A routine software update ended up causing millions of computers worldwide to crash with the infamous blue screen of death. Here’s the scoop — and how it impacts you.
Windows 10 update: Is it finally safe to download the fix that broke printers?
Keeping your computer up to date with the latest patches and software updates is an easy way to ensure your system is running at its best. Software developers like Microsoft release patches for newly discovered flaws, and you should always download them ASAP.
Unfortunately, not all updates are winners. Some recent Windows updates have made issues worse — or even created new ones. Tap or click here for a quick fix for one of the most annoying Windows 10 problems.
Have you been stuck in an unending loop of software updates? It is your frontline protection from hackers and system exploits, but it can be hugely frustrating when things are not working as they are supposed to. Keep reading for the latest Windows news.
Here’s the backstory
Earlier this month, Microsoft released a few patches intended to fix issues with printer drivers and software. But as it was quickly discovered, the Windows 10 KB5000802 and KB5000808 cumulative updates caused more problems than what it solved.
Several users reported an “APC_INDEX_MISMATCH for win32kfull.sys” error, which resulted in the dreaded Blue Screen of Death. Some received it without even printing. Others had printing issues, including pages with black bars, blank pages, or background graphics not printing at all.
Microsoft released an emergency update on March 15 to fix the crashing Windows problem. While it corrected that issue, it quickly became clear from user reports that KB5001567 was causing more software glitches.
RELATED: Windows just rolled out a fix for the update that broke printers
“The updates caused missing text and graphics during print jobs to local (USB) Zebra industrial label printers – various models. Once KB was uninstalled all printing normalized. Watch out for KB5000802, KB5000808, KB5000809 and KB5000822 depending on version of Windows 10,” a user told Bleeping Computer.
Acting swiftly, Microsoft released the KB5001649 update to address the remaining issues. But it has now emerged that Microsoft has halted the rollout of KB5001649, and nobody seems to know why.
In its place, several users have noticed that a numerically lower patch is being offered instead. The KB5001567 was released this week and is available through Windows Update.
When asked for comment, Microsoft replied with a blanket statement. “We are working to fix the issues some customers may be experiencing when printing from some apps.”
Windows 10: PCs not booting up after latest update
Software updates are a normal and necessary part of owning tech gadgets. Whether it’s an update to your phone’s operating system or a software program on your computer, it’s imperative to download them when they roll out.
Broken Windows: The latest Windows 11 24H2 update is crap, so skip it. Think Blue Screens of Death, disappearing mouse pointers, internet connection issues, unresponsive fingerprint sensors and more. Since the update is rolling out to everyone, it’ll pop up on your Windows Update screen. Don’t worry — I’ll let you know when it’s safe to install.
5 new Windows 10 features to try right now
Microsoft updates bring new features, security patches, updated drivers and bug fixes. That doesn’t mean they always go smoothly. Those same updates often leave Windows users frustrated or staring at the Blue Screen of Death.
Latest Windows 10 update causing serious issues, including Blue Screen of Death
With cybercrime on the rise, it’s more important than ever to keep your computer up to date. Unfortunately, Microsoft hasn’t had the best track record this year with updates.
The latest Windows 10 update is more than just a little bit bad. Some users on Microsoft’s support forums are calling the October Patch Tuesday updates a “disaster,” and here’s why: The dreaded Blue Screen of Death, failure to install and issues using the File Explorer.
Windows 10 updates are crashing, slowing down PCs - here's what to do
Microsoft works its tail off to stay one step ahead of hackers and cybercriminals. That’s the reason it’s constantly releasing new bug fixes and security patches — but these updates don’t always go as planned.
Previously, a Windows 10 update managed to fix several critical bugs while adding a glitch that caused the dreaded Blue Screen of Death. The issue was so bad, in fact, that Microsoft pulled the update altogether. Tap or click here to see why this bug was so bad.
Windows 10 has a handful of new features that change the game
Microsoft is on a roll as of late, and it’s taking full advantage of its newfound spotlight. Between the success of Microsoft Teams during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the launch of the company’s upcoming Surface Duo smartphone, there’s no shortage of interesting news coming from the makers of Windows.
Latest Windows update leads to 'blue screen of death' on these laptops
Computer issues can happen, no matter how much time you put into updating your computer’s operating system or software programs. We’ve all dealt with problems like non-responsive programs or glitchy browsers on occasion — it’s just part of what happens when relying heavily on technology.
Popular security software is crashing Windows - here's the fix
Most operating system and application updates come with new features that make the products better, or patches to fix what’s broken. Take Microsoft, which regularly updates Windows 10 with new features and updates to patch flaws and remove bugs.
Homeland Security warning: Patch this dangerous PC bug
One of the easiest ways to protect your devices is to make sure operating systems, apps and other software are always up to date. That’s because most updates contain critical patches that block hackers from exploiting known flaws.
Latest Windows 10 update deleting files, causes ‘Blue Screen of Death’
Some things never change. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Birds fly, and fish swim. Grass is green, and water is wet. And, most importantly, Microsoft can’t deliver a stable update to save its life!
You probably already know what’s coming: Microsoft bungled yet another important update. To make things even more embarrassing, this one comes on the heels of a separate bad update that came out recently. Tap or click here to see what the last Windows update broke.
Windows 10 update is breaking PCs - here's the fix
Got an urge to get the latest Windows update? Neither do we, but Microsoft doesn’t care! It’s understandable why they make patches so urgent since staying up-to-date can help protect your computer from the latest malware. But wow, do these updates tend to fail a lot.
This Windows 10 problem could shut down your system – here’s how to fix it
Saying Microsoft has had problems with updates recently is no exaggeration. One Windows 10 update late last year was so full of bugs it was causing some users to see the dreaded Blue Screen of Death.
Problems didn’t end there. An update from just a couple of weeks ago also came packed with flaws, some of which could lead to the deletion of some of your most important information. Tap or click here for ways to avoid those issues.
Microsoft's disastrous Windows 10 security patch could break your PC
Ah, software updates. Depending on your view, they’re either the bane of your computer’s existence or the last, best hope for your system against hordes of aggressive hackers. But what really colors your view is whether you’re on a Windows PC.