- Microsoft releases the last update of Windows 10 in 2021.
- The update KB5008212 brings the version number to 19041.1415 (2004), 19042.1415 (20H2), 19043.1415 (21H1), and 19044.1415 (21H2).
- The update fixes several problems with search, WSL, networking, encryption, and more.
Windows 10 is getting the last Patch Tuesday update of 2021 with KB5008212. The update is available for devices running Windows 10 21H2, 21H1, 20H2, and version 2004.
Update KB5008212 bumps the version number to build 19041.1415 (2004), 19042.1415 (20H2), 19043.1415 (21H1), and 19044.1415 (21H2), and according to the official notes, it fixes problems previously outlined with the November “C” update preview, including problems with Windows Search, adds a new (–cd) argument to specify a Windows or Linux path on WSL, addresses networking issues, issues with Encrypted File System (EFS), BitLocker, and more.
In addition, the company is also making available updates for older versions of Windows 10, including for versions 1909, 1809, 1607, and 1507.
Update KB5008212 fixes and changes
These are the most important improvements with the latest update preview of Windows 10:
- Updates an issue that that causes some variable fonts to display incorrectly.
- Updates an issue that might cause the 32-bit version of Microsoft Excel to stop working on certain devices when you export to PDF.
- Updates an issue that displays letters or characters at the wrong angle when you use the Meiryo UI font and other vertical fonts. These fonts are frequently used in Japan, China, or other countries in Asia.
- Updates an issue that causes Internet Explorer to stop working when using the Input Method Editor (IME) to insert elements.
- Updates an issue that causes the Settings page to unexpectedly close after you uninstall a font.
- Updates an issue that affects your ability to rename a file using folder view in File Explorer when you use the new Japanese IME.
- Updates an issue that turns off screen capture and recording functionalities on the Windows Game Bar after a service failure.
- Updates an issue that prevents the applications that you use often from appearing on the Start menu as they should.
- Updates an issue that causes Internet Explorer to stop working.
- Updates an issue that prevents users from connecting to the following Xbox controllers using Bluetooth: Xbox One controllers that have Bluetooth support. Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. And Xbox Adaptive Controllers.
It’s important to note that Windows 10 2004 has now reached its end of service. If you are still on this version, it’s recommended to upgrade to version 21H2 to continue getting updates and support.
Updates for older versions of Windows 10
In addition, on December 14, the company also made available the update KB5008206 for Windows 10 version 1909 to fix several problems. The update brings the version number to build 18363.1977.
As part of the version 1809 (October 2018 Update) release, the update KB5008218 became available on December 14 to address a known issue that might prevent Microsoft Defender for Endpoint from starting or running on devices that have a Windows Server Core installation. Also, this update includes all the fixes previously available with the November 22 preview. The update brings the version number to build 17763.2366.
If you are still on version 1607, the December update bumps the version number to build 14393.4825, and it fixes several problems.
Finally, the original release of Windows 10 (version 1507) received the update KB5008230, which brings the version number to build 10240.19145, and it addresses a number of issues.
Download December 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 click the Check for updates button. Alternatively, you can download the update KB5008212 directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
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 14 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 20 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].