What to Do If Your Antivirus Apps or Wi-Fi Drivers Are Blocking Windows 10 Updates
Microsoft prohibits some computers with older versions of AVG and Avast antivirus software and outdated Qualcomm WiFi drivers from installing Windows 10 versions 1809, 1903 and 1909. Here’s why: Microsoft no longer allows Windows 10 to automatically update on all systems due to potential bugs and incompatibility issues.
These specific blocks go further and completely stop users with older versions of AVG and Avast antivirus products and some Qualcomm Wi-Fi drivers from manually installing Windows 10 updates. doesn’t work, right?
Unfortunately, ZDNet reports that many users have been unable to upgrade to the newest versions of Windows 10 for months. If you encounter this issue, it is possible that your antivirus applications or network adapter drivers are out of date and need to be updated before you can install newer versions of Windows 10.
How to update AVG and Avast antivirus software
Blocking Windows 10 updates affects AVG and Avast users using the following apps version 19.5 or earlier:
- Avast Premium Security
- Avast Premier
- Avast Internet Security
- Avast free antivirus
- AVG Ultimate
- AVG Internet Security
- AVG Antivirus Free
Avast and AVG have support pages that have links to related software updates and installation guides that should update your software and resolve Windows 10 update issues.
Update Qualcomm wifi drivers to fix Windows 10 update issues
If your AVG or Avast antivirus applications are up to date (or you don’t use their software at all), then your Wi-Fi drivers may be holding back Windows 10 update. You can fix this by checking for driver updates. Here’s how:
- In the Windows taskbar search box, search for Device Manager and open it.
- Scroll down to Network Adapters, then click the arrow icon to display all installed components.
- Find your Qualcomm device in the list, then right-click its name and select Update Driver Software.
- Click ” Search automatically for updated drivers.”
- Let the process run. If a new driver was installed, you should now have the latest version and be able to successfully install the new Windows 10 update. Otherwise, you will need to manually download and install the required drivers for your network adapter. You can find instructions for this on the Microsoft support page .