Microsoft has fixed a big problem with Windows 10 and Windows 11. On August 19, 2025, the company gave everyone special new updates. These updates are very important. They correct an issue from an earlier update that stopped some computer repair tools from working correctly. If your computer was acting strange after the mid-August updates, this new fix is for you.
This guide will explain what happened. It will show you which update you need. It will also tell you how to get it. Keeping your computer healthy is important, and this information will help you do that.
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What Problem Did the Update Fix?
To understand the solution, you first need to understand the problem. On August 12, 2025, Microsoft sent out its normal monthly updates. These updates are meant to keep your computer safe and running well. But something went wrong with that batch.
After installing the August 12th updates, some people found that two very important Windows features were broken. These features are:
Reset this PC
This tool is like a factory reset for your computer. It allows you to reinstall Windows completely. You can choose to keep your personal files or remove everything. It is a powerful way to fix major system problems, remove viruses, or prepare a computer for a new owner.
Recovery
The Windows Recovery Environment is a set of tools that helps you troubleshoot and repair your computer when it won’t start correctly. If Windows fails to load, the recovery options are often your only way to fix it without losing your data.
When these tools stop working, your computer loses its primary safety net. You would not be able to easily fix serious issues. This was a significant problem because it left users without their main emergency repair options. Microsoft learned of the issue quickly and began working on a dedicated fix.
The Solution: Special “Out-of-Band” Updates
Because the problem was serious, Microsoft did not wait for the next regular update day in September. Instead, they released what is called an “out-of-band” update. Think of it as an emergency update. It is delivered outside the normal monthly schedule to address a critical issue.
On August 19, 2025, these special updates became available. They are designed to do one main thing: fix the broken Reset and Recovery functions. When you install the new update, it replaces the faulty one from August 12th. Microsoft has officially confirmed on its Windows Health Release page that this issue is now “resolved” for everyone who installs the new patch.
Which New Update Do You Need?
The specific update you need depends on which version of Windows you are using. It is important to get the right one for your system. Here is a simple list to help you identify the correct update.
- For Windows 11 (Versions 22H2 and 23H2): You need update KB5066189. This covers the most common versions of Windows 11.
- For Windows 10 (Versions 21H2 and 22H2): You need update KB5066188. This includes the popular consumer versions of Windows 10 and the Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) version.
- For Windows Server 2019: You need update KB5066187. This is for systems running this specific server version of Windows.
You do not need to worry about the old, broken updates from August 12th. These new updates completely replace them.
How to Get the Correct Update
For most people, getting this fix is simple. Your computer will likely download and install it for you.
Your computer is probably set to check for updates automatically. The new, correct update should appear in your Windows Update settings soon, if it has not already. It will install just like any other update. This is the easiest and recommended way to get the fix.
If you are an advanced user or the update is not appearing for you, there is another option. You can manually download the update package from the Microsoft Update Catalog website. You would search for the KB number that matches your system (from the list above) and follow the instructions to install it. This is usually not necessary for most home users.
A Note About Telemetry
One detail that users have noted is that these new updates may re-enable Windows telemetry settings. Telemetry is data about how you use Windows that is sent to Microsoft. The company uses this information to improve its products and fix bugs.
Some users prefer to turn telemetry off for privacy reasons. After installing this new update, it is a good idea to check your privacy settings if this is a concern for you. You can find these options in the main Windows Settings app under “Privacy & security.” You can then adjust the settings to your comfort level. This step is optional and depends on your personal preference.
Putting it all together, installing this special update is a critical step for your computer’s long-term health. It restores the essential repair tools that you might need one day. By taking a few moments to ensure you have the latest patch, you protect your system from future trouble.