Microsoft has once again caused an uproar with the deployment of the September 2019 cumulative update for Windows 10. Users have complained that KB4515384, which was seeded on the 10th this month, brought problems instead of the intended fix, specifically breaking Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections on some PCs.
It is estimated that millions around the world have been hit by the issues, which also include the malfunctioning of the following features: Windows 10 search, the Start Menu, Action Centre, USB connections, and audio. But according to Forbes, it appeared that the most nagging problem was the breaking of network adapters on specific PC builds.
Per the official word from Microsoft, laptops, and PCs that now encounter Wi-Fi glitches are those labeled as NEC devices. Following the installation of the latest update, these machines started getting bugged by incompatibility issues.
"If these devices are updated to Windows 10, version 1903, they will no longer be able to use any Wi-Fi connections. The Wi-Fi driver may have a yellow exclamation point in device manager," the software giant explained.
So in light of this snag, Microsoft said it would be best to keep a distance from KB4515384 for now, noting too that the cumulative update will be put on hold for specific PC models. The company also warned that users refrain from installing the problematic component of the September Patch Tuesday manually.
As for those currently dealing with the issue, WCCFTech is suggesting quick but temporary fixes. These users can simply disable and then enable their network adapters, hoping the trick will work. They can carry this out by heading to Settings then Device Manager and look for Network Adapters to expand its menu.
Specifically for those having Wi-Fi problems, they need to right-click on the subject adapter then click the Disable device. Repeat the process but this time to Enable the device. The unit needs to be rebooted for the changes to apply.
If the trick should fail to work, then the last resort is to uninstall KB4515384 from the affected machine. The report by WCCFTech has a guide on the procedure that can be found here.
As indicated above, these fixes are but temporary since Microsoft is expected to issue a permanent solution on the matter. It was unclear, however, if the fix will be pushed out as soon as it becomes available or the Windows maker will simply bundle it to the next round of Patch Tuesday rollout that is scheduled in the second week of October.
