On the second Tuesday of every month, Microsoft launches its latest updates for several of its operating systems. These are cleverly named the Patch Tuesday Updates and are available for download on supported Windows software.
As per its persistent pattern, Microsoft announced numerous updates and fixes on September 14, 2021. However, what they didn’t predict was for a new wave of problems to surface. Yet, despite these problems, it’s still important to continue updating your PC.
What Has Microsoft Fixed With the September Update?
Microsoft finally addressed the infinite directory glitch in PowerShell commands and revamped its administrative structure to improve security. However, there’s more to it than that which we’ve discussed below.
1. Changes to the 21H1 Version
In this update, Windows introduced several tweaks that it had previously made a part of its optional updates back in August. Through these, it has managed to resolve a significant bug that could compromise the effectiveness of Bluetooth connections with many audio devices.
Several other prominent audio issues have also been resolved, like a problem that prevents earphones or headphones that connect to a device via USB from working, especially if the device uses specific third-party audio drivers.
Windows 10 update also addresses a bug that prevents users from tracking DCOM activation failures and another bug that causes Windows Remote Management (WinRM) service to stop working. These, along with a few minor security tweaks, make up the bulk of the update, and Microsoft documented no additional features for this release.
2. The Nasty PowerShell Bug
Microsoft’s biggest issue this year was the Powershell bug that affected nearly all OS, but most prominently the 1909 version. It caused infinite loop behavior leading to more and more subdirectories.
On Windows Blogs, Microsoft further explains, “We fixed an issue that causes PowerShell to create an infinite number of child directories. This issue occurs when the PowerShell Move-Item command is used to move a directory to one of its children. As a result, the volume fills up and the system stops responding. ”
The New Problems Introduced With the September Updater
As with many of these Windows updates, they are often wolves in sheep’s clothing, bringing more trouble than they resolve. Here are a few examples of that.
1. New Printer Issues
In an effort to combat the seemingly endless vulnerabilities in its printer drivers, Microsoft has introduced yet another update to destroy the vulnerability altogether. But, unfortunately, to end the PrintNightmare Vulnerability, it seems to have spawned a completely new print nightmare.
Windows administrators are saying that network printing has broken down completely since they downloaded the latest series of updates and installed them on print servers. What’s worse is that the few users who have raised issues with the same problem are given different explanations and errors by Microsoft.
Fortunately, it seems Microsoft has found a solution, but hopefully such vulnerabilities will not be an issue in subsequent updates.
2. Other Common Issues People are Facing
As is custom with these updates, they will often make new and existing go AWOL.
Some users find themselves unable to install these cumulative updates, while others encounter login and performance problems. Login and performance issues are nothing out of the ordinary and have already appeared in previous cumulative updates. Despite Microsoft’s claim that it will fix login failures, we’re yet to hear more about it.
However, the influx of problems doesn’t stop there. For many users, the start menu fails to open or crashes right after the update. Others are also experiencing blue screen of death or having troubles while logging in.
Why Is Keeping Your PC’s Software Updated a Good Idea?
The above points may put you off updating Windows forever. However, using the internet comes with many potential dangers, including fraud, identity theft, and deleting and corrupting data.
All of these issues sprout from the same seed—hacking. This is when unauthorized individuals get access to your sensitive and private data like passwords, credit card information, and contact details.
Needless to say, hackers can use this data to threaten, blackmail, or exploit your information further.
To ensure that this doesn’t happen to people, many OS software developers take steps to improve security and user experience. Since the introduction of new data and software to a person’s PC brings with it a host of new exploitable loopholes, software developers improvise with a better version of the software often introduced as a software update.
These periodic updates ensure that your privacy and data are uncompromised. As such, it’s still a good idea to keep Windows updated, despite the problems the updates can sometimes introduce.
The Final Word on the Patch Tuesday Regimen
Although September’s Patch Tuesday fixed fewer issues than last month, this cumulative release was essential in securing the online integrity and improving drivers’ performance. In all, Microsoft managed to remove 32 vulnerabilities, of which two were critical, and 30 were classed as “important.”
Like every month, Microsoft weeded out bugs and recommended its users to upgrade to the latest, and much more stable, version of Windows. However, the question arises—should you always rush to the Windows Update at the first chance you get?
Read Next
About The Author