Windows 11 KB5026372 is causing a lot of issues, how to fix it

Many users are experiencing problems after installing cumulative update KB5026372 for Windows 11, including Blue Screen of Death errors and malfunctioning VPN connections. This is a required cumulative update for those who aren't aware. Microsoft Windows 11 build 22H2, published just last year. It's been updated to fix a race condition in LAPS and add support for the secure Kernel-mode Hardware-enforced Stack Protection. This revision looks good on paper, but it has some serious flaws. KB5026372 is, according to feedback in our discussion forums and Reports on Reddit. For instance, there have been reports of issues with VPN connections, especially L2TP/IPsec VPN. L2TP is commonly used by businesses to enable VPN connections for their customers, and it does so by employing an encryption protocol. Some users have reported a significant slowing of transfer speeds, while others have had trouble downloading files via sftp while connected via an L2TP/IPsec VPN. Users told us they had tried reinstalling WAN, flushing DNS, turning off IPv6, and even turning off the Windows Firewall, but none of these measures had any effect. An additional user mentioned that they were forced to perform a full wipe and Windows reinstall after BitLocker activated as a result of the update and the subsequent automatic repair loop. Some users have also reported that after installing the updates, Windows shut down without prompting them to do so. Because of these issues, many users are frustrated and looking for workarounds, which raises questions about the update's stability and reliability.

KB5026372 issues in Windows 11

The broken grey and black boxes have returned to Windows Security, adding to the previously reported issues with VPN connections. Windows Security was compromised in March after an update to Windows Defender, but a patch was released in April. Despite being fixed in April, the Windows Security app is broken again as of Patch Tuesday, May 2023. In addition, despite months of effort, the TPM detection and core isolation settings continue to be unusable. Due to this, some of you may receive an The local security shield is down. Your gadget could be at risk. Please try the following if you continue to receive Windows Security warnings:

1. Launch RegEdit.exe to access the registry.
2. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlLsa is the name of the registry key (lsa) you need to access.
3. In the registry, edit the Lsa key so that its value reads "RunAsPPL" =dword:00000001. An LSA feature configuration UEFI variable will be set up. To configure this feature without a UEFI variable on Windows 11 22H2, use "RunAsPPL" =dword:00000002.
4. Simply reboot the machine.

This will enable the LSA feature without disabling the warning, and you can safely ignore Windows Security warnings. The following are alternative methods for removing the error message:

• To do this, launch Registry Editor and navigate to the same folder, but this time add a new entry labeled "RunAsPPLBoot" =dword:00000001.
• Restart.

Users have reported issues with the May 2023 update's installation and other aspects on Feedback Hub. One user, for instance, noted The monthly Cumulative Update, version KB5026372 in this case (2023-05), has failed for three consecutive months. All Windows system files were inspected, and neither of the error-checking command-line tools turned up any problems. Another user said, "I also removed Software Distribution and the standalone installer from the catalog." noted.

Windows Task Manager's search field is broken.

During our tests, we also discovered a flaw in the Task Manager whereby searches for programs like Roblox and Kaspersky return results from Chrome or Edge. Only Windows 11 22H2 installations are impacted by this issue. The Feedback Hub's performance has also been subpar, with the app moving at a snail's pace. However, Microsoft has yet to acknowledge the problems. However, users can fix the issue by uninstalling the update and pausing further updates. Here's what you need to do to remove the update:

• Start, then go to Settings, and then Windows Update.
• Select Updates in History > Remove Updates.
• Find the KB number's update and delete it.
• You can undo the update and return to the previous version by following these instructions.

It should be noted that other problems do not appear to affect the vast majority of users, unlike the VPN issue. The Windows 11 May 2023 Update brings numerous changes and enhancements in the taskbar clock, and a lot more besides. Importantly, the update now allows you to enable early access to feature updates via a toggle in Settings > Windows Update.

Source: https://thewindowsfan.com/windows-11-kb5026372-is-causing-a-lot-of-issues-how-to-fix-it/