Key Takeaways:
Microsoft has revealed that its latest security updates might cause users’ virtual private network (VPN) connections to fail.
Security Updates on Some Versions of Windows 10 and 11 Might Cause VPNs to Fail
The tech giant acknowledged on its health dashboard that Windows devices that have installed the KB5036893 update, released on April 9th, or the nonsecurity preview update from last month “might face VPN connection failures”. Microsoft also added that it is working on a fix for the issue, which will be rolled out in a later update.
Tech news outlet Bleeping Computer was the first to report the issue, which seems to affect Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server 2008 and later. Specifically, Windows 11 version 23H2, Windows 11 version 22H2, Windows 11 version 21H2, Windows 10 version 22H2, and Windows 10 version 21H2, according to Microsoft’s status update.
However, the company did not provide any additional information regarding the cause of the VPN disconnection issue or what scope it might have on the PC operating system. However, those who have installed the update or are running a Windows device with one of the affected software versions should assume that their VPN could be at risk.
How to Fix the VPN Disconnection Issue on Windows 11?
Since there is no proper fix available until Microsoft pushes for a patched update sometime this month, users will need to take matters into their own hands. An attempt could be made to work around the issue by uninstalling all security updates. However, this could be risky as the devices would become vulnerable to security gaps that were patched by the latest Windows update.
Users should only uninstall the update if they are well aware of the security risks associated with the process, and if it is rendering their VPN unusable.
A second option on the table is to make sure that the kill switch of the VPN installed on the computer is enabled and working properly. A kill switch cuts the internet if the VPN loses connection for any reason, ensuring that none of the users’ online traffic is exposed outside of the encrypted VPN channel.
Windows 11 Users Unable to Change Profile Pictures
A broken VPN connection wasn’t the only issue affecting the latest Windows update. Microsoft’s support page also warned that after installing the KB5036893 update, users might be unable to change the profile picture of their user account.
Users reportedly received an error message when trying to change their profile picture after installing the update. The company claims that the issue has mostly surfaced on Windows devices with a local account. This means users who log into their PCs with their Microsoft account won’t face any problem changing their profile pictures.
Microsoft discovered that Windows 11 was no longer able to save pictures under AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\AccountPictures.
There have also been issues with the Start Menu ads, which is an all-new feature released by Microsoft and one that is expected to become a mainstay in future versions of the Windows operating system.
Windows will now showcase recommended apps from the Microsoft Store on the Start menu and also ask users to subscribe to its various services, such as Copilot Pro and Office 365.
Some users reported that in the latest update, the ad space on the Start window showed a blank screen that remained unresponsive.
Microsoft has promised to release a quick fix for devices that have already installed the Windows 11 and Windows 10 versions affecting VPN connections.
More News: Windows 11 Now Sports Ads In The Start Menu, But Users Report Issues With The Preview Update
