Windows 10 fixes for Meltdown and Spectre are breaking some AMD computers
Fixes for Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities don't do much good if they render the "fixed" computer unusable in the process.
That's the problem facing an unknown number of PC owners using AMD processors. It's been almost a week since Microsoft rolled out the KB4056892 security update for Windows 10, and some AMD users are reporting system freezes after installing it.
This is most apparent in a lengthy forum thread on Microsoft's website which, as of this writing, spans 17 pages. Computers equipped with AMD processors -- apparently, it's older ones like Athlon and Semperon -- are no longer able to boot after installing the update. Rolling the system back using a restore point fixes the issue, some say, but only temporarily, as Windows 10 immediately attempts to reinstall the update.
A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed the issue in a statement provided to The Verge. According to the rep, the issue stems from AMD's documentation for the processors -- which Microsoft used to ensure support for the patch -- not lining with the physical reality of the affected chipsets.
Microsoft has reports of customers with some AMD devices getting into an unbootable state after installing recent Windows operating system security updates. After investigating, Microsoft has determined that some AMD chipsets do not conform to the documentation previously provided to Microsoft to develop the Windows operating system mitigations to protect against the chipset vulnerabilities known as Spectre and Meltdown.
Now aware of the issue, Microsoft has since taken action to stop this from happening until a fix can be devised. Nine Windows 10 security updates in total represent a threat to AMD systems, and they're all being withheld from affected machines pending a solution, according to Data Breach Today.
There's no timeline for the release of that fix, but it probably won't be a long turnaround given the threat posed by Meltdown and Spectre.
Topics Cybersecurity Microsoft Windows
Adam Rosenberg is a Senior Games Reporter for Mashable, where he plays all the games. Every single one. From AAA blockbusters to indie darlings to mobile favorites and browser-based oddities, he consumes as much as he can, whenever he can.Adam brings more than a decade of experience working in the space to the Mashable Games team. He previously headed up all games coverage at Digital Trends, and prior to that was a long-time, full-time freelancer, writing for a diverse lineup of outlets that includes Rolling Stone, MTV, G4, Joystiq, IGN, Official Xbox Magazine, EGM, 1UP, UGO and others.Born and raised in the beautiful suburbs of New York, Adam has spent his life in and around the city. He's a New York University graduate with a double major in Journalism and Cinema Studios. He's also a certified audio engineer. Currently, Adam resides in Crown Heights with his dog and his partner's two cats. He's a lover of fine food, adorable animals, video games, all things geeky and shiny gadgets.
