Preparing for 1909 upgrade

I have recently began experiencing some OS issues in my i7-3630QM HP laptop, running Windows 10 Home x64 v1809. I am confident that it is an OS, not hardware issue—long boot times, cross linked files, logging out of account going to a black screen, certain updates not installing, losing ownership rights, etc. During the process of trying to fix these problems, I saw that I have a v1909 option-to download and install.

I have started taking steps to resolve the issues (including sfc) but am still having some problems. Based on having an “older” version, is installing 1909 a complete overwrite of 1809 or a patch job? For obvious reasons, I don’t want to patch over a “base” v1809 with issues. I have also considered “resetting” the computer (not factory reset) in the hopes of keeping data files in place prior to updating.

What I do from this point will depend on the behavior of the 1909 installation. I would hope that a overwrite install of 1909 would wipe 1809, its associated problems and solve my problems.

Welcome to the forum. There is no point upgrading to 1909 as straight away it will want another 2 update to the latest version.
Its a risk upgrading a faulty windows when you can doa clean install of the latest version for free and have a good fault free new system

Davidb4775 said:

... Based on having an “older” version, is installing 1909 a complete overwrite of 1809 or a patch job? For obvious reasons, I don’t want to patch over a “base” v1809 with issues. I have also considered “resetting” the computer (not factory reset) in the hopes of keeping data files in place prior to updating...

Welcome to Ten Forums.

A Feature Update that upgrades you to a new version of W10 will install a full new version of Windows, keeping your previous install in a Windows.old folder in case you need to revert to your previous version. If you do not need to go back, then 10 days after the update windows.old will automatically be deleted.

The upgrade will retain your user files, installed apps and most of your settings. But erroneous settings will be corrected or removed or set back to Windows defaults. In fact, an 'upgrade' to the same version you currently have is a recommended way to repair an install that has 'issues' that SFC or DISM fail to correct.

Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade

Bottom line, the upgrade to 1909 should fix many of the issues you have in your 1809. If you accept the upgrade offered in Windows Update by clicking 'download and install now' it will check for updates during the process and upgrade you directly to the latest version of 1909.

Caledon Ken said:

and if you don't move soon MS will move you to V2004 which might and might not be good.

Microsoft starts updating Windows 10 v1809 to Windows 10 v2004

I have just checked that on the 1809 machine my screenshot above was taken from. Today it is still offering 1909, but that may not last.

Sounds like doing the 1909 upgrade is the way to go to keep my files, solve existing problems and not get pushed into a possible problem of v2004. Will cross my fingers and advise. Thank you for such quick responses.

Davidb4775 said:

Sounds like doing the 1909 upgrade is the way to go to keep my files, solve existing problems and not get pushed into a possible problem of v2004. Will cross my fingers and advise. Thank you for such quick responses.

Before you start, it would be a good idea to make a system image of your PC as it stands now, Macrium Reflect Free would be what I'd use.


Backup and Restore with Macrium Reflect

The process went sideways. 1909 downloaded and began installing. Last time I looked, it had installed to 96%. When I returned to the room, there was a note that said a restart was needed. Restart initiated. It restarted to the photo of the lake surrounded by mountains with no further movement. I left it overnight in the hopes that some long process was merely taking a long time. The touchpad and the keyboard do not seem to be working. Went into automatic recovery by turning on/off multiple times. Made it to the screen but unable to select any options due to KB and pad not responding.

It appears I am destined to do a clean install. 2 questions: 1. Is it better to do it via a USB stick or a DVD disk? Either way, I will have to change the boot order. 2. In terms of validating the install, should I clean install v1809 (that was previously installed ) and then update to 1909 after things get running or go straight to installing 1909?