Windows 10 update - here's what to do if you’ve downloaded the faulty update

Microsoft has found itself under fire after a new update has been crashing users' computers. Microsoft recently pushed its customers to abandon the older versions of Windows by cutting them off from all future updates. While the issue has now been partially corrected, users who were quick to download the new update may find themselves facing some serious system problems as a result. Here's what went wrong and what to do if you have been affected. Why is the new patch causing problems? The specific element causing problems is the security update called KB4524244, which arrived as part of a group of patches on Tuesday 11 February. Users have been experiencing system freezes and crashes since the update arrived, which Microsoft has now confirmed are being caused by KB4524244. There have also been reports of files being lost and of the “Reset This PC” function being broken by the new update. The issues are not limited to just one version of the operating system, but have been found across all iterations of Windows 10, including Home, Server and Enterprise. After discovering the problem, Microsoft pulled the new update, ensuring that no-one else will download it. A message posted by the company on the Windows 10 Health Dashboard read: “This standalone security update has been removed and will not [be] re-offered from Windows Update, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) or Microsoft Update Catalogue” Unfortunately, the update had already been available for four days by the time Microsoft axed it. What should you do if you've already installed it? Microsoft is working on a new version of the update, which will provide the security improvements without the unintended side-effects. Users should be able to download the update safely in the near future. If you’ve not already downloaded the faulty update, and want to protect yourself from harmful updates, you can download “Windows Update Troubleshooter”. If you’ve already downloaded the faulty version and want to remove it, Microsoft recommends taking the following steps: - In Windows Desktop Search type “Update History” then select “View Your Update History” - Select ‘Uninstall Updates’ - On the Installed Updates dialogue window, find and select KB4524244, then click the “Uninstall” button - Restart the device. What’s the next Windows update? This all comes just after Microsoft gave users a sneak peak of their shiny new OS – Windows 10X. Designed specifically with dual-screen devices in mind, the new version will apparently address a long-running customer complaint by cutting the time it takes to download updates down to just 90 seconds. Hopefully, the new updates will also be less damaging than the most recent one. This article originally appeared on our sister site, The Scotsman.