Windows 10 KB5003690 Cumulative Update released with gaming fixes

Microsoft has released the optional KB5003690 Preview cumulative update for Windows 10 2004, Windows 10 20H2, and Windows 10 21H1.

This cumulative update is part of Microsoft's June 2021 monthly "C" update, allowing users to test the upcoming fixes scheduled for next month's July 2021 Patch Tuesday.

Unlike Patch Tuesday cumulative updates, this preview update only contains bug fixes, performance enhancements, and improvements to existing features and does not include any security updates.

KB5003690 also includes the Flash Removal Package, which will remove the 32-bit Flash Plugin from Windows.

Windows users can install this update by going into Settings, clicking on Windows Update, and selecting 'Check for Updates.' As this is an optional update, you will be prompted to click on the download and install button before Windows 10 will install the update, as shown below.

Windows 10 users can also manually download and install the KB5003690 preview update from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

KB5003690 fixes gaming performance issues

Since the Windows 10 KB5000842 cumulative update, Windows users have been complaining of performance issues while gaming. These issues include stuttering, frame rate drops, and a general feeling of lag while playing a game.

As the issues affected so many people, NVIDIA recommended that users uninstall the KB5001330 update to try and resolve the issues.

"If you are seeing lower performance in games, check if rolling back Windows 10 Update KB5000842 solves the issue," recommended an NVIDIA staff member.

While Microsoft has released an emergency update in the past to resolve some of these issues, they now state that they should be fixed for everyone as part of today's KB5003690 preview cumulative update.

What's new in Windows 10 KB5003690

After installing this update, Windows 10 2004 will be updated to build 19041.1081, Windows 10 20H2 will be updated to build 19042.1081, and Windows 10 21H1 will be updated to build 19043.1081.

The Windows 10 KB5003690 cumulative update preview includes 35 improvements or fixes, with the highlighted ones listed below:

• Updates an issue in a small subset of users that have lower than expected performance in games after installing KB5000842 or later.  

• Updates an issue that causes the Japanese Input Method Editor (IME) to suddenly stop working while you are typing. 

• Updates an issue in which signing in using a PIN fails. The error message is "Something happened and your PIN isn’t available. Click to set up your PIN again."

• Updates an issue that, in certain cases, takes you out of the exclusive virtual reality (VR) app and back to Windows Mixed Reality Home when you press the Windows button on the controller.

• Updates an issue that causes blurry text on the news and interests button on the Windows taskbar for some screen resolutions.

• Updates an issue with Search box graphics on the Windows taskbar that occurs if you right-click the taskbar and turn off News and interests. This graphics issue is especially visible when using dark mode.

• Updates an issue that might prevent you from using your fingerprint to sign in after startup or waking up your device from sleep.

• Updates an issue that might cause a high-pitched noise or squeak in certain apps when you play 5.1 Dolby Digital audio using certain audio devices and Windows settings.

With this release, there are two known issues with KB5003690:

• A long-standing disappearing certificate issue.
• High-pitched noises when playing 5.1 Dolby Digital audio

You can find a complete list of improves and fixes and detailed explanations of the known issues in the KB5003690 support bulletin.