Microsoft is halting Windows 10 KB4524244 distribution after users reported critical issues including system failures. Windows 10 KB4524244 was shipped to some PCs during the company’s Patch Tuesday rollout on February 11 and numerous users across the web reported that the security patch causes multiple issues.
KB4524244 is a security update for all editions of Windows 10 v1909, 1903, 1809 and even v1607. Microsoft released the update to address a security vulnerability in boot managers implemented by the PC manufacturers, but the patch is having problems with HP and Apple’s implementation.
The patch, which includes unknown security improvements for third-party boot managers, reportedly causes boot failures on HP and Apple computers.
On HP PCs, the issue could be associated with ‘Sure Start Secure Boot Key Protection’, which provides secondary defences that are stronger than the standard (UEFI) BIOS restrictions.
According to user reports on Microsoft’s support forums, the update causes boot failures, installation issues, and other problems.
“I’m having exact same issue with 24 HP EliteDesk 705 G4 DM mini PCs running Windows 10 v1909 aka 10.0.18363.657. Other pending updates install, machines reboots and then this KB4524244 appears and the PCs appears to be halted by HP Sure Start. After a hard reset HP Sure Start reports that it detected unauthorized change to the secure boot keys, then Windows loads, undo changes and restarts again. This is obviously annoying and so HP needs to advise Microsoft that this is indeed happening and figure out what to do about it. Meanwhile, I will need to block KB4524244 from systems,” one frustrated Windows 10 user wrote.
What’s more concerning and alarming is the fact that Microsoft didn’t check with its partners before shipping the update to several users.
It’s also worth noting that the patch may cause issues when resetting the device with Windows 10’s built-in “Reset this PC” feature.
Amid reports of users facing a number of issues, Microsoft says they are slamming the brakes on Windows 10’s latest security update rollout. However, the halted rollout is no consolation to users affected by the major mess and you should uninstall the update to avoid any problems.
How to uninstall KB4524244
- Click on the Start button and type ‘Windows Update’.
- Select Windows Update settings page option or go to Settings app > Update & Security and click on Windows Update option.
- On the Windows Update page, click ‘View update history and select ‘Uninstall Updates’
- Find and select KB4524244 in Control Panel.
- Click on ‘Uninstall’ button.
- Restart your device when prompted.
This should resolve all the issues you’re experiencing after installing Windows 10’s unwanted security update.
In related news, Windows 10 KB4532693 is reportedly deleting user data and Microsoft has yet to acknowledge another mess.
