On March 11, the Windows 10 22H2 Patch Tuesday security update, identified as KB5053606, was rolled out to address 15 vulnerabilities, including two critical remote code execution flaws. However, the update has not been without its challenges, as many users have reported significant issues, leading to some machines becoming inoperable.
Installation Woes and User Experiences
A substantial number of users have encountered difficulties during the installation process, receiving the error code 0x80070020. While there are methods to force the update via command lines and batch files, success rates seem to vary widely. For those affected by the installation bug, an alternative is to manually download KB5053606 from Microsoft’s update catalogue.
For the fortunate few who successfully installed the update, a new set of problems emerged. Reports of blue screens and black screens following reboot have surfaced, alongside random crashes that lead to unexpected system restarts. Users have also noted the disappearance of app icons from their taskbar and a puzzling reversion of desktop customizations to factory settings. On the professional front, issues with program crashes, Citrix functionality, and sluggish Print Spooler operations have been observed. While it remains uncertain if these issues are directly tied to the update, the timing raises eyebrows.
In light of these complications, I opted to suspend Windows 10 updates for a week through the control panel, aiming to sidestep potential disruptions. However, given the significance of this update, Microsoft may still enforce its installation.
Notable Changes in KB5053606
The update includes several changes, which are as follows:
- Add support for DST (Daylight Saving Time) changes in Paraguay.
- Updates Country and Operator Settings profiles.
- Fixes Desktop Window Manager not responding.
- Resolves issues with the Open Secure Shell (OpenSSH) service failing to start, affecting SSH connections.
- Addresses various Chinese IME-related issues, including contrast and font problems.
It is worth noting that some of these fixes were also part of the previous KB5052077 update. Post-installation, systems will reflect Build 19045.5608.
As Windows 10 approaches its scheduled end of life on October 14, 2025, there is a growing concern that Microsoft should exercise caution in releasing updates, ensuring they undergo thorough testing. The potential for users to be left with a malfunctioning system due to a problematic update is a serious consideration, particularly as the transition to Windows 11 looms. While security remains a priority, the functionality of a working machine is paramount. With the final October update on the horizon, users are hopeful for a smoother experience.
