Windows 10 version 1909, November 2019 Update, is now finalized and the release date is on “November 12, 2019.” However, unlike previous versions, this release won’t include any significant features or changes. Instead, it’ll be offered as a minor update to improve the work that Microsoft has done with the May 2019 Update.

Windows 10 version 1909 won’t require reinstallation

If you’re already running the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, version 1903, then the device will receive the new version as a cumulative update through Windows Update, and the installation experience will be similar to those updates you get every month. Using this new approach, Microsoft hopes the upgrade process will be less intrusive and faster to apply, because it’ll not require full reinstallation.

  • How to upgrade to Windows 10 version 1909, November 2019 Update
  • How to clean install Windows 10 version 1909, November 2019 Update
  • Windows 10 version 1909 ISO file direct download

However, if your device has an older version (such as the October 2018 Update or April 2018 Update), then the process to upgrade will require the full reinstallation of Windows 10.

As per usual, Microsoft plans to use artificial intelligence to detect and offer the update only to devices known to be compatible to minimize problems during the rollout. Then as the new version has been tested further, it’ll be available more broadly.

You will also be able to install the Windows 10 19H2 update using the Media Creation Tool and Update Assistant, but the installation process will remain the same as in earlier versions. (Though, it’s unclear if using the Update Assistant on a device already running version 1903 will update to November 2019 Update using partial or full reinstallation.)

Windows 10 version 1909 is an optional update

Microsoft plans to release this feature update as an optional update, which means that it won’t download and install until you manually start the process from the Windows Update settings page. However, if your device is running a version of the Windows 10 that’s nearing the end of life, then eventually version 1909 will install automatically. If you want to prevent this from happening, you can use these steps to block the update.

Windows 10 version 1909 new features

As for new features and changes, version 1909 is just a minor update with some improvements on notifications, battery life, and processors. You’ll get the ability to create calendar events from the date and time flyout, and a few other tweaks. (You can check all the new changes shipping with November 2019 Update in this guide.)

Microsoft is testing new update approach

While Windows 10 receives two feature updates each year, which usually includes new features and improvements, starting with version 1909 (November 2019 Update), Microsoft is testing a new approach to make updates less intrusive.

Instead of releasing two versions that need full installation, moving forward only the first major update of the year will require reinstallation, and the second major update will be a minor servicing update that will arrive as a cumulative update through Windows Update for devices already running the first major release.