Windows 10 KB5003173

Windows 10 update KB5003173 outs for versions 21H1, 20H2, 2004

Windows 10 21H1, 20H2, and 2004 receive the update KB5003173 to address a few security problems. Older versions also get updated – here's all you need to know.

  • Windows 10 update KB5003173 is now available for versions 21H1, 20H2, and 2004.
  • The update KB5003173 bumps the version number to build 19041.985, 19042.985, 19043.985.
  • Microsoft is also pushing updates for versions 1909, 1903, 1809, 1803, and older releases.

As part of the May 2021 Patch Tuesday rollout, Microsoft is making available the update KB5003173 for devices on Windows 10 20H2, 2004, and 21H1 (Beta and Release Preview Channels) with improvements and various fixes.

The update KB5003173 bumps the version number to 19041.985, 19042.985, 19043.985 for version 2004, 20H2, and 21H1, and it addresses security when Windows performs basic operations, Windows OLE (compound documents) security, and Bluetooth drivers.

In addition, the company is also pushing updates for older versions, including Windows 10 version 1909, 1903, 1809, 1803, 1607, and 1507.

Update KB5003173 for Windows 10 21H1, 20H2, and 2004

Microsoft has announced KB5003173 on the Windows support site. If you are already running the Windows 10 October 2020 Update, May 2020 Update, or the May 2021 Update (Release Preview), this update will address these problems:

  • Security updates to Windows App Platform and Frameworks, the Windows Kernel, Windows Media, the Microsoft Scripting Engine, and the Windows Silicon Platform.

You can download the updates to install them manually for versions 20H2 and 2004 from the Microsoft Update Catalog website.

If you have a device enrolled in the Beta or Release Preview Channels, you can only download the update through Windows Update.

Update KB5003169 for Windows 10 version 1909 and 1903

Microsoft has announced the KB5003169 update on the Windows support site. If you’re already running the Windows 10 November 2019 Update or May 2019 Update on your device, this quality update will increase the version number to build 18363.1556, and they will fix these issues:

  • Addresses an issue that might cause scroll bar controls to appear blank on the screen and not function. 
  • Security updates Windows App Platform and Frameworks, the Windows Kernel, the Microsoft Scripting Engine, and the Windows Silicon Platform.

Also, as a reminder, this is the last official update for version 1909 since the version has now reached the end of support on May 11, 2021, for computers running the Windows 10 Home, Pro, Pro for Workstation, and Server SAC editions. If you are still in this release, it’s recommended to upgrade to the latest version.

Update KB5003171 for Windows 10 version 1809

The company is also announcing the update KB5003171 through its Windows support site, and if you have the October 2019 Update, this quality update increase the build number to 17763.1935, and it’ll address these problems:

  • Security updates to Windows App Platform and Frameworks, the Windows Kernel, Windows Media, the Microsoft Scripting Engine, and the Windows Silicon Platform.

Similar to version 1909, this release is no longer be supported starting on May 11, 2021. As a result, it is recommended to upgrade to the most recent version (see above link).

Update for older versions of Windows 10

Windows 10 version 1803 has reached the end of support on November 12, 2019, but Microsoft has released the update KB5003174 to fix several issues, and it bumps the version number to build 17134.2208.

The Windows 10 Anniversary Update (version 1607) is getting the update KB5003197 to resolve a few issues, even though the operating system is no longer available. The update also bumps the version number to build 14393.4402

Finally, the original release of Windows 10 is getting the update KB5003172. This release increases the version number to 10240.18932 and fixes the same problems available found on version 20H2 and 2004.

Uninstall Windows 10 update KB5003173

If the system update is causing issues, you can always uninstall it using these steps:

  1. Open Start on Windows 10.

  2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

  3. Type the following command to view the update history and press Enter:

    wmic qfe list brief /format:table
  4. Check the Windows Update history of your device, and identify the update by its HotFixID and InstalledOn information.

  5. Type the following command to uninstall the update from your computer and press Enter:

    wusa /uninstall /kb:5003173
    Quick note: In the command, replace “5003173” for the KB number corresponding to the update you are trying to uninstall.
  6. Click the Yes button.

  7. Continue with the on-screen directions (if applicable).

Once you complete the steps, the recently installed update will be removed from your installation, fixing any issues resulting from the release.

If your computer doesn’t boot after installing KB5001330, you can remove the update from the Advanced startup environment using these steps.

Download May 2021 update for Windows 10

These updates are available immediately, and they will download and install automatically. However, you can always force the update from Settings Update & Security > Windows Update and clicking the Check for updates button.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].