What happens when 1803 reaches end of life date

Once a backup image is created and is saved on another disk drive or the cloud you should be able to perform trial and error steps and if necessary return to the current working environment.

If Windows upgrade to 1903 works then you are set.

If it fails then the upgrade failure can be troubleshooted starting with error code and message.

Alternatively an upgrade may be able to be performed by reset save files or reset save files equivalent.
For these drivers and applications need to be reinstalled.

There is a setting in Win 10 updates that can stop you being offered the major Feature Updates so check the following: -
Go to "Settings / Update & Security / Advanced Options" then ensure that "Download updates over metered connections" is turned ON (I believe it is OFF by default).
You may then find you will be offered the update to version 1903 immediately.

There is a setting in Win 10 updates that can stop you being offered the major Feature Updates so check the following: -
Go to "Settings / Update & Security / Advanced Options" then ensure that "Download updates over metered connections" is turned ON (I believe it is OFF by default).
You may then find you will be offered the update to version 1903 immediately

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Thanks for the tip but it made no difference.

However........

My 15 year old Dell Vostro 1500 laptop was running 1803 (Pro) and just got the message to update to 1903, which I did without any problems. FWIW there is very little other software installed as its just a 'play' machine to try various programs before I commit to them.

I have to say well done to Microsoft for spending so much time and money to improve the look of the File Explorer Icon. I don't know how I managed without this new look for so long. It was worth the several hours of download and install time.

Going forward, my workstation 1803 (Home), which has lots of paid for programs going back as far as Outlook 2007, is still not seeing the invite to upgrade to 1903. Maybe MS has decided through its spyware that I don't really need a new look File Explorer Icon.

Anyway I've done the OS backup and downloaded 1903 so I'll try a manual install and see what happens. Interesting time ahead.

If the upgrade is successful then you can continue making backup images to have options in case there is malware, ransomware, registry corruption, failure to boot, drive failure, etc.

If the upgrade fails then run setupdiag: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/win...rade/setupdiag > post a share link into the thread using one drive, drop box, google drive

If your PC can't handle Win 10 v1809 or v1903 try to obtain an official version of Windows 8.1 with license key and install that. I know it seems a backward step and it may be difficult to obtain but your PC will definitely be able to handle the Win 8.1 OS. Also you may not want to do it since it means a total install of a new OS but it will get you extended support and updates until January 10th 2023.
I am running Win 8.1 on my desktop PC and Windows 10 Home v1903 on my DELL laptop and I can honestly say that Windows 8.1 does everything I want and does it just as fast.
Just a thought.

AddRAM said:

Windows 8.1 ??? Seriously ??

He`s better off staying with what he has.

Just keeping it light hearted If your PC runs 1803, it will run 1903, the new versions only remove some features and add new ones, that`s it.

The best way to update to 1903 is by downloading the ISO file of 1903 and opening it with windows explorer and clicking setup, this will start the update to 1903 process.

Do not rely or use Windows Update to upgrade to 1903.

Use the Download Tool to download the ISO file, do not make a usb stick installer, do not create a dvd installer, just download and save the 1903 ISO file anywhere you want (in your downloads folder would be fine)

Then just start the upgrade as I have instructed above.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/soft...load/windows10

Is this like a clean install?

Just wondering, are you by any chance using the Intel Rapid Storage Technology (Intel RST) driver?

Yes I am....ummm! I'll look into that possibility.

Thanks