windows 10 KB5049981 download

Today part of the January 2024 patch Tuesday update Microsoft has released Windows 10 KB5049981 and KB5050008 cumulative updates for versions 22H2 and 1809. The latest KB5049981 (OS build 19045.5371) for Windows 10 22H2 fixed activation issues after replacing a faulty motherboard on their OEM PCs. Today’s update is all about security fixes and improvements, It also introduces a new feature in the start menu that displays app suggestions from other developers. The update adds new drivers to the list at risk for BYOVD attacks, aiming to raise awareness and security around vulnerable drivers. What’s more, after installing this update have noticed Microsoft included a pop-up recommend upgrade to Windows 11.

Windows 10 KB5049981 is an important security update, and you should download and install the package as soon as possible. Microsoft has also published direct download links for Windows 10 KB5049981 offline installers to install it manually.

Windows 10 KB5049981 Release Summary:

  • KB Article: KB5049981 for version 22H2, KB5050008 for version 1809
  • OS Version: Windows 10 version 22H2 and version 1809
  • Build: OS Build 19045.5371, OS Build 17763.6775 (For version 1809)
  • Size: 671.3 MB (64 Bit) 380.1 MB (32 Bit), Download link
  • Release Date: January 14, 2025 Part of Microsoft patch Tuesday update.
  • What’s new: Start menu displays app suggestions from other developers, adds new drivers to the list at risk for BYOVD attacks, Microsoft included a pop-up to upgrade to Windows 11 and more.

The full list of January 2025 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 10:

Like previous Patch Tuesday releases, this Windows 10 update KB5049981 doesn’t come with any new features. Rather, the focus is on security, reliability improvements, and fixes across the board.

Note: Windows 11 was released as a free upgrade for eligible devices, check if your PC is eligible for the Windows 11 free upgrade

Windows 10 KB5049981 Download

Since Microsoft patch updates are mandatory updates, Windows 10 KB5049981 downloads and installs automatically. Once installed, you will need to restart the system for the changes to take effect.

To Download Windows 10 KB5049981 using Windows Update, follow the steps below:

  • Open Settings using Windows key + I. Click Update & Security then Windows Update.
  • In the right-hand pane, click on the Check for updates button. You will see the following patch, it automatically downloads and installs on your device.

2025-01 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 22H2 for x86-based Systems (KB5049981)

windows 10 KB5049981 download

Ensure your device is connected to stable internet to download update files from the Microsoft server. Once done you need to reboot your computer to apply changes.

Download Links for Windows 10 KB5049981

As usual, the patch can be installed from the Update Catalog as well here Windows 10 KB5049981 download Offline installer direct download links 64-bit and 32-bit (x86).

  • locate the patch next to the correct edition and version of the operating system.
  • To install the update, simply run the downloaded MSU file and Windows will automatically install the cumulative update.

So what exactly is Windows 10 KB5049981?

Windows 10’s Build 19042.5371 brings several new features and improvements, fixes, and unfortunately, some new problems. One of the more noticeable changes is the introduction of a “Recommended” section in the Start menu. This feature suggests apps from other developers, which, while not technically advertising, can definitely feel like it. Thankfully, if you find it intrusive, you can easily disable it in the Start settings.

On the security front, this update adds more drivers to the list of those vulnerable to BYOVD (Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver) attacks, a move aimed at increasing awareness of this security risk.

Interestingly, Microsoft also included a pop-up promoting upgrade to Windows 11, but it backfired by crashing for some users.

Beyond the new features, this build addresses several important bugs. A particularly frustrating issue where copying files with cloud storage services would sometimes move them instead of copying them has been resolved.

The update also fixes a problem with Win32 app shortcuts not being backed up to the cloud and addresses an activation issue that arose after users replaced their computer’s motherboard.

However, the update isn’t without its own set of problems. Some users have reported that the OpenSSH service fails to start after installing the October 2024 security update, effectively preventing SSH connections. The service simply fails without providing any error messages, requiring users to manually start the sshd.exe process. Another significant issue affects devices with certain Citrix components, specifically the Citrix Session Recording Agent (SRA) version 2411. These devices may encounter problems installing the January 2025 security update, especially if they’re running the December 2024 release of that Citrix version.

Microsoft is collaborating with Citrix to find a solution, and they’ve promised to provide updates as soon as one is available. So, while this update brings some welcome fixes and features, it also introduces a couple of notable issues that are still being investigated and resolved.

Uninstall Windows 10 KB5049981

If installing KB5049981 causes issues on your device you can uninstall the update to revert the changes.

Uninstall KB5049981 using the Windows Update History tool

  1. Go to Windows Settings (Windows key + I) –> Update & Security –> Windows Update.
  2. From the right-hand pane, click on View Update History.
  3. Now click on Uninstall updates.
  4. Select Update for Microsoft Windows (KB5049981) and press the Uninstall button.

Uninstall KB5049981 using command-line

Another quick way to uninstall this update is by using the command prompt. Here are the commands:

  1. Open Command Prompt (Run –> cmd)
  2. Run the following command:
    wmic qfe list brief /format:table
  3. This will show all the updates installed on the computer. Make sure KB5049981 is on the list.
  4. To uninstall the update, run the following command
    wusa /uninstall /kb:5043064

The system needs to be restarted after uninstalling the update.

In addition, Microsoft has noted Windows 10 version 21H2 reached end of service means devices no longer receive monthly security and quality updates that contain protection from the latest security threats. Microsoft recommends Install the latest version 22H2 or Upgrade to Windows 11

Windows 10 KB5050008 what’s new?

KB5050008 (OS Build 17763.6775) for Windows 10 version 1809 also brings a few bug fixes and improvements. Microsoft noted that this update addresses security issues for your Windows operating system. It also update adds to the list of drivers that are at risk for Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attacks.​​​​​​​

Microsoft noted two known issue, OpenSSH (Open Secure Shell) service fails to start, preventing SSH connections. Company noted you can temporarily resolve the issue by updating permissions (ACLs) on the affected directories.

  1. Open PowerShell as an Administrator.
  2. Update the permissions for C:\ProgramData\ssh and C:\ProgramData\ssh\logs to allow full control for SYSTEM and the Administrators group, while allowing read access for Authenticated Users. You can restrict read access to specific users or groups by modifying the permissions string if needed.Use the following commands to update the permissions:$directoryPath = “C:\ProgramData\ssh” $acl = Get-Acl -Path $directoryPath $sddlString = “O:BAD:PAI(A;OICI;FA;;;SY)(A;OICI;FA;;;BA)(A;OICI;0x1200a9;;;AU)” $securityDescriptor = New-Object System.Security.AccessControl.RawSecurityDescriptor $sddlString $acl.SetSecurityDescriptorSddlForm($securityDescriptor.GetSddlForm(“All”)) Set-Acl -Path $directoryPath -AclObject $acl
  3. Repeat the above steps for C:\ProgramData\ssh\logs.

Another noteworthy problem affects devices using specific Citrix components, particularly Citrix Session Recording Agent (SRA) version 2411. Microsoft has acknowledged this issue and is actively collaborating with Citrix to develop a solution, promising to provide updates as soon as one is available.

If you experience problem installing Windows 10 updates or the update stuck download here are a few solutions.

Also read:

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Steve Ballmer
Steve Ballmer
With over 7 years of experience in the IT industry, I have experience in IT support, helpdesk, sysadmin, network admin, and cloud computing. Certified in Microsoft Technologies (MCTS and MCSA) and also Cisco Certified Professional in Routing and Switching.

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