Windows 10 has generally enjoyed a reputation for stability, especially as it has transitioned away from active development. However, the recent rollout of the Windows 10 KB5053606 update has sparked a wave of concern among users, with reports surfacing about peculiar issues associated with its installation.
Launched on March 11 as a mandatory security update, KB5053606 has raised eyebrows due to its unexpected behavior. Users have reported that the update not only fails to install but also seems to bypass user-set “upgrade blocks.” This has led to a situation where the update attempts to install automatically, even when users have paused updates to avoid disruptions.
As highlighted by Windows Latest, a thread on Reddit has become a focal point for discussions surrounding this update. Users have expressed frustration over the update being forced onto their systems, despite their preferences. One user lamented, “We’ve had it not only update without permission but a critical machine decided to reboot on its own! At this point, Microsoft’s broken update mechanism is more dangerous than the bugs.” This sentiment resonates with many who are grappling with the implications of this update.
KB5053606 isn’t installing on Windows 10
Installation issues have emerged as a common theme with KB5053606. Users have encountered frustrating error messages, such as 0x80070020, which can leave systems stuck on the logo screen or displaying a spinning circle for extended periods. One Reddit user shared their experience: “Just restarted following the update and it’s hanging on the logo screen, no spinning circle or anything. Hoping it works itself out overnight or something.”
In testing conducted by Windows Latest, it was noted that the update takes an unusually long time to install, despite being a minor update that does not introduce new features. For those facing installation challenges, options are limited. Users are advised to explore the Microsoft Update Catalog to manually download the .msu file or utilize the Windows Media Creation Tool for an in-place upgrade that preserves data.
Additionally, reports have surfaced regarding taskbar icons disappearing and desktop personalization settings reverting unexpectedly. Users have also noted a general sluggishness in system performance, with keyboard responsiveness lagging at times. Such widespread issues are atypical for Windows 10, particularly following monthly updates, making the situation surrounding KB5053606 all the more perplexing.
Printer spooler issues
Further complicating matters, some system administrators and enterprise users have flagged printer spooler problems following the installation of KB5053606. One user recounted, “Our clients got KB5053606 yesterday and most could work just fine today, until they did a restart. After a restart, something in the user profile seems to be broken. The print spooler has many issues, like slow loading, programs crashing, and no passthrough into Citrix.”
Similar concerns have been echoed by other system admins, leading to speculation that Microsoft may be intentionally destabilizing Windows 10 to encourage users to transition to Windows 11. However, potential adopters should proceed with caution, as Windows 11 24H2 has its own set of challenges, including BSODs and RDP issues.
As the community continues to grapple with the implications of KB5053606, users are encouraged to share their experiences and insights regarding the update. How has it impacted your system? Your feedback could provide valuable context in this unfolding narrative.
