A known bug has forced Microsoft to stop distribution of 8.1 Update for WSUS

Apr 9, 2014 07:41 GMT  ·  By

Windows 8.1 Update was officially released yesterday, but Microsoft has already discovered a bug that forced the company to stop distribution of the pack to WSUS servers.

Redmond said in a blog post that some issues with Windows 8.1 Update are causing a number of computers to stop scanning against Windows Server Update Services 3.0 Service Pack 2 (WSUS 3.0 SP2 or WSUS 3.2) servers, which are configured to use SSL and have not enabled TLS 1.2.

“Only users who have enabled HTTPS and have not enabled TLS 1.2 on their WSUS 3.2 servers and who are also using these WSUS 3.2 servers to manage PCs running the Windows 8.1 Update KB 2919355 are affected by this issue. Please note, while we do recommend the use of HTTPS on WSUS servers, HTTPS and TLS 1.2 are not enabled by default,” Microsoft explained.

The company has thus decided to temporarily suspend the distribution of Windows 8.1 Update, which comes in the form of KB 2919355, until a permanent fix is found. In the meantime, whoever, those who have already deployed the new pack of improvements can try one of the following workarounds:

For WSUS 3.2 on Windows Server 2008 R2

Enable TLS 1.2 (follow the instructions under More Information > SCHANNEL\Protocols subkey) Disable HTTPS on WSUS

For WSUS 3.2 on other operating systems than Windows Server 2008 R2

Disable HTTPS on WSUS

Once an update addressing this issue is released, you’re recommended to re-enable HTTPS on WSUS, the company said.

“Microsoft plans to issue an update as soon as possible that will correct the issue and restore the proper behavior for Windows 8.1 Update KB 2919355 scanning against all supported WSUS configurations. Until that time, we are temporarily suspending the distribution of the Windows 8.1 Update KB 2919355 to WSUS servers,” the tech giant said in the blog post rolled out this morning.

Of course, there still are some different ways to download the Windows 8.1 Update, but Microsoft recommends all organizations to suspend the deployment of the new build until a permanent patch is being delivered.

Windows 8.1 Update was officially released yesterday and is being shipped to users via Windows Update, but it can also be downloaded manually using the links provided by Microsoft. Obviously, everyone is recommended to get it through Windows Update to avoid a deployment method that takes a lot more time and involves several other patches released by the company.