Latest news with #WindowsLatest
Forbes
24-05-2025
- Forbes
Microsoft Tells Nearly All Windows Users—You Must Reboot Your PC
Are you on the list? NurPhoto via Getty Images We knew this was coming — but it's a disappointment anyway. For almost all Windows users, the latest update from Microsoft will be something of a bad news story, as some users suddenly get a faster, slicker way of using their PCs, while they miss out. Per Windows Latest, this month's KB5058497 for Windows 11 24H2 'is the first 'hotpatch' update, which means it doesn't require a reboot to finish installing. But unfortunately, it is only for Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise. There's no word on when the feature will roll out to Pro and Home consumers, but it might happen at some point.' Microsoft warned users this would be the case. 'With hotpatch updates, you can quickly take measures to help protect your organization from cyberattacks, while minimizing user disruptions. Hotpatching represents a significant advancement in our journey to help you, and everyone who uses Windows, stay secure and productive.' The 'numerous enhancements' Microsoft touted, include immediate protection, consistent security and minimized disruptions: 'Users can continue their work without interruptions while hotpatch updates are installed. Hotpatch updates don't require the PC to restart for the remainder of the quarter.' But this probably isn't for you. Microsoft also confirmed you will need: 'Right now,' says Windows Latest, 'when there's a new security update for Windows 11 24H2 or an older version, you need to reboot to apply it. That's the case for pretty much every update unless it's a security patch for Windows Defender. With hotpatching, you don't have to reboot the PC to install updates, but there are certain exceptions.' The hotpatch update cycle Microsoft The primary exception is that every third update does require a reboot, that enables a fuller update that can get to the parts of your PC a hot patch might not reach. KB5058497 'falls between May and June 2025, which is the 'no restart' period,' in other words the hot patch two-months between reboot updates. 'In our tests with Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise edition,' Windows Latest says, 'KB5058497 installed on its own, and it did not ask for a reboot. I didn't even realise the update was installed until I went to Windows Update history. That's the magic of a reboot-free hotpatch.' For Windows 11 Home and Pro users watching on, the monthly, mandatory reboot continues. There is no information on what you might get the hot patch update. The update is still critical, it just comes with pain and downtime others now avoid. May is proving interesting for Microsoft, with an emergency update to fix a nightmarish Bitlocker Recovery issue and even reports of blue screens of death. Clearly, whether hotpatching or not, be sure to update your PC and reboot if needed. This was another fun-packed security update and the Windows landscape is not getting any safer.
Forbes
23-05-2025
- Forbes
Microsoft's Emergency Windows Update—Stop Blue Screen Of Death
How to stop the dreaded BSOD Microsoft has issued an emergency update after users were hit by May's mandatory security update breaking Windows. 'Windows 10 might repeatedly display the BitLocker recovery screen at startup,' Microsoft confirmed, pointing any affected users the newly issued out of bounds update via its Update Catalog. Windows Latest was first to note the escalating issue, noting that 'the KB5058379 install starts, but ends up at 'Enter the recovery key to get going again (Keyboard layout: US)' screen, and there's a text field to add the recovery key.' There were some reports of the dreaded blue screen of death (BSOD) as well, albeit this was primarily a Bitlocker issue and only for Windows 10 users yet to upgrade. But those BSOD reports were timely, given Microsoft's update just a week earlier. Neowin was first to note that 'Microsoft has shared steps on how users will be able to troubleshoot and hopefully fix' BSODs when they hit. The company updated a support document, which before has simply advised users turn to 'Safe Mode troubleshooting and the Get Help app,' but which now offered much more of a guide. 'Blue Screen errors,' the company explains, '(also called bug checks, STOP code errors, kernel errors, or BSOD errors) can occur if a serious problem causes Windows to shut down or restart unexpectedly to protect itself from data loss.' What you'll see is a message warning '"Windows has been shut down to prevent damage to your computer.' It's the dreaded moment, Neowin says, 'most Windows users must have experienced once in their lives.' Microsoft breaks its guidance into two parts. First is 'basic troubleshooting' that should work for everyone, and comprises six fairly easy to follow steps: For more expert users, Microsoft also lists three 'advanced troubleshooting' tips: Meanwhile, if you've been hit with the latest issues, Windows Latest says 'once you've installed the update, you'll no longer run into BitLocker or Blue Screen of Death errors.' But for those 'stuck on the blue screen with automatic recovery failing,' the website has provided its own guidance to 'manually turn off Intel TXT from BIOS,' after which you can install Microsoft's emergency out-of-band update. 'To turn off Intel TXT and the BitLocker recovery screen loop, follow these steps:
Forbes
20-05-2025
- Forbes
Microsoft Confirms Windows Update Locking PCs Or Blue Screen Of Death — How To Fix
Updated May 20 with details of how Microsoft has now fixed the bug and what you should do. Windows 10 users have recently come across a problem caused by the latest Windows 10 KB5058379 update. The problem is, it's a mandatory update. Now, Microsoft has issued a critical update to put things right. Full details of what you should do at the end of this post. Windows 10 NurPhoto via Getty Images First, some history. The issue was reported on May 15 by Windows Latest. 'Windows 10 KB5058379 is causing PCs to boot into Windows Recovery and require BitLocker key. Windows Latest received reports that KB5058379 install starts, but ends up at 'Enter the recovery key to get going again (Keyboard layout: US)' screen, and there's a text field to add the recovery key. In some cases, there's a BSOD as well," Windows Latest said. It's unusual for BitLocker recovery to trigger automatically unless we make a change to the hardware or BIOS settings. Several users told Windows Latest that a BitLocker Recovery (Windows Boot Recovery) is prompted automatically after installing KB5058379, which is rolling out via Windows Update. In some cases, there's a BSOD as well… Windows 10 KB5058379 is a mandatory security update rolling out for everyone, including businesses or enterprises, and you don't have a choice but to install the update,' it went on. If you aren't familiar with BitLocker, then, as you'll see below, there's a chance that the problem won't apply to you. Anyway, here's how Bleeping Computer described the issue and how it manfests. 'The BitLocker Windows security feature encrypts storage drives to prevent data theft, and Windows computers typically enter BitLocker recovery mode after events like TPM (Trusted Platform Module) updates or hardware changes to regain access to protected drives. Today, Microsoft confirmed the issue and said it's investigating reports that 'a small number' of Windows 10 PCs display BitLocker recovery screens after installing the KB5058379 update,' it said. On Saturday, May 17, Microsoft updated a support document to acknowledge the issue. 'We are aware of a known issue on devices with Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) enabled on 10th generation or later Intel vPro processors,' it said. It also shared some good news. 'Consumer devices typically do not use Intel vPro processors and are less likely to be impacted by this issue. This issue ONLY applies to the affected platforms listed below. Windows 10, versions 22H2; Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021, Server: None,' Microsoft said in its support document. Again, this is why you'll probably know about BitLocker if there's a chance you could be affected. So, if you have a PC with Intel vPro chip, you could be tempted not to install it yet, though since it's mandatory, it's not advisable to skip it. Take heart, though: Microsoft is working on it. 'We are urgently working on a resolution for this issue, with plans to release an Out-of-band update to the Microsoft Update Catalog in the coming days,' it says, and the fact that the latest support document was filed on a Saturday indicates the urgency. The first stage, obviously, is to find your 48-digit Bitlocker recovery key. Here are Windows Latest's helpful instructions for what you need to do. You need to reboot into BIOS/UEFI, which can be done by pressing a key after power-on, but the keys are different across all OEMs. On most Dell/HP/Lenovo: press F2, F10/F12, or Esc immediately after power-on to enter BIOS/UEFI. Next, in BIOS, look for Security, open Virtualization or Advanced CPU Settings and turn off Intel TXT. This could also be referred to as Trusted Execution, or OS Kernel DMA Support. Note that you can leave VT for Direct I/O (or VT-d) enabled. Finally, save changes and exit BIOS. 'The idea is to disable Intel TXT / Trusted Execution and allow KB5058379 to finish installation. If you followed the steps correctly, you won't run into BitLocker Recovery or BSOD. Remember that the BSOD or BitLocker is triggered when installing KB5058379, but you won't have the issue after the update is installed successfully. The catch is that it's a challenge to install the security patch without turning off Intel TXT / Trusted Execution in BIOS,' Windows Latest explains. Windows 11 is not affected by this issue, it seems. So, how about that update to fix things? Microsoft said it was working urgently and would release an update in days. It did, just 48 hours after it acknowledged the flaw. On Monday, May 19, Microsoft said it had resolved the problem. 'We are aware of a known issue on devices with Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) enabled on 10th generation or later Intel vPro processors. On these systems, installing the May 13, 2025, Windows security update (KB5058379) might cause to terminate unexpectedly, triggering an Automatic Repair. On devices with BitLocker enabled, BitLocker requires the input of your BitLocker recovery key to initiate the Automatic Repair,' it said. Then it described the resolution, with an update that is only available to download through the Microsoft Update Catalog, so that's the place you need to visit to sort this. 'This issue was resolved in the out-of-band (OOB) update KB5061768, which is only available via the Microsoft Update Catalog. If your organization uses the affected platforms and hasn't yet deployed the May 13, 2025, Windows security update, or if KB5058379 failed to install, we recommend you apply this OOB update instead,' it said. If you have already installed the updated and are unable to start your PC, you need to disable Intel VT for Direct I/O (also known as VTD or VTX) and Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) in your BIOS / UEFI settings. This disabling should only be temporary. You'll need to enter your BitLocker recovery key. If you don't have that, see the instructions to retrieve the key. Once you've done that, go to the Microsoft Update Catalog and install the new update, KB5061768. Then restart Windows and return to your BIOS / UEFI settings. This is when you re-enable Intel VT for Direct I/O (also known as VTD or VTX) and TXT. (Note that you'll again need your BitLocker recovery key for this step.
Forbes
18-05-2025
- Forbes
Microsoft Confirms New Update Locks Windows 10 — Or Worse. Here's What To Do
Windows 10 users have recently come across a problem caused by the latest Windows 10 KB5058379 update. The problem is, it's a mandatory update. Here's what you should do. Windows 10 operating system logo NurPhoto via Getty Images The issue was reported on May 15 by Windows Latest. 'Windows 10 KB5058379 is causing PCs to boot into Windows Recovery and require BitLocker key… In some cases, there's a BSOD as well… Windows 10 KB5058379 is a mandatory security update rolling out for everyone, including businesses or enterprises, and you don't have a choice but to install the update,' Windows Latest said. On Saturday, May 17, Microsoft updated a support document to acknowledge the issue. 'We are aware of a known issue on devices with Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) enabled on 10th generation or later Intel vPro processors,' it said. It also shared some good news. 'Consumer devices typically do not use Intel vPro processors and are less likely to be impacted by this issue. This issue ONLY applies to the affected platforms listed below. Windows 10, versions 22H2; Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021, Server: None,' Microsoft said in its support document. So, if you have a PC with Intel vPro chip, you could be tempted not to install it yet, though since it's mandatory, it's not advisable to skip it. Take heart, though: Microsoft is working on it. 'We are urgently working on a resolution for this issue, with plans to release an Out-of-band update to the Microsoft Update Catalog in the coming days,' it says, and the fact that the latest support document was filed on a Saturday indicates the urgency. The first stage, obviously, is to find your 48-digit Bitlocker recovery key. Here are Windows Latest's helpful instructions for what you need to do. You need to reboot into BIOS/UEFI, which can be done by pressing a key after power-on, but the keys are different across all OEMs. On most Dell/HP/Lenovo: press F2, F10/F12, or Esc immediately after power-on to enter BIOS/UEFI. Next, in BIOS, look for Security, open Virtualization or Advanced CPU Settings and turn off Intel TXT. This could also be referred to as Trusted Execution, or OS Kernel DMA Support. Note that you can leave VT for Direct I/O (or VT-d) enabled. Finally, save changes and exit BIOS. 'The idea is to disable Intel TXT / Trusted Execution and allow KB5058379 to finish installation. If you followed the steps correctly, you won't run into BitLocker Recovery or BSOD. Remember that the BSOD or BitLocker is triggered when installing KB5058379, but you won't have the issue after the update is installed successfully. The catch is that it's a challenge to install the security patch without turning off Intel TXT / Trusted Execution in BIOS,' Windows Latest explains. Windows 11 is not affected by this issue, it seems.
Forbes
14-05-2025
- Forbes
Microsoft Confirms Windows Upgrade Choice—You Must Now Decide
It's decision time. Microsoft has now released its latest update for Windows 11 users, which is mandatory given the raft of new security fixes accompanied by the near obligatory attack warnings. I covered the headline security fixes earlier, but perhaps just as critically this update comes with a very different warning and a key decision all users must now take. Because 'KB5058411 is a mandatory security update,' Windows Latest explains, 'it's supposed to download and install automatically whether you like it or not.' The catch with this one is that 'we noticed that it finally turns on Recall, which is an AI-based feature that captures snapshots of your screen every few seconds.' There can't be any Windows 11 users who are still unaware of Microsoft's controversial photographic memory upgrade — the headline AI feature now available on new Copilot+ PCs. 'If you allow Recall to save snapshots,' Microsoft says, 'an image of your screen will be saved every few seconds. This will create a photographic memory for you of the apps, websites, documents, and images you've seen on your PC.' Per Windows Latest: 'After installing the May 2025 Windows 11 24H2 update, during the reboot and installation process, you'll be asked if you want to try Recall, and there'll be an option to opt in… Windows Recall is one of the most anticipated and hated features of Windows 11 AI update, but it's finally here, whether you like it or not.' Recall is finally here. Given all the publicity and the extent to which this has been heralded, it's certain that a vast number of users will opt in to see how it works. Be warned though, once you opt in the first time, the security bar for re-enabling Recall is much lower after you have turned it off. So just be careful. You can find details on how to remove Recall here. The more serious caution is for those you communicate with, not for your own security and privacy. As I've warned before, once enabled, Microsoft's AI will read and save all your WhatsApp, Signal and other secure messages and emails. While you might be fine with that — albeit it's far from ideal, you should really let those messaging with you know that everything is being saved outside the messaging app with a much lower security hurdle to compromise their content. Of all Recall's risks, the capture of secure comms and documents outside of their usual enclave is top of the list. It's a security nightmare in the making. Just look at the furor in the U.S. over an extension to Signal's usual security architecture. 'To test this,' Kevin Beaumont posted, 'I tasked my partner with using my device while I was away from desk to use Recall to find out who'd I'd been talking to the previous day in Signal and what I'd been saying.' She guessed the PIN. 'In 5 minutes, a non-technical person had access to everything I'd ever done on the PC, including disappearing Signal conversations (as Recall retains anything deleted). That isn't great.' Recall has been steeped in controversy for a reason — make sure you consider all the pros and cons before you decide to opt in.
