The latest Windows fix weighs even more PCs on which an antivirus is installed

The last major Windows update broke some systems on which particular antivirus software was installed, and the situation seems to be getting worse.

Earlier this week, we reported that Microsoft had discontinued updates to Windows PCs running Sophos and Avast security solutions as a result of user complaints that their computers were crashing or crashing. did not start. Since then, the list of known issues related to the unauthorized update has itself been updated to recognize compatibility issues with Avira and ArcaBit antivirus installed, with Microsoft also blocking updates on affected systems. . Today, Ars Technica found that Microsoft is currently investigating the compatibility issues of the systems on which McAfee antivirus is installed, even though it has not yet started to block the April 9 update. on these PCs.

Windows 7 and 8.1 computers may be affected by the bug, as well as some installations of Windows Server. Windows 10 computers do not seem to be affected.

Affected computers freeze altogether or begin to act abominably slowly when you try to connect to Windows. You can work around the problem by starting in safe mode, disabling your antivirus, and restarting your system normally.

If you need to do this, back up your computer's protection by activating Windows Defender in Windows 8.1 or by downloading Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows 7. Both of these programs provide free real-time security for your computer. You can also buy an antivirus solution from an unaffected provider.

Some of the affected antivirus vendors have already published workarounds or updates for the problem. Tracking Microsoft issues for borked update includes links to support pages created by AV vendors on this issue.

As noted by Ars Technica, the Avast and McAfee support pages suggest that the problem arises from changes to the way Windows handles its Client Server Execution Subsystem (CSRSS). Microsoft's DIY with the major components of the system has recently caused other headaches to software that plunge deep into your operating system. The preview versions of Windows Insider for the next major update of Windows 10, released in late May, have suffered from "Green Screens of Death" if you were running a game with built-in anti-cheat software. Microsoft has been working with anti-cheat software vendors such as BattlEye to fix the problem before the latest version of the May 2019 update.