14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just acknowledged a new issue in Windows 10 cumulative update KB4489899, which was released this week as part of the March 2019 Patch Tuesday.
KB4489899 increases the OS build number to 17763.379 and comes with major security fixes, including for a zero-day discovered in Windows 10. Additionally, it resolves a gaming performance degradation bug that was introduced by the previous cumulative update.
The original KB article pointed to three different known issues in cumulative update KB4489899, but Microsoft updated the page earlier today to reveal that a fourth problem was discovered as well.
Microsoft explains that the Patch Tuesday update could cause additional issues for Internet Explorer users – keep in mind that the company itself recommended against using Internet Explorer as the main browser, directing users to Microsoft Edge on Windows 10.
“After installing this security update, Custom URI Schemes for Application Protocol handlers may not start the corresponding application for local intranet and trusted sites on Internet Explorer,” Microsoft explains.
The bug also exists in cumulative updates shipped this month for other Windows 10 versions, including KB4489868 for Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803).
Fix coming at a later time
The workaround is as easy as it could be. Microsoft notes that what users should do to avoid this bug is to right-click the URL link to open it in a new window or tab.
The company reveals that it is already working on a fix, and this should be released in an upcoming update. While no specifics were provided on the ETA, I expect the bug to be resolved as part of the April 2019 Patch Tuesday cycle.
We already know that new cumulative updates for Windows 10 would be shipped later this month, but given this new bug is likely to hit only a small number of devices, Microsoft doesn’t probably consider it a priority. The late-March cumulative updates would only include non-security fixes and performance improvements for Windows 10.