Latest Windows 10 and 11 Update Problems and How to Fix Them

Windows 10 and Windows 11 have had their share of problems. The operating system had over 1200 security vulnerabilities in the preceding year. 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] December 12, 2023, Windows 11 23H2, KB5033375 Security Update

Problems: Wi-Fi connectivity problems | update fails to install

After switching to version 23H2 in the previous month, KB5033375 was released as this month’s “Patch Tuesday” update series. (It’s also available with 22H2.) Due to Western holidays and the approaching new year, Microsoft didn’t release any non-security updates in December 2023.

The biggest issue with this update, as noted by Microsoft itself, is that Wi-Fi adapters may run into connectivity problems in enterprise and school/college networks. You can check the widespread nature of the problem in X, Reddit, and other social media platforms. The connectivity issue did not affect home Wi-Fi networks, but you may experience DNS errors, dropouts and packet delays.

So far, Microsoft hasn’t introduced any fixes. The only workaround is to uninstall the update temporarily until a better solution is available. For any Wi-Fi problems you encounter in Windows, follow one of these fixes in our detailed guide.

Another problem with this update is that users are experiencing failure to install. Opting for a cloud-based device reset (while keeping your files) is the best way to deal with any installation error, but it consumes a lot of time. If you’re going to install an update where there could be system freezes and a stuck installation, it’s a good idea to run the Windows 11 Update Troubleshooter first. You will find it by navigating to System -> Troubleshoot -> Other troubleshooters.

Once the troubleshooter runs, it will check for and fix any issues that were preventing installation. Those problems are 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.

[Not Fixed] December 4, 2023, Windows 11 23H2, KB5032288 Security Update

Problems: Wi-Fi connectivity problems | Start menu and taskbar issues | Blue screen of death (BSoD) errors

The KB5032288 update is a minor security update under the 23H2 version, although it’s also available for 22H2. As mentioned above, no non-security updates are available in December 2023, due to the holiday season. From KB5032288, you can use Windows Copilot in multiple displays via different keyboard shortcuts.

There are Wi-Fi connectivity issues and problems with the Start menu, where it either stops working or doesn’t respond to user clicks. To fix it, we recommend the simple solution of reinstalling the Start menu. There have also been BSoD crashes, a regular issue with the latest Windows 11 updates.

Tip: if you’ve run into an annoying BSOD crash during a restart, use a method covered here to resolve the issue.

[Fixed] November 14, 2023, Windows 11 23H2, KB5032190 Cumulative Update

Problems: lack of update notifications | confusing update

Microsoft’s Windows 11, version 23H2, KB5032190 update (also simply known as the Windows 11 2023 Update), is an important release in its “23H2” OS build. There is one key prerequisite. You should already be on version 22H2, KB5031455, launched on October 31, or another later cumulative version.

The problem with this update is that many users could miss the notification. If you face that issue, we recommend you reinstall Windows 11 from the cloud using Windows installation assistant, ISO, media creation or another tool.

IMPORTANT: by February 27, 2024, all Windows 11 users should compulsorily migrate to version 23H2, as the non-security support for version 22H2 will end by this cutoff date.

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 things you can do 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, you can try finding the update in question in the Microsoft Update Catalog and install it manually.

[Not Fixed] December 12, 2023, Windows 10 Version 22H2, KB5033372 Security Update (Patch Tuesday)

Problems: update fails to install

Windows 10’s Patch Tuesday update for the month of December is a minor security update. With the Western holidays at the end of the year, no regular updates are available. KB5033372 addresses the security problems in the previous Windows 10 update, KB5032278. However, users have reported a failure to install on their devices. This is solvable using Windows Update Troubleshooter.

Tip: recover your apps and files using the Find My Device feature. You can also solve critical process errors by running a Deployment Image Servicing scan (DISM).

[Fixed] November 30, 2023, Windows 10 Version 22H2, KB5032278 Servicing Stack Update

Problems: DeviceSetUpManager error | failure to install

Windows 10 has stopped receiving any new, exciting updates. So far, it hasn’t received the 23H2 version of Windows 11. The KB5032278 update, however, bucks the trend with the introduction of the exciting Windows 11 feature, Copilot, Bing’s AI feature. To avail it, follow the minimum recommended guidelines, which include a minimum of 4 GB RAM, 720p resolution, and Windows 10 Home and Pro editions only.

The only problem with this update was that a DevcieSetUpManager error prevented the update from installing. It was later fixed in a subsequent update. It can also be fixed through a clean install and other methods,

[Fixed] November 14, 2023, Windows 10 Version 22H2, KB5032189 Servicing Stack Update

Problems: Windows components removed, such as Notepad

The KB5032189 update is a minor update that addresses some security issues in Windows 10. However, there were a few problems with this update. Most notably, many users reported that some apps, such as Notepad, were missing.

Microsoft has added them as optional components in Windows 10. You can add them back through Start -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> Optional Features.

Tip: learn how to repair the .NET Framework on Windows.

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 you need to.

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 dates they were installed. 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 the KB5031354 update for the month of October 2023.

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, you should see 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

Another thing you can do to avoid getting the above update problems and more is to 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, you can postpone updates by checking the same option available under Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update. On some Windows 10 versions, it may be referred to as Defer instead of Pause and available 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\CurrentControl\SetServices\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. You can 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 taskbar icons that go missing, the Microsoft Store not working, and a malfunctioning microphone. We can help you 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.