Latest Windows 10 update causes ‘Blue Screen of Death’ – here’s what you can do about it
It’s not an exaggeration to say Microsoft has a bit of an update problem. The last several Windows 10 updates were either buggy, flawed or downright dangerous to install. One update even disabled a critical security feature that keeps out hackers and cybercriminals.
Despite these messy rollouts, Microsoft has soldiered on and continues to deliver new patches for Windows on a regular basis. Unfortunately, every time they seem to fix one issue, another pops out of the woodwork and breaks an essential feature all over again.
And now, a brand new update from Microsoft, originally intended to fix a widespread printer issue from the last update, brings back a classic error Windows users know all too well: the Blue Screen of Death. Here’s what this broken update can do to your system, and how you can roll your operating system back to working order.
Blue screens, blue users
New reports from Tom’s Guide show Microsoft’s latest update for Windows 10, the KB4517389 cumulative update, features several bugs that prevent PCs from functioning properly. Initial responses described the update as breaking the Start button, but a number of users are now claiming the update causes a complete system crash as well.
The update was initially released to fix a common error found in Microsoft’s previous update — which disabled some of the drivers Windows needs to connect to printers. Click or tap here to see what this faulty update broke in Windows 10.
In a post made on Microsoft’s support forums, a representative confirmed a fix is on the way and is planned for late October. Whether Microsoft’s upcoming patch will be glitch-free is unknown — we wouldn’t bet the farm on it, though.
I downloaded update KB4517389! How can I fix my computer?
One of the smartest things Microsoft ever did was give users a way to roll back their operating systems to previous versions of Windows 10. It’s built right into the basic settings of Windows, and can help prevent your system from fully crashing and losing data.
Speaking of which, before you get the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (in which the computer stops functioning altogether), make sure to back up your important info before continuing. Rolling back Windows may cause you to lose apps or settings you added or changed since the last time you updated.
You can only roll back to a previous version of Windows within 10 days of updating. If you missed your chance, you may need to wait until Microsoft releases their new patch to be in the clear — if that’s even possible with these updates.
Here’s how you can roll back Windows 10 to a previous update:
- Click the Start button and open Settings. If you cannot access the Start button, click the search icon and type Settings to access the menu.
- Select Update & Security, then click Recovery from the panel on the left.
- Locate the section that says Go back to the previous version of Windows 10. Click the button that says Get Started.
Follow the onscreen instructions and you should be safe from critical glitches like Blue Screens of Death. Well, at least until Microsoft ships another update, that is.
Still having trouble with those pesky PC problems? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with Kim’s NEW weekly Windows Scoop newsletter, designed to help you master your Windows gadgets.
Tags: cybercriminals, Microsoft Windows 10, operating system
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