Microsoft has said that its latest security updates have disrupted VPN functionalities on various Windows systems, both on client and server platforms. “VPN connections might fail after installing the April 2024 security update,” the company warns on the Windows Health Dashboard.
Users might experience problems with their VPN connections following the installation of the latest security patches. This affects both the security update and the non-security preview update for April 2024. Microsoft is currently investigating these reports and promises to deliver further updates soon.
Affected Versions and Updates
The issue spans several versions of the Windows operating system, including Windows Server 2008, Windows 11, and Windows 10. Here’s the full list of the impacted Windows versions and updates:
Client Systems:
- Windows 11, 22H2/23H2 (KB5036893)
- Windows 11, 21H2 (KB5036894)
- Windows 10 (KB5036892)
Server Systems:
- Windows Server 2022 (KB5036909)
- Windows Server 2019 (KB5036896)
- Windows Server 2016 (KB5036899)
- Windows Server 2012 R2 (KB5036960)
- Windows Server 2012 (KB5036969)
- Windows Server 2008 R2 (KB5036967)
- Windows Server 2008 (KB5036932)
Microsoft advises that home users experiencing VPN issues should use the Windows Get Help app for support. Meanwhile, small businesses and larger enterprises are encouraged to use the dedicated Support for Business portal for assistance.
How to Temporarily Fix VPN Issues
While Microsoft is working on a fix, there is currently no direct workaround to resolve these VPN issues without affecting other aspects of system security. However, users can choose to uninstall the security updates as a temporary measure.
“To remove the LCU after installing the combined SSU and LCU package, use the DISM/Remove-Package command line option with the LCU package name as the argument. You can find the package name by using this command: DISM /online /get-packages,” Microsoft has said.
While this will resolve the VPN issues faced by Windows VPN users, it is important to remember that removing these updates will also get rid of all the security patches included in them, potentially exposing the system to vulnerabilities.
Final Word
Just last year, Microsoft addressed significant speed issues with L2TP/IPsec VPN connections over Wi-Fi after the April 2023 updates. In early 2022, the company released emergency updates to fix VPN connectivity problems caused by the January 2022 Patch Tuesday updates.
As we await a permanent solution from Microsoft, users must weigh the pros and cons of uninstalling security updates to regain VPN functionality. Stay tuned to the PureVPN Blog for further updates and tips on navigating these challenges.
Anas Hasan
May 2, 2024
2 weeks ago
