Microsoft has pulled a problematic Windows servicing stack update (SSU) after blocking Windows 10 and Windows Server customers from installing the security updates released during this month Patch Tuesday.
Servicing stack updates are designed to provide fixes to the Windows servicing stack, the component used by the OS to correctly receive and install updates.
They can be installed automatically via Windows Update or manually using standalone update packages available through the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Windows Server customers can also use the Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) to mass deploy SSUs to all computers on their enterprise network.
Update process getting stuck
The bug was observed by customers who tried installing the February 9 security updates on systems running Windows Server 2016 and all editions of Windows 10, version 1607, after the installation progress was halted.
"After installing the SSU KB4601392, installation of the Cumulative Update from Windows Update might not progress past 24%," Microsoft said when describing the issue.
"To address this issue, we have released a new servicing stack update (SSU), KB5001078. You must install this new SSU before installing the February 9, 2021 security update."
Microsoft also pulled the KB4601392 SSU and stopped offering to devices through Windows Update or through the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Mitigation for systems with the problematic SSU
Even though SSUs cannot be uninstalled from devices where they've been deployed since they make changes to how updates are installed, Microsoft says that users who have already installed KB4601392 can reset update components using a simple procedure.
"To mitigate this issue on devices that have already installed KB4601392, restart your device and then follow only steps 1, 2 and 4a from Reset Windows Update components manually," the company explains.
"Then restart your device again. KB5001078 should now install from Windows Update when you select "check for updates" or you can wait for it to install automatically."
After going through the steps described above for mitigating this known issue, you should be able to install the latest Cumulative Update released on February 9 via the Windows Update service.
You can also get the standalone KB5001078 SSU package from the Microsoft Update Catalog to deploy it on enterprise environments via WSUS.
Comments
AverageHuman - 3 years ago
A microsoft update actually broke my ability to do updates.
"Your device is missing important security and quality fixes".
I'm done updating. When Windows stops working I am moving to Linux.
If they made and Android desktop, I would buy one.
Wolverine 7 - 3 years ago
they do make android desktops,..if they get the mouse support sorted and more apps,they could be quite cool,..
its all getting rediculious,..updates stop updates,..malware programs quarantine themselves,..
im planning a global meditation on saturday,..were all going to imagine,that all the windows computers in the world,suddenly turn into linix,..,just kiddin,..