Microsoft fixes Windows 10 Anniversary Update freezing issue

Microsoft has finally fixed the freezing issue, which users were experiencing after installing the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. The fix that is available via a cumulative update for Windows 10 has been released almost a month after the Anniversary Update was rolled out to users.

The company says it has received a small number of reports about the Windows 10 freezing issue. Although it did not reveal details as to how widespread the problem was, it said according to an investigation a small fraction of users who had moved their app information to a second drive encountered the issue. Much before Microsoft could release the official fix, there was a workaround available to fix the issue.

A cumulative build to Windows 10 Anniversary Update includes the fix for freezing issue, as noted on the Microsoft support forum. Bearing version KB3176938 and OS build 14393.105, the cumulative update adds various quality improvements and eliminates bugs. The development was noticed by folks over Neowin.

The company further advises users, who have uninstalled Windows 10 or the Anniversary Update because of the issue, to re-install the update. For re-installation using Windows Update Assistant, head over to the Windows 10 download page and click the Update Now button.

If you are still experiencing the freezing problem, check out the following options to resolve it.

Option 1: If you have a second administrator account on your PC, just sign into it and install the latest Windows 10 update that was released on 31 August. After installation is complete, just reboot the PC. You should be able to sign into your other account successfully. Note that it is assuming you have two drives and moved the app data to a second drive.

Option 2: Uninstall the Anniversary Update using the Go back feature. After uninstalling, re-install the update using the Windows Update Assistant. Below are a couple of methods to uninstall the Anniversary Update.

How to uninstall Windows 10 Anniversary Update: Using recovery console

• When the sign-in screen appears, hold Shift, at the same time select Power>> Restart
• After it restarts successfully, select Troubleshoot>> Advanced Options>> Go back to the previous build.

How to uninstall Windows 10 Anniversary Update: Using settings app from safe mode

• Restart your PC. When you see the sign-in screen, hold Shift, at the same time select Power>> Restart
• After it restarts with Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot>> Advanced options>> Startup settings>> Restart
• You should see a list of options, select 4 or F4 to start the PC in Safe Mode
• Go to Settings app. Select Update & security then the Recovery tab
• Click Get started button under Go back to an earlier build. Follow the on-screen instructions.

If both the above methods do not work, contact the Microsoft support site for further assistance.