14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just rolled out a new patch that allows users to install the Windows 10 November Update on devices with small hard drives, such as tablets.
Previously, when trying to install the new version of Windows 10 on such devices, the process failed with an error reading, “We found some issues. Select this message to fix and finish updating. Windows needs more space,” and one option provided was to “Choose another drive or attach an external drive...”
Microsoft, however, explains that, no matter the workaround, the install could not be completed, and even if you selected an external drive, a message saying that the same amount of storage was required was still displayed.
Only for Windows 10 devices
Thanks to the new fix, the amount of storage that the install needs has been decreased by more than 2 GB, Microsoft stresses, so devices that come with 16 GB or 32 GB of storage should be able to install the new version without any other workaround.
“With the fix that we’ve released (KB3124260), Windows will better use external storage, making it much more likely that the install will continue once you select to use an external drive and hit the Refresh button,” Redmond explains.
And yet, it’s very important to note that this fix is only available for devices already running Windows 10 and trying to install the November Update. If you’re on Windows 8.1 and you're having trouble upgrading to Windows 10 because of storage space, this patch won’t help.
Another thing that everyone must know is that users who have already got that low-space error need to clean temporary installation files in order to allow the patch to do its magic. To do this, simply launch disk cleanup, click “Clean up system files,” and select “Temporary Windows installation files” from the list.
The next time you check for updates in the Windows Update screen, Windows 10 November Update should show up again and install successfully with no storage errors.