Latest Windows Update Problems and How to Fix Them

Windows 10 and Windows 11 have had their share of problems. According to the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC), the operating system experienced nearly 1280 security vulnerabilities in 2023. Microsoft quickly moves in to fix many of these security holes in the system, so it’s essential to stay up to date. Yet, Windows updates can bring their own problems. This guide shows what to do when an update does more harm than good.

Note: if a problem here is marked as “FIXED,” it means Microsoft has rolled out an update that fixes the problem, and the solution is simply to make sure your system is fully updated. If a problem is not yet “FIXED,” then either read that entry for workarounds to that specific problem or scroll down the page for advice on how to roll back updates.

[Not Fixed] August 27, 2024, Windows 11 Version 23H2, KB5041587 Cumulative Update

Problems: DirectX error | Problems with Linux in Dual-boot systems with SBAT self-check failed message.

KB5041587 is a major Windows 11 update this year. It comes with several new features that will play a role in future Windows computers. These include Windows Share which lets you share content to Android devices, scan mode in Narrator, Voice Access for faster dictation, and a newly improved Widgets board.

There have been a few minor issues in the update with gamers experiencing a fatal DirectX error, which is the cause of crashes and frozen screens. As a solution, you can either reinstall your DirectX package, or follow some of our guidelines such as disabling antialiasing and not overclocking the GPU.

The DirectX problem can also stem from RAM issues. That’s why you mjust check your RAM performance from time to time, and upgrade when necessary. In many cases, dual-channel RAM boosts a PC performance, so make sure you have both the RAM slots filled in interleaved mode, if possible.

Another major frustration with this update was that it directly caused a failure to boot the Linux environment in dual-boot Windows/Linux systems. The error message says: “Verifying shim SBAT data failed: Security Policy Violation. Something has gone seriously wrong: SBAT self-check failed: Security Policy Violation.” If you can wait until there is a fix next month, do not use the Linux environment presently. However, there is a workaround, and that is to disable UEFI secure boot, but that has its own set of problems.

Bad news: earlier, Microsoft has again mandated all Windows 11 Pro and Home users to compulsorily migrate to version 23H2 by Oct 8, 2024. Earlier the date was June 24, 2025. So if you’re still stuck in version 22H2, it’s time to migrate quickly.

[Not Fixed] August 13, 2024, Windows 11 Version 23H2, KB5041585 Cumulative Update

Problems: Update fails to install | PC slowdowns

Windows 11’s Patch Tuesday update for August, KB5041585 addresses the security concerns of June and July, especially Wi-Fi and Bluetooth problems, and PCs being forced into BitLocker recovery mode. Those were very annoying issues which fortunately have been sorted out.

However, this update also was criticized for its failure to install on user systems or slowing down the PC. You can disable throttling to speed up any laptop or use any of these fixes such as removing unnecessary startup apps, perform a clean boot, and disable Windows Subsystem for Linux.

If your main concern with the update is that it fails to install, then you might want to pause it for a few weeks until next month when the issues have been cleared up. Meanwhile, opting for a cloud-based device reset (while keeping your files) is the best way to deal with any installation errors, but it consumes a lot of time.

If you’re going to install an update with possible system freezes and a stuck installation, it’s a good idea to run the Windows 11 Update Troubleshooter first. Find it by navigating to System -> Troubleshoot -> Other troubleshooters.

The troubleshooter will fix any issues that were preventing installation, but mostly security settings, missing or corrupt files, or problems with Service Registration. Other issues could be connected to Windows Network Diagnostics, IsPostback_RC_PendingUpdates, WaaSMedicService, and BITS service.

Note: if you’ve missed many updates, we recommend reinstalling Windows 11 from the cloud via Windows installation assistant, ISO, media creation or another tool. Also, if you can’t install an update on your PC on your normal schedule, it’s always easier to do it from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

[Fixed] July 25, 2024, Windows 11 Version 23H2, KB5040527 Cumulative Update

Problems: Internet and Bluetooth not working | Update fails to install | Taskbar height and icon issues

The Windows 11 KB5040527 cumulative update is full of troubleshooting solutions, such as problems with Firefox and NVIDIA drivers, the Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) memory leak, and issues with a Print support application. The latest version is more resistant to kernel-level malware threats and thus, addresses device vulnerabilities.

However, some users have reported that their Wi-Fi adapters or Bluetooth was not working which has been fixed in recent updates. There are fixes for Wi-Fi, especially resetting the network settings must do the trick. If your Bluetooth is facing problems, there are other solutions. Additionally, some users have reported that the latest update messes up their taskbar size. If you’re dealing with an unresponsive taskbar, follow this detailed guide.

Important News: did you hear about the CrowdStrike Windows outage in July 2024 which paralyzed entire airlines and the travel industry?

[Fixed] July 9, 2024, Windows 11 Version 23H2, KB5040442 Cumulative Update

Problems: PCs forcing into BitLocker recovery | Update fails to install | Taskbar problems

July’s Patch Tuesday update, KB5040442, takes care of many issues including login errors while booting with an error code. It is a safe update for most cases except for the update failing to install and taskbar issues which have been covered in above section.

However, the biggest challenge with this update is that it has forced some users to a BitLocker recovery environment. Thankfully, the issue has been resolved by August 2024. If you’re having BitLocker recovery problems, you can use BitLocker to Go, which has the fixes.

Tip: If you’re facing the infinite reboot loop, follow our detailed troubleshooting. Boot into Windows in safe mode, and perform a repair option. Also, follow our detailed guide to identify and resolve the most common Windows errors.

[Fixed] June 25, 2024, Windows 11 Version 23H2, KB5039302 Cumulative Update

Problems: Login error with Error code 0xd0000225 | OS upgrade failure | High system usage due to WFP drivers

The Windows 11 cumulative update, KB5039302, addresses issues with the Snipping Tool, which caused distortions in video recording. Additionally, there were resolutions of problems with USB devices and File Explorer.

While this update should pass incident-free for most users, some have reported login errors with code 0xd0000225. It prevents you from using a PIN to sign into the devices. The other main issue was users experienced high CPU usage due to Windows Filtering Platform (WFP,) a system in Task Manager. Fortunately, we have some really good solutions for high CPU usage.

Also read: curious about the 24H2 update for Windows 11? It may include support for Wi-Fi 7, the ability to create 7-Zip and TAR archives directly in File Explorer, and enhanced connectivity for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) audio devices.

Extra Tips: if you’re facing unexpected shutdowns, try removing schedules for the shutdowns. Learn how to reset all audio settings for any audio-related issues.

Error Code 0x800f0831

Problem: Update fails to install

This is one of the more common errors that may occur when you try to update Windows.

Essentially, the above error code means your update has failed, but there are several options to troubleshoot this problem:

• If there’s a conflict with your VPN or proxy server, make sure it’s completely disabled when trying to update Windows. You may even need to uninstall and reinstall the software.
• Scan for corrupt system files.
• For this and other update errors, try finding the update in the Microsoft Update Catalog, then install it manually.

[Not Fixed] August 13, 2023, Windows 10 Version 22H2, KB5041580 Security Update

Problems: Not installing error code 0x80073712

As Windows 10 is being phased out, despite its widespread use, Microsoft has stopped bringing important features to its updates. KB5041580 was the only Windows 10 update for the month of August in 2024. It only addressed minor security issues for the Windows 10 operating system.

The minor update wasn’t without its problems: we encountered an installation failure with error code 0x80073712. This refers to damaged or missing installation files. To resolve the issue, clear the Windows 10 update cache. You can find it in the Services menu which you should run as the administrator. Right-click to Stop the service and Start it again.

More fixes: are you facing the path specified error. You can solve it using one of our methods. f you’ve run into an annoying BSOD crash during a restart, use one of our methods to resolve the issue. To prevent an automatic restart, use one of these methods.

[Fixed] July 23, 2023, Windows 10 Version 22H2, KB5040525 Non-Security Update

Problems: WDAC memory leak

KB5040525 was a significant non-security update for Windows 10 with quality updates across the board. This touches many areas including TCP, Print Support app, Windows Backup, Windows kernel, and more. However, the update can cause WDAC memory leaks causing the system memory exhaustion when provisioning a new device. Check this guide on how to deal with high memory issues.

Good to Know: To deal with common PC problems, try disabling antivirus other than Windows Defender, and solve any critical process errors, as that is often the cause of system slowdowns. We have a list of hardware and software solutions to deal with PC freezes and crashes.

[Fixed] July 9, 2023, Windows 10 Version 22H2, KB5040427 Security Update

Problems: user account profile picture cannot be changed | BitLocker recovery screen error.

KB5040427 is a minor security update in Windows 10 which ensures the system remains penetration-proof from cybercriminals. Unfortunately, the stringent measures have led to problems with a useful feature, wherein the user can no longer change their user account profile picture.

This happens due to security conflicts with your user account which affect your ability to change your picture or get admin access to your account. If your information is lying with one user account, transfer your data to another account seamlessly.

Tip: if you want to deal with the black screen issues, change the advanced power settings, and make slight adjustments in the GPU.

How to Fix and Avoid Broken Windows Updates

If the problem you’ve encountered with a new Windows update is that the install stops at a certain percentage, or more generally, that it’s failing to install altogether, try installing the update from PowerShell.

Open PowerShell as administrator by typing it into the Start menu search. In PowerShell, use this command:

Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate

It may ask you to install and import the NuGet provider. Press Y for Yes, and let it install the package.

You may get a warning that you are installing the modules from an untrusted repository. Type A to allow all the changes.

Check for the latest Windows updates by typing the following into PowerShell:

Get-WindowsUpdate

Once you’ve confirmed that there are updates to install, type the following command. You may further be asked if you want to perform this action, to which you must type A to finalize.

Install-WindowsUpdate

Wait for the broken Windows updates to heal themselves. They will automatically execute in the PowerShell window.

Tip: how does PowerShell differ from Command Prompt? Read on to find out.

Install Optional Updates

If you access the Windows update screen by going to Settings -> Windows Update -> Advanced Options -> Additional Options, you will find the Optional Updates menu.

These updates are designed specifically to address feature, quality, and driver issues for recent Windows updates. They become “proper” updates a few weeks later, once they’ve been thoroughly tested.

These updates are still pretty stable, though, and may be worth a shot if a recent update has broken something in Windows.

Uninstall Windows Updates

You can uninstall smaller Windows updates (to roll back builds, see the next section) if needed.

In Windows 10, go to Control Panel -> Programs -> Programs and Features -> Installed updates.

Scroll down in the main pane to the Microsoft Windows heading, and you’ll see all of the KB and security updates for Windows 10, along with the install dates. Right-click the one you want to uninstall, and reboot your PC.

Windows 11 also has the option to uninstall recent updates. Visit Settings -> Windows Update -> Update History -> Uninstall updates, and click the Uninstall button next to the update you want to eliminate. In this example, we are uninstalling an update for the month of May 2024.

How to Roll Back Windows Builds

After every major update, Windows gives you a 10-day window to roll back to a previous version. It’s a useful feature and should give you enough time to judge whether you have a problematic update on your hands. Of course, this won’t recover your files if Windows deletes them, but at least you’ll be on a more stable version of the OS.

Go to Settings -> Update & security -> Recovery in Windows 10 or Settings -> System -> Recovery in Windows 11.

Below Reset this PC, is the option to Go back to the previous version of Windows.

Click Get started, then follow the steps to roll back Windows. Again, this option is only available for 10 days after a Windows build update.

Check Your Windows Build

Before looking into rolling back and fixing broken Windows updates, check the build of Windows you’re currently using to confirm which issues are affecting you.

Go to Settings -> Windows Update -> Update history (in Windows 11) or Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update -> View Update history (in Windows 10).

In the new window, click the arrow next to Feature Updates to see the version of Windows you’re currently using, and click Quality Updates to see all of the smaller KB updates you have installed.

You will also find Definition Updates, which are security intelligence updates related to Microsoft Defender.

At the bottom of the list, you may find Other Updates, concerning programs such as the Windows Malicious Software Removal tool, Intelligence updates, and security patches.

Pause Windows Updates

To avoid getting the above update problems and more, take over control when Windows updates. This way, you can hold off getting updates the moment Microsoft rolls them out, monitor the news for a bit to see if any significant errors crop up, then manually do the update yourself.

If you’re running Windows 11, go to Settings -> Windows Update -> More options -> Pause updates, and choose the number of weeks you wish to defer updates in the future (from the default of one week to up to five weeks).

In Windows 10 Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education, or S, postpone updates by checking the same option under Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update. On some Windows 10 versions, it may be referred to as Defer instead of Pause and under a different heading.

Tip: did you know that Windows comes with a Super Administrator account? Learn how to activate it.

Completely Block Windows Updates

If you want to completely block Windows updates indefinitely, disable the main Windows Update service through the Registry Editor.

Click Start, type regedit, open the Registry Editor, and navigate to the following path:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WaaSMedicSvc

Right-click on Start to modify it, then change its Value data to 4.

Reboot your PC, then go to the Services window by using the Search function in Windows. Disable the Windows Update service in the same window by setting its startup type as Disabled.

Few things on PC are more frustrating than an update – ostensibly to improve performance – borking your system. Unfortunately, Microsoft still has work to do in this respect. Other issues with Windows include the Microsoft Store not working and a malfunctioning microphone. We can help with these, too!

Image credit: Pixabay. All screenshots by Sayak Boral.

Sayak Boral - Staff Writer

Sayak Boral is a technology writer with over eleven years of experience working in different industries including semiconductors, IoT, enterprise IT, telecommunications OSS/BSS, and network security. He has been writing for MakeTechEasier on a wide range of technical topics including Windows, Android, Internet, Hardware Guides, Browsers, Software Tools, and Product Reviews.