Microsoft has released KB5021233 for Windows 10 versions 22H2, 21H2, 21H1, & 20H2 (Enterprise and Education editions). KB5021233 includes some fixes and many security patches for the operating system. When accumulated for the 4 Windows 10 versions, this update fixes a total of 57 vulnerabilities. However, the update does not include any new features. You can learn more about these security vulnerability fixes on Microsoft’s MSRC vulnerability guide. Note: Windows 10 version 21H1 has reached the End of Service on 13th December 2022. After this update, these devices will not receive monthly security and quality updates.
KB5021233 Release Summary
The table below gives a brief summary of the update and the updated OS builds:Article KBOS and VersionRelease DateUpdated OS BuildKB5021233Windows 10 22H213 Dec 202219045.2364KB5021233Windows 10 21H213 Dec 202219044.2364KB5021233Windows 10 21H113 Dec 202219043.2364KB5021233Windows 10 20H2 (Enterprise and Education editions only)13 Dec 202219042.2364December 2022 Patch Tuesday Summary for Windows 10
Fixes and Improvements in KB5021233
This update includes the same fixes and improvements that came with KB5020030. We have listed all the fixes here for your ease.
It provides the Quick Assist application for the client device.The search box now appears, by default, on the taskbar when the taskbar is at the top of your screen or when you turn on the small taskbar button mode.Cortana is no longer pre-pinned to your taskbar by default.[For Enterprise edition only] It provides a way to authenticate Azure Active Directory joined devices to determine if they are on a trusted network. This helps the Windows Defender Firewall to apply the right policies as configured by your organization.An issue that affects some devices that are managed by an enterprise is fixed. The reliability of app installations for them has been improved.An issue that affects cluster name objects (CNO) or virtual computer objects (VCO) has been addressed. The displayed error message was ” There was an error resetting the AD password… // 0x80070005”.Some persistent update failures for the Microsoft Store have been taken care of.The suspension of daylight saving time (DST) in the Republic of Fiji for this year is addressed.An issue that affects Microsoft Direct3D 9 (D3D9) is fixed. It caused D3D9 to stop working when using Microsoft Remote Desktop.An issue that affects certain printers is fixed. The print outputs were misaligned.An issue that might affect applications that run on the Windows Lock Down Policy (WLDP) is fixed. They stopped working.An issue that affects Microsoft Defender for Endpoint is fixed. Automated investigation blocks live response investigations.
With these improvements, there are also some known issues with this update.
Known Issues in KB5021233
Missing Microsoft Edge
An issue with the standalone (clean) installation of Windows 10 with this update is causing Microsoft Edge Legacy to be removed. However, it is not being replaced by the new Chromium-based Edge. This occurs only when Windows has a custom offline media or an ISO image installed that does not include the 29th March 2021 SSU update. Microsoft suggests that you either install the March SSU update through slipstreaming or simply update an existing OS through Windows Update, so you will not be facing this issue. Alternatively, you can simply download and install the new Microsoft Edge if you have already encountered this problem.
Apps using ODBC May Not Connect
After installing this update, apps that use ODBC connections through Microsoft ODBC SQL Server Driver (sqlsrv32.dll) to access databases might not connect. Additionally, you might receive one of the following error messages in the app:
The EMS System encountered a problem. Message: [Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver] Protocol error in TDS Stream.The EMS System encountered a problem. Message: [Microsoft][ODBC SQL Server Driver] Unknown token received from SQL Server.
To check if you are using an affected app, open the app that connects to a database. Open a Command Prompt window and run the following command: If the command lists a task, then the app might be affected. Currently, Microsoft has not given a fix for this issue. But hopefully, it will be resolved in a future update. After considering both the improvements as well as the known issues in this update, if you still feel like upgrading to this build, continue reading to learn how.
Download and Install Windows 10 KB5021233
This update can be installed through Windows Update and standalone installers. We have given the direct download links to the standalone installers below, using which you can install the update on your respective Windows 10 version, or you can simply update to the latest build using Windows Update through the given guide below.
Offline Installers
For Windows 10 Version 22H2
Download KB5021233 for Windows 10 Version 22H2 64-Bit [692.6 MB] Download KB5021233 for Windows 10 Version 22H2 32-Bit [359.9 MB]
For Windows 10 Version 21H2
Download KB5021233 for Windows 10 Version 21H2 64-Bit [692.6 MB] Download KB5021233 for Windows 10 Version 21H2 32-Bit [359.9 MB]
For Windows 10 Version 21H1
Download KB5021233 for Windows 10 Version 21H1 64-Bit [692.6 MB] Download KB5021233 for Windows 10 Version 21H1 32-Bit [359.9 MB]
For Windows 10 Version 20H2 (Enterprise & Education Editions)
Download KB5021233 for Windows 10 Version 20H2 64-Bit [692.6 MB] Download KB5021233 for Windows 10 Version 20H2 32-Bit [359.9 MB] To install the update, simply run the downloaded MSU file and Windows will automatically install the update. To download any other updates related to any of the above, please check the Microsoft Catalog.
Windows Update
To install this update via Windows Update, you need to be running Windows 10 version 22H2, 21H2, 21H1, or 20H2 (Enterprise or Education editions). To check your version of the operating system, type in winver in the Run Command box and press Enter. Once ensured you have the right OS version, perform the following steps to install KB5021233: Once the computer reboots, the update will be successfully installed. To confirm this, check the updated build number by typing in winver in the Run Command box.WIndows 10 22H2 successfully updated When it downloads, click Restart now.Restart PC
Rollback/Remove Windows 10 Cumulative Update
If you do not wish to keep the installed update for some reason, you can always roll back to the previous build of the OS. However, this can only be performed within the next 10 days after installing the new update. To roll back after 10 days, you will need to apply this trick.
Cleanup After Installing Windows Updates
If you want to save space after installing Windows updates, you can run the following commands one after the other in Command Prompt with administrative privileges:
Block KB5021233 from Installing
Since these are mandatory updates, they will download and install themselves on the schedule. If you want to block them from installing, temporarily or permanently, you can follow the steps below: If you want to unhide or show hidden updates, run the tool again and select Show hidden updates instead of “Hide updates.” The rest of the process is the same.
Final Analysis
Patch Tuesday updates are thoroughly vetted by Microsoft and other Insider users through feedback. Moreover, type C and D updates are also released prior to Patch Tuesday updates to address any remaining issues. Even so, the final update is not without its problems.
Windows 10 Patch Tuesday History
Also see:
February 2022 Patch Tuesday: KB5010342 for Windows 10 21H2, 21H1, 20H2Download KB5021255 & KB5021234 Patch Tuesday Updates For Windows 11 22H2 & 21H2Windows 10 Cumulative Update KB5009543 Released For 21H2, 21H1, 20H2Windows 10 Cumulative Update KB5008212 Released for 21H2, 21H1, 20H2, 2004Download Cumulative Update KB5006670 for Windows 10 v21H1, v20H2, and v2004
