Following 15 months of testing with Windows Insiders, Microsoft is finally starting to roll out the Windows 10 May 2020 Update (or Windows 10 version 2004) today. This is the first major Windows 10 update since the release of the May 2019 Update last year, as the November 2019 Update that followed was a pretty minor update with just a couple of news features and improvements.
The Windows 10 May 2020 Update brings some welcome changes including a new Cortana app that can be updated through the Microsoft Store, improvements to Bluetooth pairing, Windows Subsystem for Linux 2, DirectX12 Ultimate, and more. Cortana was finally separated from Windows Search last year, but the new version supports a new conversational UI and should get new features much faster. However, its productivity capabilities are currently only available in English in the US, with more markets to follow in the coming months.
The May 2020 Update is available via Windows Update today for “seekers” already running the May 2019 Update or the November 2019 Update. However, Microsoft will once again do a gradual rollout and some PCs may not be able to get it immediately via Windows Update due to compatibility issues.
In addition to Windows Update, the May 2020 Update can also be installed by using the Media Creation Tool to update your PC, or by downloading the official ISOs from Microsoft’s website. Moreover, the major update is also available through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Windows Update for Business and the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC).
If you haven’t done it yet, we invite to check out our hands-on video with the May 2020 Update. This is a pretty solid release overall, though we’ll be keeping an eye on the Windows 10 Health dashboard for any known issues and potential upgrade blocks. As of this writing, Microsoft has already listed 10 known issues related to Bluetooth connectivity, audio drivers, and more.
