April Windows Updates Can Break Your VPN, Microsoft Warns
TL;DR: Microsoft warns that April 2024 Windows updates can break VPN connections. Affected users can uninstall the update or reinstall their VPN app. Microsoft is investigating the issue and will provide a fix in the next update.
The latest Windows updates are breaking users’ VPNs. Microsoft itself warns about this in the “Known Issues” section of its website dedicated to new OS updates.
It’s a big problem.
The official post says that “VPN connections might fail after installing the April 2024 security update.” The issue is currently under investigation, and the company says they will provide a fix in the next update. However, there is still no ETA for the rollout. Meanwhile, affected users will not be able to use their VPNs as they normally do.
Avoid Installing the Latest April Windows Security Updates
The Windows 11 builds causing the problem are KB5036893 and KB5036894, but the April 2024 security updates for Windows 10 (KB5036892) and Windows Server are also affected. According to Bleeping Computer, Windows users are reporting mixed results after updating their devices. For some, their VPN set continues to work without problems, but others have not been so lucky.
Those affected have been trying a series of potential workarounds to try to temporarily fix the issue. For example, some claim that they were able to get their VPN back up and running simply by uninstalling and reinstalling their VPN provider’s app.
How to Uninstall the Windows Update That Breaks VPN Connections
A more drastic measure that others are resorting to is to completely uninstall the latest Windows updates. In case you choose the uninstall route, Microsoft recommends how. Basically, you must use the Windows command prompt to add a line of code that will trigger the uninstallation. Opening the command prompt is as simple as using the search/magnifying glass icon, typing “cmd,” and running it when it appears in the results. Once opened, the command line to use is “DISM/Remove-Package.”
For everything to go well, you must use the LCU package name as the argument. To get your LCU package, use the line “DISM /online /get-packages” in the command prompt and press enter. Then copy the result and use it to execute the “DISM/Remove-Package” command line.
There is also an easier way to do it. From Windows 11, go to Settings > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall Updates. Once there, look for the problematic update and click “Uninstall.” The path should be similar for Windows 10.
Lastly, whether you uninstalled the update or have not received it, it is advisable to pause updates from the Windows Update menu for a few weeks.