Microsoft halts Windows 10 update KB4524244 due to problems

Microsoft removes update from circulation due to bug causing boot problems. If you're having issues with update KB4524244, you can remove it with these steps:

Windows 10 updates settings
Windows 10 updates settings

Microsoft has confirmed that update KB4524244 is causing issues for a number of devices, and as a result, the company is removing the update to prevent further problems.

KB4524244 was available for Windows 10 version 1607, 1703, 1709, 1803, 1809, 1903 and 1909 as a standalone security update, as part of the February Patch Tuesday rollout, but shortly after the release users have been reporting problems trying to start certain computer brands (such as HP).

According to the company, the update has been removed from distribution, and it’ll no longer be offered through Windows Update, Windows Server Update Services, or Microsoft Update Catalog. However, the company also says that doesn’t affect “successful installation or any changes within any other February 11, 2020 security updates.”

How to remove update KB4524244 on Windows 10

If you can still access your device, you can uninstall update KB4524244 using these steps:

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for Command Prompt and click the top result to open the app.

  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:4524244
  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 computer fixing any issues as a result of the release.

If you’re not able to boot your computer, you can use these steps to uninstall KB4524244 from the Advanced startup environment

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 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.