Windows 10 update causing blue screens of death — what to do

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Word is spreading that this week'southward Windows 10 security update is causing significant issues for some Windows users, while others are unable to install it at all.

This is a significant issue because the update, designated KB5001330 for Windows x versions 20H2/2004, fixes 5 zero-day flaws and patches up some notable remote-code-execution vulnerabilities.

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But after the patch dropped on Tuesday, people began publishing complaints on various Cyberspace forums that KB5001330 failed to install, sometimes causing issues every bit astringent equally never-ending boot loops and the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD).

"I updated and am stuck in a bsod loop," commented 1 user on the Windows ten subreddit. "Aforementioned happened to me with KB5001330 on W10 Abode 20H2 x64," responded another. "Establish that restarting with 'Disable driver signature enforcement' allowed me to boot."

Over on Microsoft's own forums, several users have posted complaints that KB5001330 won't install at all. Instead, information technology seems to be throwing upwardly error codes like 0x800f0984 and 0x800f0922.

Some folks who have managed to successfully install the update accept complained in the Windows 10 subreddit about noticing sudden dips in game operation, including graphical stuttering and unpredictable FPS drops.

Windows 10 update KB5001330 bug: What to do

If you're concerned about the latest Windows 10 update causing problems in your machine, the simplest thing to do is not install it until Microsoft addresses these issues. Given the severity of the security flaws this patch addresses, we can only hope the OS maker acts quickly.

If you've already installed the update and tin can admission Windows but are running into bug, the all-time solution is probably to uninstall the patch and reboot your automobile. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Launch the Windows 10 Settings app, easily found past opening the Start bill of fare and typing "Settings"
Click "Update & Security"
Select "Windows Update" and hit "View update history"
Click "Uninstall updates" and select "Security Update for Microsoft Windows (KB5001330)", then confirm when Windows asks if you're certain
Reboot your PC

How to uninstall Microsoft Windows 10 update KB5001330 — Here's what to remove (click to overstate) (Epitome credit: Future)

If you've already installed the patch and your reckoner is stuck in a kick loop, barring yous from accessing Windows at all, you're going to accept to effort more drastic measures.

As mentioned above, some users accept reportedly escaped the loop by disabling commuter signature enforcement, which you lot can do by selecting Advanced Startup during the Windows 10 boot sequence and striking the Troubleshoot button, then navigating to Advanced options and disabling driver signature enforcement in the Startup Settings.

It's nonetheless unclear how widespread the issues caused by this update are, just it's far from the outset time Microsoft has rolled out a Windows patch that causes major headaches for users. Given the severity of the security flaws KB5001330 patches, we can only hope Microsoft addresses these issues soon.

If you're on Windows eleven, yous may have noticed the blue screen of expiry has been replaced past a black one, but now Microsoft is bringing the BSOD back to Windows xi.

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Alex Wawro is a lifelong tech and games enthusiast with more than than a decade of experience covering both for outlets like Game Developer, Black Hat, and PC World magazine. He currently serves every bit a senior editor at Tom's Guide covering all things computing, from laptops and desktops to keyboards and mice.