Now that everyone has upgraded to Win 10 version 2004

another good program is startisback iset it up to boot stright to the desktop no sign in passwords looks just like win 7, im the only one that uses this computer so i dont want to sign in each time i boot up and the program costs about $3.00 cheap and well worth it

I was just going to mention startisback (http://startisback.com/). I used it when I had windows 8 as its startmenu was just atrocious. On windows 10 I don't really care. I bought the 5 pc license back in the day. Never did use 'em all. Don't spend too much time in the start menu.

With windows 10 I'm very keyboard-centric.

windows key + x, t - task mgr
windows key + r, - run
win key + x, m - device mgr
win key + x, k - disk management
win key + x, v - event viewer
win key + x, y - system info
win key + x, a - administrator level cmd window

ctrl-c - copy
ctrl-x - cut
ctrl-v - paste

I don't use putty, but the free version of moboterm. Far superior to putty imo for a ssh client.

I also use jp soft's TCMD instead of cmd for windows console. Very frustrated if I had to rely on clicking to get things done. So much faster with keyboard.

For full system indexing, locate32 - https://locate32.cogit.net/ It scans through the drives building a database of all files... windows key + f launches it. Much much much faster than scanning through the drive to find something every time.

I'm not sure if you're running home or pro. On pro, via group policy, it's a single toggle to disable automatic updates entirely.

https://i.imgur.com/yS8sycU.png - group policy editor
https://i.imgur.com/S2yFiV2.png - detail

I imagine there's something similar for home edition. I never use home so not sure.

I have disabled the update service. No update run unless the service is manually started. Generally I check each week for updates and if there is something critical, then I will update.

..what all the paranoia is about?
If you wait a week or two b4 updating, any issues will generally get taken care of.
Not using W10 as distributed I think is fool hardy. At some point you may be forced to upgrade to the real W10 and it may be a much bigger learning curve if you are still stuck on W7 menus.
The only issue I have with the W10 menu is I can't nest folders like I could in W7. But other than that, the visuals and interface is not bad.

It is just different. I guess if tiles came b4 W7, then you would be sticking with tiles.
BTW, I am up to ver 20H2. I have a bigger problem with Thunderbird, Firefox and Chrome updates.

.... is an image of your system partition.
If you have not checked out Macrium Reflect Free, you should. It is so simple, it is ridiculous. Like 3 clicks and you are done. About 15 min to image a SYSTEM drive. Much longer if all your stuff is also on that drive. The size of your backup media depends on the size of the the used space on your drive.

My system drive does not contain my profile and all my stuff. All my stuff is on my D: drive (partition). I back that up with SyncBackFree. It takes some thought to set up the profiles but it works well. It only copies files that have been added or updated so it is a lot quicker after the first run. Of course, you can image that also with Reflect.

The other advantage of Reflect is that you can mount the image and extract individual files from the image. The mounted image looks just like the drive it came from.

Restoring an 80 to 100GB drive takes about 30-45 min. The only issue would be if you are trying to restore to a smaller partition than was imaged. Free does not do that, but the paid version will. Obviously, the size must be big enough for the data but not including the free space.

I'm puzzled by whatever method you might have had for nesting folders. The operation is certainly available within Windows 10 20H2, through several different methods.

Can you elaborate?

ruggb, what do you mean by not being able to nest folders?

Phil

It is now 2021 and I'm still waiting for the Windows 10 ver 2004 update. The problem seems to be Conexant audio drivers as there is a Windows compatibility block until the driver is updated.

The following statements have come from Microsoft:

"Synaptics and Microsoft have found incompatibility issues with certain versions of drivers for Conexant ISST audio driver and Windows 10, version 2004 (the Windows 10 May 2020 Update). Windows 10 devices with affected Conexant ISST audio driver might receive an error or experience issues while installing the update or after the device has updated. The affected driver will be named Conexant ISST Audio or Conexant HD Audio Driver under Sound, video and game controllers in Device Manager and have file name uci64a96.dll through uci64a231.dll and a file version lower than 7.231.3.0."

"To safeguard your update experience, we have applied a compatibility hold on Windows 10 devices with affected Conexant or Synaptics audio drivers installed from being offered Windows 10, version 2004 or Windows Server, version 2004 until the driver has been updated."

My Device Manager has file number uci64a163.dll and file version 7.163.0.0, neither of which are compatible with Win 10 2004 version. Neither Microsoft nor Conexant/Synaptics seems to have any newer driver updates so I'm stuck in a holding pattern until some new drivers become available.

Try the 2nd thing mentioned in the thread at https://docs.microsoft.com/answers/questions/154340/w10-vers...

Thanks for the suggestion.

I've considered replacing the Conexant driver with the Microsoft HD Audio driver. I've read where others have successful switched the drivers and the Windows 10 2004 version was installed successfully. In other instances the switch failed to work and the Conexant driver reinstalled itself. I've considered making this change but I've been mostly focused on reasons the Windows update has been delayed. I believe I found the source of the update delay and will wait a while longer to see if Microsoft will provide a different and suitable driver. If no change comes in the next few months I'll install the Microsoft HD Audio driver. At that time if it doesn't work, I'll reinstall the former Conexant HD audio driver that seems to be quite functional and problem free.

I upgraded to 2004 on 12/6/2020. No issues. My upgrade schedule remains set to 200 days after public release with regards to feature updates.

Thank you for this information.

On 2/8/21 my Asus laptop still reads the following after checking for updates: "The Windows 10 May 2020 Update (Feature Update to Windows 10, version 2004) is on its way. Once it's ready for your device, you'll see the update available on this page."

After holding back the update on many computers, on February 3, 2021, Microsoft announced, "Windows 10, version 2004 is designated for broad deployment." Perhaps the Win 10, 2004 update is just around the corner. Or maybe not?

Check out Microsoft's recent announcement: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/stat...

A couple of the other forums I visit states there is a hardware hold (lock) preventing installation of the update on my ASUS VIVO related to the touchpad. Hunted all over the ASUS site and find no updates.

Don't know what to do at this point other than wait The irony is I don't use the touchpad!

I got the same notification yesterday and went ahead and installed the update. No apparent differences although I don't run any exotic anything. I'm not sure I've ever noticed any observable differences after installing Microsoft updates/fixes.

Phil

You should be at version 20H2 (OS Build 19042.746)
hold the Windows key and hit R, then type winver to see your version info.
If you are not there, there may be a problem with your PC. It may be that changes in the next version were incompatible with your PC. There are other reasons it won't update.
You can go here for some ideas
https://www.tenforums.com/installation-upgrade/168636-window...

If you want to manually install it here is what I recommend. Actually, I recommend you do this before any major update.
Download MACRIUM REFLECT FREE and install it.
Create an image of your HDD. It takes about 3-4 clicks after opening Reflect. It is a VERY easy program to operate. You must create the image on a USB drive with at least as much space as what is used on your HDD.
Create a restore media USB thumb drive.

Download a Windows 20H2 ISO file and make a bootable USB thumb drive. Use RUFUS for that. It is free. I use a 16GB drive, but I think it will fit on 8GB.

Then follow one of the posts describing how to manually install.

Most minor update will not show visible changes as they are mostly bug fixes or security updates. Major updates often have visible changes, but that also depends on how you use it whether you see them or not.

My OS Build is 19042.789. Like I said, I just installed the latest and greatest update a couple of days ago.

Phil

Microsoft has put a hold on many users for the May 2020 (Windows 10, version 2004)due to BSOD and incompatibility problems with drivers. While the Windows 10, version 2004 update came out last May, many user are still locked out from that time forward. Apparently, based on their announcement on 2/3/2021, Microsoft has started to remove the lock to allow last year's update to begin. It appears Microsoft is slowly rolling out the 10-month old Windows update to the affectd users.

Only my ASUS laptop is affected with the delay. My desktop that I built from components has the latest Windows 10 version 20H2 of which you speak. One might not know of the Windows 10, version 2004 lock unless you are in that group where all updates since May 2020 have been suspended.

I have a warning at the bottom of my computer that says
" Your version of Windows 10 will reach end of service soon. Click to download newest version of Windows 10 to stay up to date."
BUT, I still don't have the option to get 2004. I click on the warning and it takes me to updates but when I check for updates I am up to date. I still have the notice telling me 2004 is on it's way. It has said that since 2019.

That seems weird. Maybe your PC is too old for newer versions of Win10 to run?

My Asus Zenbook UX305FA bought in May 2015 reads the same.

VivoBook S14 S410UN is still on old 1909 version. It has the the infamous Conexant audio driver problem. Windows 10 computers affected by this known issue come with Conexant ISST Audio or Conexant HDAudio drivers (shown under “Sound, video and game controllers” in Device Manager). Updated drivers yesterday but no change. Just hate the nag at the bottom of the screen when there's nothing I can do to fix it (that I know of). Time will tell

While firing up my old laptop so that I could install the new map to use with Basecamp, my Lenovo ThinkPad T510 (unable to install the 10 May 2020 update due to old hardware) flashed the same warning along the lines of "Your version of Windows 10 will reach end of service soon"

I'm still on 1909 and I start getting nagged to install 20H2 recently. I will keep ignoring for as long as I want to. I'd like to see if MS will increase the nagtification (nagging notification) or force install the update regardless of my refusal. One thing I know for sure, we no longer need third party nagware. Windows becomes a nagware now.

Curious minds want to know.

That is the question, indeed.

My guess is that these PCs will still work but will get only rare updates through Windows Update. And then, at a hopefully much later date, some software will not install or function well.

...to start learning Linux to keep these old machines going.

Preferably on a separate drive or Virtual Box!

Correct!

It is always recommended to do a backup, anytime you are making a major update to your operating system, "just in case" something goes wrong!

Most Windows 10 PCs now get automatically pushed into a version upgrade before reaching end-of-life. There are some ways to get around it, if you're determined and have certain setups, so it is possible to reach end-of-life and not receive a Win 10 Feature Update and still have Windows 10 working. But most users don't have a way to stop the automatic upgrade train, short of keeping the PC offline.

If your PC did go past your Win 10 version's end-of-life date, what is supposed to happen is that your PC is no longer eligible to receive security updates:
https://www.computerworld.com/article/3568789/the-windows-10...

But if you push it too far (I'd guess 3 years or more past end-of-life), I would expect that some new or updated software apps would not work in all ways with your old version of Win 10.

Part of the reason you get pushed to update is that software developers (for apps and for Windows itself) grew tired of trying to support users who aren't willing to stay current, at least within a year of so, of the current version of their software. Developers work hard to stamp out bugs, but some users keep posting about old problems that have been solved with updates.

I bought it new in 2019 or 2018, its not very old

I want the Windows update.

I just looked it up.
Hp Envy Desktop Tower
July, 2019 for $1500
Only 1 year 7 months old.
Not old.

I seem to remember, about March 2020, there was a problem with Windows Update not running on some HP computers. Mary, is it possible that your computer had this problem for a whole year?

This is an HP problem, not a Windows 10 problem. Perhaps, call HP support and tell them, "Windows Update won't run." They might have a download to shake it loose.

dobs108

Mary, there were reports back around 2018 and 2019 of this problem on some HP computers including the Envy. These turn up in a Google search. I don't see 2020 complaints, but HP's suggestion back then was to prompt Win 10 to repair its own system files. Click this for a description of how to do that.
https://fossbytes.com/repair-windows-10-corrupted-system-fil...

Just try steps 1 and 2 on that webpage. I wouldn't suggest going through 3, 4, or 5. It's 1 and 2 that may help your issue.

After doing that, try rebooting and leave the PC on for a day or two to give Windows a chance to figure out that it should update before deciding if that helped.

This problem can also occur if there is even one piece of hardware in your PC (such as your video card) that Microsoft knows doesn't work with the latest version of Win 10 because of driver incompatibility. In other words, if Win 10 did update, your computer would no longer work. So to protect you, it just just doesn't offer a Win 10 update when it sees such hardware. Those issues can be hard to run down, because Win 10 doesn't usually tell you that's the issue.

Thanks dobs, I will look into this.
Mary

Thanks Lost, I will also look into this. A few years ago I would have spent many an hour looking for a solution. As I get older I seem to not be as driven to spend the time on things I should. I have been looking at this for over a year and know I should have done something but just haven't had the desire. I think 75 years old and my husband's cancer is taking a front seat to everything. Will let you know if anything helps.
Thanks Lost, Dobs, and everyone for your help and suggestions.
Mary

Mary I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through. You know we all wish you all the best.

So many on this web site have wished me the best. I feel so blessed to be a part of this great group with people like you.
Thank you.

As I wrote in this thread earlier, I also had the Windows warning pop up on my laptop which is my emergency backup computer in case my desktop fails.

I finally got around to sleuthing "Windows 10 and ThinkPad T510 update issues" or some search along those lines and came up with the Conexant issue discussion which was preventing me from updating to Windows 10 version 20H2. Looking in Device Manager, I saw that my audio driver was the dreaded Conexant HD driver.

I uninstalled the Conexant HD driver, rebooted and saw a new driver, probably some generic Windows driver installed which required no searching for or installing a new driver manually on my part.

I then went to Windows Update, and there it was, I was allowed to update Windows 10 to the 20H2 version! I was somewhat worried because in addition to the first 20H2 update, there was a mandatory update to a Conexant HD driver but I let it proceed. It's been working fine since then. After the first 20H2 update, be sure to repeat a Windows Update because after the first 20H2 update, there are further updates that appear and need to be done.

Even better, now that 20H2 is installed, my old T510 laptop no longer shows the Windows 10 warning about reaching End of Service.

I offer this to others willing to take the risk and try to extend the life of their older PCs. Good luck and of course, caveat emptor.

Thanks, Craig. I'm glad I stuck to Win 7 on my Virtual machine. I only use it to run Delorme SA and Topo. But both of those are 6 years old. The Street Atlas is getting woefully behind. But last time I looked, Elevation lines haven't changed in the last 100 years or so!

That is excellent information on a workaround CraigW. Hopefully that will help some other members who are stuck with this problem.

My 12 year old Asus ROG laptop wouldn't update for a long time, and it was because of a rather obscure and obsolete Nvidea graphics card. In my case, Microsoft eventually provided an updated driver that let the update proceed. But I bet I could have used your method and uninstalled all the Nvidea drivers and used just generic graphics drivers. It is something I will remember if future Windows updates fail on this old beast.

Thanks, hope that will be what I need. Thanks

There is a detailed procedure at https://www.driversupport.com/knowledge-article/fix-conexant...

Sort of numb right now and can't think to do any important work. Will look at this when things get a little better.
My husband now had pneumonia. He is on medication and at home and it is getting better. Plan on trying to fix Windows 10 soon. And, would you know it, my Note 20 Ultra now has problems. I can not send photos or receive photos. I can still send text but not photos. I have tried everything online to fix it. Guess I will call AT&T next week to see if they can help.
If it's not one thing it's a bunch.
Enough of my rambling.
Thanks again for the link to help me fix my Windows 10. I hope to use it soon.
Mary

Thanks for this info since I have a Dell laptop

After almost a year of waiting for Microsoft Update utility to install the Windows 10, ver. 20H2 update on my Asus Zenbook UX305VA, I took the necessary steps today to perform the update.

The problem with my Asus laptop has been the Conexant audio drivers. Google searches have documented the path forward by replacing all Conexant audio drivers with Microsoft HD audio drivers. By going to device manager and selecting “search for updated drivers” did the trick. In all instances with one exception, I selected the Microsoft driver option that went without a hitch. In the one instance, I got a popup warning but since the audio driver shown was digitally signed by Microsoft, I went ahead and selected and installed that driver as well.

After all of the audio drivers were changed from Conexant, I did a “Check for Updates” and immediately it showed the Windows 19 ver. 20H2 update was available. I could have followed this update method months ago but I was in no hurry and I was waiting for Microsoft update utility to perceive these flaws and make the necessary changes to facilitate the update.

After nearly a year since the Window 10, ver. 20H2 update was made available and with no changes from Microsoft, I became impatient and followed the steps outlined by many people when Microsoft failed to perform the automatic update.

After the update I checked my device manager to find whether after a successful 20H2 update, the Conexant drivers were reinstalled as some have reported. In my case, the Conexant audio drivers were not reinstalled after the update (thankfully). I hope this ends any relationship with me and Conexant going forward.

Edit: After posting the above information, I went back to Device Manager and selected "update driver" and the green bar started processing. It ended downloading and reinstalling Conexant audio drivers as others have reported. Screwey, but the 20H2 update is done!

There was an update for HP on Windows update a couple of days ago. Just now my computer told me my Windows was expiring and to click here to update to a newer version. I clicked it and it is installing something now. Will see what it is when it finishes.

Windows 10 Home
20H2
4/19/2021
19042.928
Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.551.0

No idea what most of this is but at least I have the latest update and I didn't have to do a thing, thank goodness.

I was equally as happy (and surprised) when Windows let my old backup PC, a laptop, finally get updated.