The latest Windows security updates are causing problems. We’ve typed that several times over the past few months, but this time the situation is a little different. Security patches for Windows 10 and 11 both lead to Wi-Fi issues, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t update your device.
On the face of it, this is a problem you want to avoid. As Microsoft has confirmedversion KB5014699 (Windows 10) and KB5014697 (Windows 11) cause the Wi-Fi hotspot function to stop working altogether. Not only can you not set it up, the internet connection to your device may also drop, with no option to reconnect.
All of the following core versions of Windows are affected:
- Windows 11 version 21H2
- Windows 10 release 21H2
- Windows 10 release 21H1
- Windows 10 version 20H2
- Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019
- Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2016
- Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB
- Windows 8.1
- Windows 7 SP1
Just like on a phone, the Wi-Fi hotspot feature is used to broadcast your connection to other devices. This is great if your PC supports 4G or 5G, but it can also serve as an extension to your home Wi-Fi connection, bringing more areas within range.
Not being able to use the feature is annoying, but crucially, it doesn’t affect connecting to another device’s hotspot. If you rely on your phone’s mobile data when the broadband goes down, it will still work.
This is one of the reasons why updating your device makes a lot of sense. Unless you’ve enabled mobile hotspot in the past, the issue probably won’t affect you.
In addition, Microsoft recommends a simple solution. Just go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Hotspot and click the switch to the ‘Off’ position.
But without a doubt, the biggest reason to still update your device is the serious security bug to watch out for. The ‘Follina’ vulnerability uses malicious Microsoft Word documents to take control of your PC, install programs, collect personal information, or create new user accounts. Read more in our special article†
In comparison, the problems with Wi-Fi hotspots are not nearly as serious. They will likely be fixed by Microsoft in the July security patches anyway.
On Windows 11, you can completely avoid the problem by: download the 22H2 update early† Bugs are still likely, but this doesn’t seem like it.