If your VPN stopped working after the April Windows update, there’s good news. The May Patch Tuesday update from Microsoft fixes the issue that disrupted VPN connections. This problem, stemming from the April 2024 update, impacted Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server versions. Microsoft acknowledged the glitch and confirmed the patch resolves it.
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What Went Wrong
The April update inadvertently caused VPN connections to fail across various Windows setups, likely due to conflicts in how network protocols interacted. For those affected, the workaround involved uninstalling the problematic update—a risky move since it also removed other vital fixes and features.
Fix Instructions
To apply the update:
- Windows 11: Install KB5037771 or KB5037770 based on your version.
- Windows 10: Look for KB5037768.
- Windows Server: Updates vary by edition; consult Microsoft’s catalog.
Steps
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Windows Update.
- Click Check for Updates and install the required patch.
Microsoft faces challenges testing updates due to the sheer variety of Windows environments. Even with rigorous internal testing, real-world conflicts are sometimes missed. Frequent update issues like this illustrate why consistent monitoring and timely patches are crucial.
By addressing this quickly, Microsoft avoided prolonged disruption, though the initial oversight underlines the need for better quality control in updates.