The KB5044285 update for Windows 11, released in October 2024, is a cumulative update designed to address multiple security vulnerabilities and performance issues, particularly for users running Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2. As a part of Microsoft's Patch Tuesday rollout, this update is mandatory and includes crucial fixes to bolster system security while resolving previously identified bugs.
Key Features of KB5044285
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Security Updates: As part of Microsoft’s ongoing effort to protect systems from emerging threats, KB5044285 includes security fixes for vulnerabilities identified in previous months. This update ensures that critical components, such as Windows Kernel, Windows Identity Protection, and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, receive important patches to mitigate risks.
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Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements:
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Microsoft Defender for Endpoint: This update resolves synchronization issues with Work Folders that failed to sync when the endpoint protection was active.
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Outlook and Encrypted Email Apps: KB5044285 addresses an issue where users were repeatedly prompted to enter their credentials when accessing encrypted emails, reducing the number of unnecessary PIN prompts.
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Copilot Pro Subscription Management: Users can now manage their Copilot Pro subscriptions directly from the Settings menu under the Accounts section, offering better user experience and streamlined subscription management.
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Task Manager Freezes: For users experiencing Task Manager or Microsoft Edge freezes, this update provides a fix to improve the overall performance of these essential system tools.
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Other Notable Enhancements:
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The update improves power efficiency by recommending turning off High Dynamic Range (HDR) displays to conserve energy when appropriate.
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A new mouse pointer precision option has been introduced, which allows users to disable enhanced mouse precision in the settings, providing more control over their system’s input behavior.
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A battery alert has been introduced, reminding users to charge their devices when the battery reaches 20%, with Energy Saver set to "Always On."
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*** Important - Reinstall Windows 11 - 23H2
If you Windows 11 - 23H2 installed -
Uninstall 23H2 by running the below commands
Open CMD as admin
Type wusa /uninstall /kb:5027397 (this will uninstall 23H2)
Restart Device
Install PC health Check - https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/how-to-use-the-pc-health-check-app-9c8abd9b-03ba-4e67-81ef-36f37caa7844
Then Install Windows 11 Installation Assistant - https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
​You should now found KB5044285 is installed ​
Common Issues Reported with KB5044285
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Despite its intended benefits, the KB5044285 update has been plagued by a variety of issues for some users, including installation failures and post-installation performance problems.
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Installation Failures: Some users reported encountering error codes such as 0x800736b3, 0x80070005, and 0x8007371b during the installation process. These errors typically result in the update either failing to install or getting stuck at certain completion percentages (e.g., 40%, 90%) before reverting back to previous system states.
Workaround: One common solution is to manually download the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog. This bypasses potential errors caused by automated installation through Windows Update. Additionally, running a system file checker (SFC) scan or using the Windows Update Troubleshooter can help resolve underlying issues with the update process.
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Performance Issues Post-Installation: Several users reported performance issues after the update, such as slow system response, issues with OpenSSH services, and problems with Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. Some users found that the sshd service failed to start after the update, with no clear error logs indicating the source of the problem.
Fix for OpenSSH Issues: A workaround for the OpenSSH problem involves renaming or deleting the C:\ProgramData\ssh\logs directory. This solution appears to restore the sshd service functionality.
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System Rollback and Looping Issues: For some, the update process causes their systems to repeatedly roll back the update and attempt to install it again. This issue can be particularly frustrating, as the system may get stuck in a cycle of failed installations.
Workaround: Clearing the Windows Update cache and restarting the update process can often resolve these looping errors. This can be done by stopping the Windows Update and BITS services, deleting the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder, and restarting the services before attempting the update again.
How to Manually Install KB5044285
If you're facing issues with automatic installation, follow these steps to manually download and install the update:
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Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog.
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Search for "KB5044285".
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Download the correct version for your operating system (e.g., 64-bit or ARM64).
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Run the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions.
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Restart your computer to complete the process.
Alternatively, you can use the Media Creation Tool to perform a system update while preserving your personal files.
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How to Uninstall KB5044285
If the update causes significant performance issues or breaks functionality, you can uninstall it by following these steps:
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Open Settings and navigate to Update & Security.
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Go to Windows Update and click View Update History.
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Select Uninstall Updates.
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Find KB5044285 in the list and click Uninstall.
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Restart your system to roll back the update.
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Understanding KB5044285: Overview, Issues, and Installation Troubleshooting