Upgrade to which version from 1803

Motim · 05 Sep 2019

Hello,I would like to ask you pros for advice:My system now is win 10 pro 1803. I read that MS will stop updates on Nov 2019.I have already downloaded from MS the 1809 and 1903 ISO files. So I will ask for your advice, upgrade to 1809, see if I 'like' it, or upgrade right to 1903.(Also I have 'Office for students' on my pc).Is the upgrade procedure same as from 1709 to 1803 I used ?("https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/16397-repair-install-windows-10-place-upgrade.html")Done some reading about and saw its almost a new system, I may have some difficulties to swallow.
The more I read the more I am confused.Answers will be appreciated.ThanksMotim

Bree · 05 Sep 2019

Motim said:

...Is the upgrade procedure same as from 1709 to 1803 I used ?("https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/16397-repair-install-windows-10-place-upgrade.html")

Yes, it is.

I have successfully tested upgrading almost all versions directly to 1903 using an ISO, even back as far as the original 10240 (1507) release from 2015.

W10 Tweaker · 05 Sep 2019

You may have good fortune upgrading to 1903 as many others have had great success. My thoughts are; almost every PC is a slight bit different in how it handles upgrades, clean installs or windows updates. I don't believe that everyone that has a bad experience during updates is somehow responsible or made an error.

In an ideal world, we could keep a huge database that catalogued every flavour of PC on the market and you could perform a look-up to see how many successful upgrades were performed on the same type of PC you have before pulling the trigger.

Now, back in the real world, we can only extrapolate a probable outcome of success based on general numbers we hear of, that had a successful experience during their upgrade.

Right or wrong, I choose to hold on to 1809 until it's end of life approaches (May 2020) and the masses have learned all the fixes for 1903 or perhaps the next release. The second release of 1809 has proven stable (to me) and I am personally confident that it works well with my current PC and seems to also work well on an old PC I recently upgraded.

Let the fun begin. Cheers,

Motim · 06 Sep 2019

W10 Tweaker said:

.... I choose to hold on to 1809 until it's end of life approaches (May 2020) and the masses have learned all the fixes for 1903 or perhaps the next release. The second release of 1809 has proven stable (to me) and I am personally confident that it works well with my current PC and seems to also work well on an old PC I recently upgraded.

Hello,
Thanks for the answer. But sorry, did not understand it, "I choose to hold on to 1809..." does it mean stay with 1809 ? but I am on 1803, or upgrade to 1809. Sorry, I have not understood it. Perhaps some more details, please.
I was thinking to make a good full "Macrium" backup image, upgrade to any version, see what it tastes - if I can live with it then OK, if not then use restore the image back to 1803.
Right now I'll wait for more detailed answer and would like a "Second Opinion", please.
Thanks
Motim

W10 Tweaker · 06 Sep 2019

Motim said:

Hello,
Thanks for the answer. But sorry, did not understand it, "I choose to hold on to 1809..." does it mean stay with 1809 ? but I am on 1803, or upgrade to 1809. Sorry, I have not understood it. Perhaps some more details, please.
I was thinking to make a good full "Macrium" backup image, upgrade to any version, see what it tastes - if I can live with it then OK, if not then use restore the image back to 1803.
Right now I'll wait for more detailed answer and would like a "Second Opinion", please.
Thanks
Motim

Sorry if I wasn't very clear with my answer. The bottom line is that I personally believe there are too many problems with 1903 for many different PC's. Just scan the new posts anytime and you'll likely find a new problem that someone else has discovered. Some can be fixed and others you may have to wait for the next update.

Missing task bars, missing Search bars that apparently can be fixed by enabling Bing Search (maybe I hate Bing Search and keep it disabled) or the new better (according to only Microsoft) brightness feature where your brightness level stays at a fixed level for AC or DC operation (with a laptop most would prefer the brightness feature in 1809 where you can set it lower for DC).

I personally would avoid 1903 like the plague but that's only because I am very happy with 1809 and how it is very stable on the 2 laptops I have. You will hear many say 1903 works great for them, maybe they're more open to compromise than I because I see many features missing from 1903 that work on 1809 and an endless parade of "I just upgraded to 1903 and now this doesn't work". Just read the daily posts.

If I had 1803 installed on my PC and had ISO's for 1809 & 1903, no question, I would install 1809 because it has a proven to have better features than 1903 and much less headaches. 1809 will be good till May 2020 and by that time 1909 (19H2) should have been well tested.

You should get more opinions than just mine, I'm sure there are many others that feel differently. Best of luck with your search.

AddRAM · 06 Sep 2019

I always wait a good 3 to 4 months or longer to install the new version, but in my opinion you should at least be running 1809 by now. 1809 ran great for me.

And so far 1903 has not given me any issues. Other than the ability to defer Feature Updates is totally missing from Advanced Options in Updates and Security, but I have addressed that issue.

It has happened to some users and it has not happened to some users, go figure.

And I agree, if you like what you have than hold off on the new version.

I also think Microsoft should have a new version once a year and not twice, but you can always skip a version if you want to, I suppose. If you run Pro.

zbook · 06 Sep 2019

Attempted upgrades can be performed to any version (skipping versions is ok).
Microsoft typically releases a new version twice per year.
A new version release is anticipated in the next 60 days.
Windows 10: We're now gearing up for 1909 with new throttled release, says Microsoft | ZDNet

Bree · 06 Sep 2019

Motim said:

I was thinking to make a good full "Macrium" backup image, upgrade to any version, see what it tastes - if I can live with it then OK, if not then use restore the image back to 1803.
Right now I'll wait for more detailed answer and would like a "Second Opinion", please.

With a Macrium image you can afford to be a bit adventurous. My opinion is that 1903 is as stable as 1809 and you should try that. 1903 was released over three months ago and is now half way to the release of the next version (1909?). I found no significant bugs on release, but three months in it should now be as safe for you to try as 1809 .

W10 Tweaker · 06 Sep 2019

Bree said:

With a Macrium image you can afford to be a bit adventurous. My opinion is that 1903 is as stable as 1809 and you should try that. 1903 was released over three months ago and is now half way to the release of the next version (1909?). I found no significant bugs on release, but three months in it should now be as safe for you to try as 1809 .

That has to be the best option. If you're comfortable performing a clean install, try out 1903 and see if you like it. You can always install 1809 if something doesn't function to your liking.

AddRAM · 06 Sep 2019

Also, not sure if it was addressed, if you do a ISO file method (which is by far the best way to do it IMO) make sure to choose to save your apps and files etc.

Then you can just wait 10 days and the windows.old folder should just disappear.

Also, and once again this is just my opinion, each feature update is almost as good as a clean install.

But if you have any serious problems with windows they may or may not still remain when you update.