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Updating a nuvi 205w from Windows 10

This carries on from my earlier thread

https://forums.garmin.com/apps-software/mac-windows-software/f/garmin-express-windows/384564/updating-a-nuvi-205w-from-windows-10?pifragment-1303=2#1831127

which was locked prematurely.

I updated the maps last September 2024.  I've been checking regularly and Express doesn't suggest any map update yet (May 2025).  Strange as I thought my Lifetime maps entitled me to 4 updates a year. i.e. every 3 months.

The nuvi has just complained that the maps are now a year out of date, and need updating . . .

So the Nuvi says the maps need updating, Express is playing dumb.  What gives?

  • First question is are you using an SD card that is 16 GB or more and formatted to FAT32?  The maps have grown in size over time and an older 8GB card may not be sufficient.  I have no issues updating a 265WT which is just slightly later than your 205W.

  • The City Navigator Europe NT maps have been discontinued some time ago, Garmin has only updates for the NTU version. The nüvi 205 supports only the NT version, not the NTU.

  • You need to read the thread I linked to at the top, where you will see that I researched and showed the errors in the bland statements about the type and size of the SD cards.

  • If you look here (link will probably expire shortly)

    https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=JkPEUtYUF91VrNEPsreYN7&identifier=13432&tab=topics

    it shows 2026.10 is the latest map for the 205w - I still have 2025.10, so my device should be due an update.

  • Are you sure you qualify for a free map update? Did you by a Garmin nüMaps Lifetime subscription? Lifetime maps does not mean your lifetime, but that of the device. https://www.garmin.com/en-US/legal/lmdisclaimer/

    "if your Garmin product comes bundled with a nüMaps Lifetime or other lifetime map subscription, you will receive map data updates when and as such updates are made available on Garmin.com during the useful life of 1 compatible Garmin product or as long as Garmin receives map data from a third party supplier, whichever is shorter. A product’s “useful life” means the period during which the product (a) has sufficient memory capacity and other required technical capabilities to utilize current map data and (b) is capable of operating as intended without major repairs. A product will be deemed to be out of service and its useful life to be ended if no updates have been downloaded for such product for a period of 24 months or more. Unless otherwise stated, the updates you receive under the subscription will be updates to the same geographic area included with your Garmin product when originally purchased. "

  • Are you sure you qualify for a free map update? Did you by a Garmin nüMaps Lifetime subscription?

    Yes, I've been updating the device annually for many years.

    Lifetime maps does not mean your lifetime, but that of the device. https://www.garmin.com/en-US/legal/lmdisclaimer/

    "... its useful life to be ended if no updates have been downloaded for such product for a period of 24 months or more. ... "

    It is updated annually, the last time was last September.  Yes, it is due an update, it is not expired, why won't Garmin  Express acknowledge it?

  • Please contact Product Support as it is likely an account issue. No one here can help if it's due an update and Express isn't offering it.