Microsoft's patch fixes the update that broke VPNs on Windows

Microsoft’s latest Windows update has fixed an earlier bug that could prevent VPNs from working properly, Microsoft said Tuesday.

Microsoft’s latest release for May 2024 (KB5037771 or OS builds 22621.3593 and 22631.3593) has just one highlight: “This update addresses a known issue that might cause your VPN connection to fail,” it says. “This occurs after you install the update dated April 9, 2024, or later.”

A similar update patches Windows 10, too. The update will automatically update via Windows Update, although you can check the update history to see if your PC has downloaded it.

Microsoft said earlier this month that its April update to Windows 10 and 11 could unexpectedly break VPNs, and that there was no patch available at the time. Microsoft said then that it was working to resolve the issue, and to explain why the bug occurred. So far, Microsoft has done one, but not the other — there’s still no official explanation of why the bug occurred. At least you can now confidently choose from our best VPN recommendations once again.

While that bug is fixed, one other bug remains unresolved. After installing the [April] update, you might be unable to change your user account profile picture, Microsoft warned. A month later, that’s still the case.

Author: Mark Hachman, Senior Editor

As PCWorld’s senior editor, Mark focuses on Microsoft news and chip technology, among other beats. He has formerly written for PCMag, BYTE, Slashdot, eWEEK, and ReadWrite.

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