2024-01 Security Update: Essential Windows 10 Fixes

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2024-01 Security Update: Essential Windows 10 Fixes

Quick Summary: This article provides essential fixes for common issues arising from the January 2024 Windows 10 security update, focusing on the 22H2 version. We’ll guide you through simple steps to resolve driver problems, system glitches, and performance hiccups, ensuring your PC remains secure and runs smoothly.

Hello there! If you’re a Windows 10 user, you might have noticed that after the January 2024 security update rolled out, perhaps things aren’t running quite as smoothly as they used to. It’s totally normal for the occasional hiccup to pop up after an update, especially when security is the top priority for Microsoft. These updates are super important for keeping your computer safe from online threats, but sometimes they can cause small issues with your hardware or software. Don’t worry, though! I’m here to help you get everything back on track. We’ll walk through some easy, step-by-step fixes together that don’t require you to be a tech wizard. Let’s dive into how we can get your Windows 10 PC running perfectly again after this update.

Understanding the January 2024 Windows 10 Security Update

Microsoft releases security updates regularly to patch vulnerabilities and protect your system from malware and other online dangers. The January 2024 update, particularly for Windows 10 version 22H2, aimed to bolster these defenses. While the primary goal is security, these updates can sometimes interact unexpectedly with existing drivers or software, leading to minor performance issues or unexpected behavior. Think of it like a tune-up for your car – mostly it makes things better, but sometimes a new part might need a little adjusting.

It’s crucial to understand that these security updates are not optional for maintaining a safe computing experience. They are designed to protect your personal data, your financial information, and your overall system integrity from evolving threats. Ignoring them can leave your computer vulnerable.

Common Issues After the January 2024 Security Update

Based on feedback and common user experiences, some of the issues folks might encounter after this update include:

  • Driver Conflicts: Certain hardware drivers might not be fully compatible with the updated system, leading to devices not working correctly (e.g., sound, Wi-Fi, printers).
  • Performance Slowdowns: Your PC might feel a bit sluggish, taking longer to start up or open applications.
  • Application Errors: Some programs might crash or behave erratically.
  • Display Glitches: You might see odd visual artifacts or issues with screen resolution.
  • Blue Screen of Death (BSOD): In rare cases, critically errors can occur, leading to a blue screen and a system restart.

If you’re experiencing any of these, you’re not alone. The good news is that most of these issues are fixable with a few simple steps.

Essential Fixes for Your Windows 10 PC

Let’s get your system back in top shape! I’ll guide you through each step clearly, so you can tackle these fixes with confidence.

Fix 1: Checking and Updating Drivers

Driver issues are one of the most common culprits after a Windows update. Drivers are small pieces of software that allow Windows to communicate with your hardware. If they’re outdated or corrupted, they can cause all sorts of problems.

How to Check and Update Drivers Manually

The easiest way to start is by checking Device Manager.

  1. Open Device Manager:
    • Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard.
    • Select Device Manager from the menu that pops up.
  2. Look for Warnings: In Device Manager, you’ll see a list of all your hardware. Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark next to them. This indicates a problem.
  3. Update a Driver:
    • Right-click on the device with the warning.
    • Select Update driver.
    • Choose Search automatically for drivers. Windows will try to find a compatible driver online.
  4. If Automatic Fails: If Windows can’t find a driver, you might need to visit your computer manufacturer’s website (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo) or the hardware component manufacturer’s website (e.g., NVIDIA, Intel, Realtek) to download the latest drivers for your specific model.

Automatic Driver Updates Through Windows Update

Sometimes, Windows Update itself offers driver updates, even outside of the main monthly security patches. You can check this:

  1. Go to Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Select Windows Update from the left-hand menu.
  4. Click on View optional updates.
  5. If you see a section for “Driver updates,” expand it and see if any relevant updates are listed. You can choose to download and install them from here.

Why this helps: Ensuring your drivers are up-to-date is like giving your hardware the latest instructions on how to work with the new Windows system. This is often the quickest fix for device malfunctions.

Fix 2: Rolling Back Problematic Drivers

In some cases, a newly updated driver might be the cause of the problem. If a specific device started misbehaving right after the January update, you might need to roll back its driver to a previous stable version.

  1. Open Device Manager (Windows key + X, then select Device Manager).
  2. Find the device that’s causing problems.
  3. Right-click on the device and select Properties.
  4. Go to the Driver tab.
  5. If the Roll Back Driver button is available, click it.
  6. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the rollback process.

Note: This option is only available if a driver was recently updated and a previous version is still stored on your system.

Fix 3: Running the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows has built-in tools to help diagnose and fix common problems, including those related to Windows Update itself.

  1. Go to Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Select Troubleshoot from the left-hand menu.
  4. Click on Additional troubleshooters.
  5. Find and click on Windows Update.
  6. Click Run the troubleshooter.

The troubleshooter will scan for issues and attempt to fix them automatically. This can resolve problems where updates aren’t installing correctly or causing system instability.

Fix 4: Checking for Specific Security Update Hotfixes or Rollbacks

Occasionally, Microsoft releases a quick fix, or “hotfix,” for a critical issue discovered shortly after a major update. Or, if an update is causing widespread problems, they might offer a way to uninstall it temporarily. While less common for monthly updates than major feature releases, it’s worth knowing about.

How to Check for Known Issues and Hotfixes:

  1. Visit the official Microsoft Support website: Microsoft Support.
  2. Search for the specific update (e.g., “January 2024 Windows 10 update KB number”). You can find the KB number by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history.
  3. Look for any known issues and potential resolutions or hotfixes listed for that update.

How to Uninstall a Problematic Update (Use with Caution):

If you’re certain the January update is causing your problems and other fixes haven’t worked, you can uninstall it. However, remember that uninstalling security updates can leave your system vulnerable. Only do this if you have a plan to reinstall it later or have confirmed the issue is resolved by a subsequent patch.

  1. Go to Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Select Windows Update.
  4. Click on View update history.
  5. Click on Uninstall updates.
  6. Look for the January 2024 update (it will likely have a KB number).
  7. Select the update and click Uninstall.
  8. Follow the prompts and restart your PC.

Note: Windows might try to reinstall the update. You can temporarily pause updates if needed, but it’s best to re-enable them once a corrected version is available.

Fix 5: Running System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

These command-line tools are powerful for repairing corrupted Windows system files that might have been affected by an update.

Using System File Checker (SFC):

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
    • Click the Start button.
    • Type cmd.
    • Right-click on Command Prompt in the search results.
    • Select Run as administrator.
  2. sfc /scannow
  3. Press Enter. This will scan all protected system files and replace corrupted ones with a cached copy. It can take some time, so be patient.

Using Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM):

DISM can fix corruption in the Windows image file itself, which SFC uses as its source. It’s often recommended to run DISM before SFC if SFC encounters issues.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (as described above).
  2. Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. The RestoreHealth command can take a while and might seem like it’s stuck, but let it run. It will use Windows Update to download and replace corrupted files.
  4. After DISM finishes, run sfc /scannow again.

When to use these: If your system is unstable, applications are crashing frequently, or you suspect system files have been damaged, these tools are invaluable.

Fix 6: Optimizing Performance

If your PC just feels slow after the update, some general maintenance can help.

  • Disk Cleanup: This tool removes temporary files, system files, and other items you no longer need, freeing up space and sometimes improving performance.
    1. Search for “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu and open it.
    2. Select your C: drive.
    3. Click “Clean up system files” for a more thorough scan.
    4. Check the boxes for files you want to remove (Temporary Internet Files, Recycle Bin, Temporary files are usually safe to delete).
    5. Click OK.
  • Startup Programs: Too many programs starting with Windows can slow down your boot time and overall performance.
    1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
    2. Click on the Startup tab.
    3. Right-click on any non-essential programs (e.g., Spotify, Adobe Reader updater) and select Disable. Be cautious not to disable essential system processes or antivirus software.

Fix 7: Checking for Application Compatibility Issues

Some older applications might not be fully compatible with the latest Windows updates. If a specific program is crashing or not working, check its developer’s website for updates or compatibility information.

Often, you can also try running a program in compatibility mode:

  1. Right-click on the application’s executable file (.exe) or shortcut.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Go to the Compatibility tab.
  4. Under “Compatibility mode,” check “Run this program in compatibility mode for:” and select an older version of Windows (e.g., Windows 8 or Windows 7).
  5. Click Apply and OK.

Securing Your Windows 10 System

While fixing update-related issues, it’s always a good time to reinforce your system’s security. The January 2024 update was a proactive step, but ongoing vigilance is key.

1. Ensure Your Antivirus is Up-to-Date

Whether you use Windows Defender or a third-party antivirus, make sure its definitions are current. This ensures it can detect the latest threats.

  • Windows Defender: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection. Click “Check for updates” under Virus & threat protection updates.

2. Use a Strong Password and Consider Windows Hello

A strong, unique password is your first line of defense. If your PC supports it, Windows Hello (fingerprint or facial recognition) offers a convenient and secure login method.

3. Be Wary of Phishing

Even with a secure system, social engineering is a common attack vector. Be suspicious of unsolicited emails, links, or requests for personal information. Microsoft provides excellent resources on identifying and reporting phishing attempts: Microsoft Phishing Information.

4. Understand Windows Firewall

The Windows Firewall is enabled by default and plays a crucial role in blocking unauthorized access to your PC. Ensure it’s active.

  • Search for “Windows Defender Firewall” in the Start menu and open it.
  • Make sure it’s turned on for both private and public networks.

Windows 10 vs. Windows 11: Update Considerations

While this article focuses on Windows 10, it’s worth noting that Windows 11 also received its January 2024 security updates. The underlying principles of troubleshooting are similar: driver updates, system file checks, and checking for specific hotfixes apply to both operating systems. However, the locations for some settings might differ slightly between Windows 10 and Windows 11.

For example, on Windows 11, you’ll find Troubleshooters under Settings > System > Troubleshoot. Driver updates for Windows 11 can also be found under optional updates in Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.

Troubleshooting Table: Common Update Issues & Fixes

Here’s a quick reference guide to help you pinpoint solutions.

Symptom Likely Cause Primary Fix Secondary Fix/Check
Device not working (e.g., Wi-Fi, sound) Outdated or conflicting driver Update/Rollback Driver (Device Manager) Check Manufacturer Website, Windows Update optional drivers
PC runs slowly Background processes, temporary files, system strain Disk Cleanup, Disable Startup Programs Check Task Manager for high resource usage, consider RAM upgrade if consistently slow
Application crashes or errors Software conflict, corrupted system files, compatibility Run SFC/DISM, check for application updates Run program in Compatibility Mode, reinstall the application
Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Critical driver error, hardware failure, core system file corruption Roll Back Driver (if recent), run SFC/DISM, check Windows Update history for problematic update Test hardware components (RAM, Hard Drive), consider uninstalling the

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