Windows 10 has a new bug that originated after installing cumulative update KB4535996, and it’s affecting internet connectivity, and preventing services, Office 365, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and Microsoft Edge from getting online.
Although sometimes updates are known to cause problems, the new issue doesn’t come at a good time, as the ongoing global health concern is causing more people to work from home, and this new bug is making things a little more difficult.
Furthermore, the bug is more likely to cause problems users using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection, which lately can be millions of people. However, it important to note that KB4535996 is an optional update, and it’s only affecting those users who installed the update manually on Windows 10 version 1909 or 1903.
“Devices using a manual or auto-configured proxy, especially with a virtual private network (VPN), might show limited or no internet connection status in the Network Connectivity Status Indicator (NCSI) in the notification area. This might happen when connected or disconnected to a VPN or after changing state between the two,” the company says. In addition, Microsoft explains that “devices with this issue, might also have issues reaching the internet using applications that use WinHTTP or WinInet.”
According to the company (via ZDNet) says that restarting the computer might resolve the issue, and a permanent fix is expected to be available in the coming weeks as an optional update through the Microsoft Update Catalog.
How to remove update KB4535996 from Windows 10
Alternatively, if the KB4535996 update is causing issues on your device, you can always uninstall it to revert the changes.
To uninstall update KB4535996, use these steps:
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Open Start.
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Search for Command Prompt and click the top result to open the app.
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Type the following command to view the update history and press Enter:
wmic qfe list brief /format:table
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Check the Windows Update history of your device, and identify the update by its HotFixID and InstalledOn information.
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Type the following command to uninstall the update from your computer and press Enter:
wusa /uninstall /kb:4535996
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Click the Yes button.
- 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.
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].