Microsoft admits that the latest Windows 11 update is breaking some VPNs
Windows 11 and Windows 10 users are in some cases facing an issue where their VPN connection is not working thanks to Microsoft’s latest cumulative updates for these operating systems.
We’re talking about the major updates from last month, April, namely KB5036893 for Windows 11 (which ushers in Moment 5 features) and KB5036892 for Windows 10 – and this includes the preview updates released at the end of April.
New noted that Microsoft has officially acknowledged that these updates are breaking some VPNs, and posted this on the Windows 11 health dashboard participation: “Windows devices may experience VPN connection errors after installing the April 2024 Security Update (KB5036893) or the April 2024 Non-Security Preview Update.”
Microsoft tells us it’s working to resolve the issue and will “provide an update in an upcoming release,” but unfortunately we’re not getting any further details.
Analysis: Rocky road for updates lately
This is a vague diagnosis from Microsoft, providing no information about what the root cause (or causes) of this VPN-related problem could be. It won’t affect all Windows 11 (or Windows 10) users in any way, but some VPN users are certainly experiencing service errors. All we can do now is wait for Microsoft to continue its investigation to find out what went wrong with the April update, and provide additional details – hopefully soon.
For those affected, this is a worrying situation, as the April cumulative update is very different from an optional update: you have to install it (Windows 11 Home users can only delay it for a while if they want to take evasive action). Furthermore, without the update you will not have the latest security measures, making your PC slightly more vulnerable to intruders.
For home-based PC users who encounter this bug, Microsoft only offers the following advice: “If you need support with your personal or family account, use the Get help app in Windows.”
It’s been quite a rocky road for the April Update for Windows 11 considering the upgrade brought with it a number of other annoying bugs, including a new twist on the Blue Screen of Death – which we called the White Screen of Doom. Additionally, the April preview update has a strange problem with profile photos, and there are other issues floating around as well. So all in all, Microsoft hasn’t been having a great time lately.