Microsoft needs more storage to install Windows 10 May 2019 Update

The first major release of Windows 10 in 2019 is almost ready for global rollout after six months of testing. However, Microsoft has informed users that the Windows 10 May 2019 Update and later releases require at least 32 GB of storage space for 32 bit and larger versions of the operating system.

That’s double the storage space that was previously needed to install the 32 bit version of Windows 10 on a computer, says MSPoweruser. The 64-bit variant previously needed 20 GB of storage space. Microsoft has not disclosed why more storage space is needed for the new version of the operating system.

Problems with USB

Earlier this week Microsoft also announced that there is a problem with the update in combination with USB storage or an SD card. The installation of the update – which is already available via MSDN and Windows Insider – does not start if external storage such as a USB stick, an SD card or an external hard drive is connected to the device. The problem only occurs on PCs with the October 2018 Update or the April 2018 Update. Other versions can be upgraded with external storage.

Microsoft says it is working on a solution to the problem. Until then, there is a simple solution: users must delete all external storage and repeat the installation procedure. After installation is complete, all external storage can be reconnected.

Microsoft also reports that in some cases internal disks can also cause an error message. If this is not the disk where the Windows installation is located, it can be temporarily disconnected. A solution to the problem will be made available in the next service update for the operating system. Windows Insiders should wait until build 18877. It also addresses the error. The operating system will be available to the general public in May.