Install Microsoft's Emergency Windows Patch Now - What It Fixes And Why It Was Rushed Out

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

ZDNET's cardinal takeaways

• Fixes a flaw that impacted nan Windows reset and reinstall tools.
• The spot affects definite versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11.
• To instal nan patch, caput to Windows Update nether Settings.

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Microsoft has squashed a caller and annoying bug successful Windows that caused nan built-in reset and reinstall devices to neglect if you tried to tally them. Released connected Tuesday, nan caller out-of-band emergency spot is designed for Windows 10 21H2 and 22H2, and Windows 11 23H2 and 22H2.

Also: Microsoft patches much than 100 Windows information flaws - update your PC now

Applying nan spot should erstwhile again let you to reset your PC aliases fix problems utilizing Windows Update. Normally available, those 2 options tin resoluteness an different unresolvable strategy rumor by forcing Windows to return to its original mill state, aliases by repairing cardinal strategy files and components.

How to use nan patch

To use nan patch, conscionable caput to Settings, prime Windows Update, and click nan fastener to cheque for updates. Affected Windows 10 users will want to download and instal nan KB5066188 update, while Windows 11 users will find KB5066189 waiting for them.

From whence did this bug come? Blame it connected Microsoft, for nan glitch was introduced successful nan latest Patch Tuesday update.

Also: Your Windows 11 PC has a concealed emergency shutdown characteristic - here's really to usage it

Microsoft's monthly Windows updates usually effort to hole nan latest cavalcade of bugs. Last week's August update patched much than 100 information flaws. But sometimes nan update introduces bugs of its own. In this case, nan latest monthly update someway introduced a flaw that clobbered nan reset and reinstall features.

Other options

I often usage nan reset characteristic pinch my Windows virtual machines erstwhile I want to bring nan OS backmost to its original state. But this is besides a useful action for dealing pinch issues that impact nan capacity aliases cognition of Windows.

To effort this successful Windows 11, spell to Settings, prime System, take Recovery, and past click nan fastener to reset this PC. In Windows 10, caput to Settings, prime Update & Security, take Recovery, and past click nan Get Started fastener successful nan conception to reset this PC.

When resetting your PC, you tin take to support your individual files. However, your apps and customized settings are removed, truthful you'll person to reinstall aliases recreate those. Since nan reset brings Windows backmost to its original mill state, nan process tin resoluteness astir strategy problems.

Also: 10 open-source apps I urge each Windows personification download - for free

The different action for reinstall attempts to hole awesome issues successful Windows by repairing corrupted aliases incorrect strategy files, services, and settings. The advantage present is that your apps, documents, and settings are each preserved. I've utilized this a mates of times successful nan past, mostly pinch Windows VMs that were misbehaving, and it typically did nan trick.

To effort this action successful Windows 11, spell to Settings, prime System, take Recovery, and click nan Reinstall now button. In Windows 10, nan process is different. Here, spell to Settings, prime Update & Security, and take Troubleshoot. Click nan nexus for Additional troubleshooters, take nan 1 for Windows Update, and click nan fastener for Windows Update troubleshooter.