Microsoft has acknowledged that its update 1903 for Windows 10 is causing Wi-Fi routers on some computers to malfunction and knock out a connection.
Several Windows users have flocked Microsoft's community forum to complain about the operating system's September update, also known as KB4515384. The fix was supposed to address issues with sudden CPU spikes in computers, which is believed to be caused by a previous Windows 10 update.
However, KB4515384 reportedly caused its string of problems such as breaking the Windows 10 search function, the Start menu, the Action Center, and USB connections. The update may have also caused problems in the audio of some computers.
Experts suspect that the September Windows 10 update may also be behind faulty Wi-Fi connections in some devices. A number of Windows users claimed that their network adapters stopped working after switching to KB4515384.
Windows 10 1903 Update - Wi-Fi Issues
Microsoft has since come out and admitted that KB4515384 likely knocked out the internet connection of certain computers. The issue seems to affect Intel and Broadcom Wi-Fi adapters in NEC devices.
Both Microsoft and NEC identified incompatibility issues with some Intel Centrino 6205/6235 and Broadcom 802.11ac Wi-Fi chips in NEC computers that operate using updated versions of Windows 10.
The Wi-Fi problems come even after the Windows maker had earlier promised to have "significantly expanded" interactions with the original equipment manufacturer, as well as independent software vendors before it releases any major update to the OS in the future. The statement was made following several issues with the previous Windows 10 1809 update.
Microsoft warned users that they may experience problems with their Wi-Fi connections after they install the Windows 10 1903 update.
"If these devices are updated to Windows 10, version 1903, they will no longer be able to use any Wi-Fi connections," the company said.
"The Wi-Fi driver may have a yellow exclamation point in device manager."
How To Work Around The Connectivity Problems
To mitigate Wi-Fi issues related to KB4515384, Microsoft tells users to disable and re-enable their adapters in the device management window.
Until the company comes out with an effective patch, this method may be the only way for Windows users to work around the problem at the moment. However, they would have to do it every single time they boot their computers, which could become annoying to some users.
Microsoft said it is working with NEC to develop a more permanent fix to the problem.
The company has experienced several setbacks in their Windows 10 updates roll out in recent years. It remains adamant that its team listens to user feedback, and that it has released several new features to address customer concerns.
