Microsoft’s April Security Updates May Disrupt VPN Functionality on Windows
Microsoft has warned that its April 2024 security updates could potentially disrupt VPN services on Windows devices. The specific updates causing concern are the security update KB5036893 and the non-security preview update released in the same month. This issue affects various versions of the operating system, including Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server 2008 onwards.
According to Microsoft’s advisory, these updates might lead to VPN connection failures. Bleeping Computer has acknowledged the problem and is actively working on a solution, which it plans to include in an upcoming release. Meanwhile, the community response has been mixed. Some users on platforms like Reddit have reported no problems post-update, while others have experienced significant disruptions to their VPN connections.
For those affected, Microsoft has suggested a temporary workaround that involves uninstalling the recent updates. While not ideal, this measure may restore VPN functionality until a permanent fix is deployed. Interestingly, some users have found that simply reinstalling their VPN software can resolve the issue, although this has not been universally effective.
This situation arose just as Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, emphasized the company’s commitment to prioritizing security, making the timing of these VPN issues particularly notable. Microsoft has provided detailed instructions for uninstalling the problematic updates, involving Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) commands to remove the specific packages.
As the situation develops, Microsoft encourages users to stay tuned for updates and patches to address these VPN compatibility issues without compromising the security enhancements introduced in the April updates.
