Update to Window 10 feature version 2004 still on hold > HP ENVY Desktop - 795-0017na

[Nimbargent]

Many months ago, Window 10 forced an update that caused a BSOD. I had to reinstall all of my programs. After I got things going again, the computer was held into the previous feature state. Is it now safe to force an update? Microsoft says that it will not support the prior version after May 2021.

[WAWood · Accepted solution]

@Nimbargent 

The realistic answer is basically -- NO.  It is not SAFE to force an update.  MS put locks on PCs based on the disaster that was the 20.04 update cycle and over time, have addressed those issues.  But some PCs, notably HP PCs with conexant audio, still have the locks on them and MS will not provide any info on when or IF those locks are ever going to be removed.

The risk is that if you force an update, your audio will not work in the new Windows version and since HP has provided no information to us about planned conexant driver updates, there is little hope for this to be fixed in the foreseeable future.

If I was you I would do two things:

1) Image backup

2) force an in-place update from Win10 install media

---------- 1 ----------

I personally prefer to use third-party Backup solutions as they tend to be both more flexible and more reliable than any built-in solutions.

Macrium Reflect (MR) provides a FREE version that can be used to image and restore partitions or entire drives.

What I recommend is the following:
1) Download and install Macrium Reflect (MR) from here: http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx
2) Run MR and choose the option: "Create an image of the partition(s) required to backup and restore Windows" to write a full backup to an external drive or USB stick
3) Use the option to create a boot USB stick or CD

My experience is that MR, when using the High Compression option, typically can compress the saved image file to about 60% of the USED space in the OS partition. This means if you have an 80GB OS partition, and 40GB is used, MR only needs about 24GB to store the image file.

I use this all the time and it typically takes less than 15 minutes to do the image backup and about the same time or less to do a restore.

NOW, you have the means to restore a full working system from the external drive or USB stick in only a few minutes.

---------- 2 ----------

- Use this link to download and create Win10 install media: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

- insert that into your PC (do NOT boot from it), find the folder containing the media, select the setup.exe file, right-click that and select Run as Administrator.  This will start an in-place Upgrade which could then take a couple of hours to complete.

If you are presented with a window asking for a product key, down near the bottom is a entry you can click to skip that. Do NOT enter a product key, as it will reuse your existing key and when you finish and get back online, Windows will automatically activate.

[Nimbargent]

Than you so much for your quick and comprehensive response which I deeply appreciate. I think that I will need to follow through this slowly and think about it carefully since I am not too competent in these matters. It would seem to be a wise precaution to back up at the appropriate time.

I am dependence upon Dragon Naturally Speaking dictation and my installation is quite complex. Sound is obviously all-important.

The message on my update page appears to be less Draconian than that presented previously, "The Windows 10 May 2020 Update is on its way. Once it’s ready for your device, you’ll see the update available on this page." This seems to suggest that the update is imminent.

Kind regards Stephen

[Nimbargent]

I just want to thank you again, WAWood. I followed all of your instructions to the letter. I created the backup and the boot media but they were not to be required in the event. With some worry, having had a BSOD, last May, I updated to the latest Window built as directed by you. It did indeed take a couple of hours but it worked perfectly. Even the Conexant drivers did not present a problem. Best wishes, Stephen

[WAWood]

@Nimbargent 

Good to see that your PC is OK again, glad I could be of help.