2018, and April 2018. Users will soon have the option of two usable Windows builds – May 2020 and October 2020, while the upcoming May 2021 update should arrive later this month.