14 DAY TRIAL // If you’re a Microsoft enthusiast, you most likely know that you shouldn’t rush to install the updates that the company releases on Patch Tuesday because some of them are actually doing more harm than good.
And this month, KB3038314 is living proof that Microsoft still has a hard time testing patches internally before releasing them into the wild, as many users are now reporting that it fails to install on their Windows 7 computers.
KB3038314 is part of a cumulative security update for Internet Explorer 11, so it’s easy to see why so many users are actually trying to install it to no avail. Given the fact that Windows 7 is currently the world’s number one OS version on the desktop and IE11 is the default browser, the number of users who have a hard time deploying it is growing every day.
Right now, it appears that the installation fails with error code 80092004, which doesn’t say too much to users, but should help Microsoft develop a fix before it’s too late.
Only happening on Windows 7 64-bit
The update is only aimed at systems running Windows 7 64-bit, so if you’re using any other version of Windows, be it Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you’re in luck.
Here’s how one of the users getting the error describes the problem:
“After the update fails there is a failure code of 80092004 displayed and a message that says ‘Windows Update encountered an unknown error.’ I have tried the Microsoft Fixit Tool and uninstalling IE 11 and reinstalling.”
Needless to say, Microsoft is aware of these reports, but the company hasn’t provided any sort of information until now, so your only option is to wait until a working version of the patch is released. The company hasn’t yet pulled the patch, which is proof that installation works as it should on other systems.
Update 1: it appears that some of the users who manage to install the update are getting another error that prevents them from using Google Search in Internet Explorer.
Update 2: a company employee confirmed the KB3038314 issues and says that a fix is being prepared as we speak.
Update 3: possible workaround for KB3038314 issues found.
Update 4: the Windows team has managed to find the cause of the problems and is now working on a fix.
Update 5: Microsoft has publicly acknowledged the issue and said that a fix is on its way. No other release specifics were provided.
Update 6: Microsoft finally rolled out a fix, so everyone should check Windows Update for the new bulletin.