Anti-Hacking Feature Blocks Windows 10 May 2020 Update

Hypervisor-protected code integrity (HVCI) is blocking the Windows 10 May 2020 Update for some users.

HVCI is a Windows 10 security feature that prevents hackers from manipulating kernel-mode processes. In the past, bad actors have injected malicious code at the kernel level, causing all manner of system problems.

While HVCI is meant to validate the integrity of any kernel-mode code, it is now blocking the installation of Windows 10 version 2004. Users that have the hardware virtualization security feature enabled are experiencing the problem.

The HVCI issue impacting Windows 10 May 2020 update

Microsoft has acknowledged the error that some Windows 10 PC users are getting when they try to upgrade their OS. The company identified driver incompatibility as the source of the bug.

If you are trying to update to Windows 10, version 2004, you might encounter an update compatibility hold and receive the message, “Your PC settings need to be adjusted before upgrading to the latest version of Windows 10. Turn off memory integrity protection to continue. To safeguard your update experience, we have applied a compatibility hold on these devices from installing or being offered Windows 10, version 2004.

With the compatibility mode in place, affected users cannot update their OS to the latest version in the meantime.

There are two workarounds though. The first option is to update your display drivers with HVCI enabled. Alternatively, disable the memory integrity feature.

Minor Windows 10 updates have caused problems for users before. Fortunately, as with earlier versions, you can choose not to update to Windows 10 2004.

It’s nice to have this level of control of when to upgrade just in case you want to wait and see how the new OS pans out. However, the platform has some excellent new features you may want to try out, including productivity-oriented Cortana.

Have you installed the Windows 10 May 2020 Update yet? Feel free to share your experience with the OS in the comments section below.

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