Microsoft finds itself navigating a complex landscape as April’s updates have sparked a series of user concerns. While the intention behind these updates was to enhance system performance and security, they have inadvertently led to the emergence of perplexing issues that users are grappling with. Among these, mysterious folders and error messages have surfaced, prompting a wave of confusion.
Understanding the Recent Updates
One of the more benign issues is the appearance of an empty folder named “inetpub” on devices following the April update. Although it may be tempting for users to delete this folder, Microsoft has advised against it. According to Windows Latest, this folder is linked to a crucial security patch addressing a vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-21204. This flaw poses a risk, allowing potential attackers to manipulate system files or folders, making the folder’s presence essential for maintaining security.
In addition to the folder issue, users are encountering another challenge: the error code 0x80070643, which presents an “ERRORINSTALLFAILURE” message during the installation of the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) update. This error can create the impression that the update has failed and needs to be redone, but Microsoft has clarified that this is not the case.
As detailed in recent documentation, this error typically arises when a device attempts to install the WinRE update while another update is pending a reboot. Microsoft reassures users that despite the error message, the WinRE update is usually applied successfully after a restart. The Windows Update interface may continue to display the update as failed until the next daily scan, at which point the failure message will be automatically cleared.
Interestingly, many users have reported being unable to install the update due to partition size issues on the Recovery disk. However, this error has also affected users with ample storage space, complicating the situation further. Microsoft maintains that the WinRE update is “typically applied successfully” despite any failure messages that may arise.
What Users Should Do
Given these developments, users are advised to refrain from attempting further updates immediately after applying the April updates, especially if they encounter error messages. A simple restart may resolve the issues without the need for additional intervention. Furthermore, the “inetpub” folder should remain untouched to ensure ongoing security.
While the WinRE error may persist for some users, Windows Latest suggests that the best course of action is to simply ignore it. Microsoft has officially recommended that users do not attempt to rectify the error, as it is beyond their control.
In a broader context, Microsoft has reiterated the importance of updating to newer versions of Windows, particularly as Windows 10 approaches its end of support on October 14, 2025. After this date, devices running Windows 10 will no longer receive critical updates, technical support, or security patches, underscoring the necessity for users to stay current with their operating system.
