Can I Keep 1903 Forever or Be Forced into 2004?

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I have two computers that run 1903 and I use a metered connection to

stave off upgrading to 2004 or 20H0.  I did download 2004 as Woody suggested

in case I ever need it.  If I understand it correctly, these newer systems

do not let me have very much control over when updates are installed.

I guess I could keep operating this way and keep 1903 forever.  So my

question is this:  When would I ever have to install 2004?  And, if so,

how do I install the copy I have?  Maybe someone addressed this before

somewhere, so please point me to it.

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You can use 1903 forever, but we recommend you update for increased security.
You have done the right thing by holding off, but we now think 2004 is OK to install.

If you use your 2004 download you may run into the lost certificate issue.

You could let the machine do the work by setting the TRV to 2004 and leaving Windows to manage the upgrade, or you can download a fresh 2004 ISO and upgrade in situ.

cheers, Paul

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doriel

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the problem is that support for 1903 ends on December 2020, Paul

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-information/status-windows-10-1903

no more 1903 updates will be issued after Dec. 2020

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What is TRV and how do you set it?

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TRV stands for TargetReleaseVersion. It is a setting that tells Windows which version you want to install or keep.

It is explained in AKB2000016 Guide for Windows Update Settings for Win10. You can read the instructions there. Be sure to read the part for the Edition you have (Home or Pro). There are screenshots below to show where the settings are located.

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Linda2019, Fred

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Sorry, forgot the link to the ISO download.
https://www.askwoody.com/forums/topic/bat-file-download-any-windows-10-version-iso-from-microsoft/

cheers, Paul

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Fred

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I saw this article yesterday that Microsoft is forcing 1903 users to 1909, not 2004/20H2. If true, that would suggest you won’t be able to stay on 1903 forever.

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once you start checking for updates in the Update settings window, it’s force update time out of 1903 and into at least 1909

from this MS page about 1903:

On December 8, 2020, all editions of Windows 10, version 1903 and Windows 10 Server, version 1903 will reach end of service. After that date, devices running these versions of Windows will no longer receive monthly security and quality updates. To keep you protected and productive, we will soon begin updating devices running Windows 10, version 1903 to Windows 10, version 1909. This update will install like a monthly update, resulting in a far faster update experience.

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Fred

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1903 drops out of support on 12/8.

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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Nathan Parker

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[firstmerk]

OK, this ‘security thing’.
How much security are you REALLY getting by upgrading to a newer OS?

We all know if you update…..too soon…..you are far more likely to have problems with the update. This is an entirely iatrogenic security problem.
The longer you wait….the less that problem becomes.

So….at what point do the ‘real security’ vs ‘updated and had problems’ graphs cross?

IMO, 2004 and 20H2 offer no benefits over 1909, AT ALL.  And those versions have removed some update control that was easy to configure and understand in 1909 and earlier versions. I think the update beyond 1909 is a net negative. I haven’t found ANY ‘cool’ or compelling features there. NONE.
I see no compelling reason to update at all.
Note – I DO have BOTH 2004 and 20H2 running on test bed PC so I’m not completely ignorant of those update. My own working PC is 1909. THAT particular version had some serious early teething problems and I was very leery of that update. It seems to have gotten somewhat worse with every new version.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 6 months ago by firstmerk.
• This reply was modified 4 years, 6 months ago by firstmerk.

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Fred

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Ultimately it comes down to supported platforms.  1909 will still be supported.  1903 drops out on 12/8.  You want to definitely move off 1903 and soon.

Susan Bradley Patch Lady/Prudent patcher

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