Microsoft blocks Windows 10 May 2020 for some PCs with LTE

Another issue is preventing PCs from receiving the Windows 10 May 2020 Update.

What you need to know

• Microsoft has placed a compatibility hold on several PCs with LTE.
• The issue causes some PCs with WWAN LTE modems to not connect to the internet when waking from sleep or hibernation.
• Microsoft states that a fix is on the way and should arrive in late September.

Microsoft placed a compatibility hold on several devices to temporarily prevent them from updating to the Windows 10 May 2020 Update (Windows 10 version 2004). The hold is in place because some Windows 10 PCs with LTE modems fail to connect to the internet when waking up from sleep. Affected PCs will state that they don't have an internet connection after waking from sleep or hibernation.

Microsoft outlines the issue and some steps to mitigate the problem in an updated doc (via ZDNet). Microsoft does not share a list of every type of device that's affected by this issue, instead stating, "Certain WWAN LTE modems might not be able to connect after waking from sleep." Several of the best Windows laptops have LTE connectivity, so some well-known devices could be affected.

"After waking from sleep or hibernation, certain WWAN LTE modems might show no internet in the Network Connectivity Status Indicator (NCSI) in the notification area and might be unable to connect to the internet," reads the updated doc from Microsoft. It continues by explaining that Microsoft has "applied a compatibility hold on Windows 10 devices with affected WWAN LTE modems drivers installed from being offered Windows 10, version 2004 until the issue has been resolved."

Microsoft is working on a resolution for the issue that should be available in late September. Microsoft warns that people should not manually update affected systems to the Windows 10 May 2020 Update until the issue is fixed.

If your PC is affected by this issue, you can mitigate it by enabling and then disabling Airplane mode. This can be done through the Notification and Actions area or through the Start Menu by searching for "Airplane mode."

This recent issue is only the latest problem that's prevented Windows 10 version 2004 from shipping to PCs. Microsoft placed a similar hold on several Surface devices earlier this year.