Microsoft Blocks Windows 10 May 2019 Update on Some Apple Mac Models

Microsoft has recently confirmed that it set a compatibility hold on a series of older Apple Mac devices trying to update to Windows 10 May 2019 Update, or version 1903.

Macs can run Windows 10 via Boot Camp, but according to Microsoft, an issue with the Mac HAL driver blocks models prior to 2012 or newer devices with older Boot Camp software from receiving the new feature update.

“If you are trying to update to the May 2019 Feature Update for Windows 10 (Windows 10, version 1903), you may experience an update compatbility hold and receive the message, “Mac HAL Driver – machaldriver.sys: Your PC has a driver or service that isn’t ready for this version of Windows 10,” Microsoft explains in a support document (via Neowin).

“Mac devices prior to 2012 or newer Mac devices with the older Apple Boot Camp or Windows Support Software drivers have a compatibilty hold in place and are unable to update to Windows 10, version 1903. Specifically, devices with MacHALDriver.sys dated September 24, 2011 01:57:09 or older in Windowssystem32drivers are affected.”

Full fix coming later this month

Microsoft explains that users could try to update their Windows Support Software drivers in Boot Camp in order to install Windows 10 May 2019 Update, however, the notification that is displayed when the update is blocked also notes that version 1903 would be automatically pushed to devices when the issue is resolved.

The software giant also points to an Apple support document that includes additional instructions on how to resolve the bug an install Windows Support Software manually on a Mac.

“Updating your Apple Boot Camp Windows Support Software drivers may allow you to update to Windows 10, version 1903. You may be able to check for updated Windows support software, in macOS, choose Apple menu App Store, then install all available updates,” Microsoft says.

The company is already working on a fix, and it estimates that the patch could be published for Mac…