Windows 10 update - here's what to do if you’ve downloaded the faulty update

Microsoft has found itself under fire after a new update has been crashing users' computers.

Microsoft recently pushed its customers to abandon the older versions of Windows by cutting them off from all future updates.

While the issue has now been partially corrected, users who were quick to download the new update may find themselves facing some serious system problems as a result.

Here's what went wrong and what to do if you have been affected.

Why is the new patch causing problems?

The specific element causing problems is the security update called KB4524244, which arrived as part of a group of patches on Tuesday 11 February.

Users have been experiencing system freezes and crashes since the update arrived, which Microsoft has now confirmed are being caused by KB4524244.

There have also been reports of files being lost and of the “Reset This PC” function being broken by the new update.

The issues are not limited to just one version of the operating system, but have been found across all iterations of Windows 10, including Home, Server and Enterprise.

After discovering the problem, Microsoft pulled the new update, ensuring that no-one else will download it.

A message posted by the company on the Windows 10 Health Dashboard read: “This standalone security update has been removed and will not [be] re-offered from Windows Update, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) or Microsoft Update Catalogue”