Windows 10 security update requires some major changes - experts only need apply

Windows 10 Logo on Laptop
(Image credit: Shutterstock - Wachiwit)

Microsoft’s latest security patch has caused quite a few headaches in the IT community, with admins having to choose between two “evils”.

In its most recent Patch Tuesday release, the Redmond software giant included a fix for the BitLocker bypass vulnerability for Windows 10. This fix addressed the problem in which BitLocker’s encryption could easily be bypassed by simply using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to access the files.

Now, Tom’s Hardware reports that some users are experiencing an update failure error when trying to install the patch. Microsoft was made aware of the flaw and is allegedly working on a fully automated update. However, until that happens, admins can either leave their endpoints vulnerable, or go through a “potentially risky partition resizing procedure”.


Reader Offer: Save up to 68% on Aura identity theft protection

Reader Offer: Save up to 68% on Aura identity theft protection
TechRadar editors praise Aura's upfront pricing and simplicity. Aura also includes a password manager, VPN, and antivirus to make its security solution an even more compelling deal. Save up to 50% today. 

 Preferred partner (What does this mean?) 

Reconfiguring the system

The patch is tracked as KB5034441 and was designed for Windows 10 21H2 and 22H2.

According to Microsoft, the patch sometimes fails because the recovery partition sizes vary across different systems. Hence, if the device doesn’t have enough space on the recovery partition, the patch will fail. In that case, the system returns a message saying “Windows Recovery Environment servicing failed. (CBS_E_INSUFFICIENT_DISK_SPACE).”

If you’re really eager to get the patch installed, Microsoft says it can be done with a few changes to the system configuration. By manually resizing the partition and adding some 250MB to it, admins can make sure the patch gets installed. However, the process is lengthy and includes plenty of command line work. Furthermore, Tom’s Hardware warns, there is a possibility of things going terribly wrong during the disk partition structure adjustment. “Thus, it would be advisable to create a system disk image backup before trying to resize the WinRE partition manually,” it says.

Given the importance of the patch and the size of the problem, it’s safe to assume that Microsoft will have a new patch released sooner rather than later.

More from TechRadar Pro

Sead is a seasoned freelance journalist based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He writes about IT (cloud, IoT, 5G, VPN) and cybersecurity (ransomware, data breaches, laws and regulations). In his career, spanning more than a decade, he’s written for numerous media outlets, including Al Jazeera Balkans. He’s also held several modules on content writing for Represent Communications.

Read more
A laptop with the Windows 11 desktop on screen, glowing, while on a work desk
Are you unable to get security updates for Windows 11 24H2? Here’s the likely reason why, and the fix to get your PC safe and secure again
Representational image of a cybercriminal
Microsoft discovers five potentially damaging attacks against its own software
Angry businessman destroying his desk and laptop with a baseball bat
New patch for Windows 11 24H2 reportedly plays havoc with File Explorer, and some folks are claiming it's broken their PC
A Windows 11 laptop sitting on a desk in front of a window
Microsoft warns its January Windows updates may fail if this Citrix software is installed
A hacker wearing a hoodie sitting at a computer, his face hidden.
Microsoft patches three worrying security flaws in its latest critical update, so update now
Representational image of a cybercriminal
Microsoft just patched a host of worrying security issues, so update now
Latest in Security
Data Breach
Thousands of healthcare records exposed online, including private patient information
China
Juniper patches security flaws which could have let hackers take over your router
Representational image depecting cybersecurity protection
GitLab has patched a host of worrying security issues
Ai tech, businessman show virtual graphic Global Internet connect Chatgpt Chat with AI, Artificial Intelligence.
AI agents can be hijacked to write and send phishing attacks
China
Volt Typhoon threat group had access to American utility networks for the best part of a year
Abstract image of cyber security in action.
MassJacker malware targets those looking for pirated software
Latest in News
Super Mario Odyssey
ChatGPT is the ultimate gaming tool - here's 4 ways you can use AI to help with your next playthrough
Ray-Ban smart glasses with the Cpperni logo, an LED array, and a MacBook Air with M4 next to ecah other.
ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from Twitter's massive outage to iRobot's impressive new Roombas
Brad Pitt looks over his right shoulder with 'F1' written behind him
Apple Original Films will take you behind-the-scenes of a racing cockpit in this new thrilling F1 movie trailer
AI writer
Coding AI tells developer to write it himself
Reacher looking down at another character from the Prime Video TV series Reacher
Reacher season 3 becomes Prime Video’s biggest returning show thanks to Hollywood’s biggest heavyweight
Finger Presses Orange Button Domain Name Registration on Black Keyboard Background. Closeup View
I visited the world’s first registered .com domain – and you won’t believe what it’s offering today