Microsoft has released the KB5049981 cumulative update for Windows 10 versions 22H2 and 21H2. This is an important update, part of the January 2025 Patch Tuesday release advance Windows 10 build 19045.5371. The KB5049981 for Windows 10 22H2 primarily focuses on security enhancements, including an updated Kernel driver blocklist to mitigate Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attacks. Also, KB5050008 (OS Build 17763.6775) is available for Windows 10 version 1809 with a few security enhancements and updated Kernel driver blocklist. Because the focus is on security improvements, users are recommended to Download Windows 10 KB5049981 as soon as possible. Direct download links for Windows 10 KB5049981 offline installers are also available on the Microsoft Update Catalog.
After installation:
- Windows 10 22H2 will be updated to build 19045.5371.
- Windows 10 21H2 will be updated to build 19044.5371.
Since Windows 10 is no longer Microsoft’s primary operating system or priority, you won’t find any big changes in the latest updates or forthcoming cumulative releases. Microsoft recommends upgrade Windows 11 for free to get the latest features and enhancements
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Windows 10 KB5049981 update
Windows 10 KB5049981 primarily delivers security fixes. The key highlight is an updated Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist file (DriverSiPolicy.p7b).
[Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist file (DriverSiPolicy.p7b)] This update adds to the list of drivers that are at risk for Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD) attacks.
This blocklist contains a catalog of kernel drivers known to harbor vulnerabilities that can be exploited for privilege escalation within Windows. Threat actors often leverage these vulnerable drivers to gain elevated privileges, enabling them to install rootkits or disable security software like EDR and antivirus solutions. The updated blocklist aims to prevent these listed kernel drivers from loading, thus bolstering system security.
It also fixes a problem with the Sysprep /generalize command, which previously failed with error 0x80073cf when attempting to remove a package after its dependencies had already been removed.
Additionally, a glitch preventing Win32 shortcuts from properly backing up to the cloud in the app list backup has been resolved. The update also corrects a behaviour where dragging and dropping files from a cloud files provider folder resulted in a move instead of a copy.
For users replacing their motherboards, a critical issue preventing Windows from activating post-replacement has been fixed. Updates to the Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA) ensure mobile operator profiles are now up to date.
Lastly, a problem causing Windows to stop responding when using an Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) USB printer has been addressed, enhancing printing functionality.
Microsoft also acknowledged some known issues associated with the KB5049981 update:
- OpenSSH Service Issues: The update may prevent the OpenSSH (Open Secure Shell) service from starting, potentially disrupting SSH connections.
- Citrix Component Conflicts: Certain Citrix components may hinder the installation of this update. Specifically, devices with Citrix Session Recording Agent (SRA) version 2411 (released in December 2024) have been observed to experience installation problems. Microsoft’s support bulletin addresses this, advising users to check for updated Citrix components.
Download Windows 10 KB5049981
As with the other packages, Windows 10 KB5049981 downloads and installs on your device automatically. Only you need to reboot your device to apply the changes. Also, you can check manually for Windows updates or download the Windows 10 update offline package if you prefer to install updates manually.
- Search for updates and select Check for updates
- Windows update settings open, here click on the Check for updates button.
- You will notice KB5049981 started downloading, then hit the Install Now button
- Once done you need to restart your PC to apply these updates.
You can use the links below to download the KB5049981 offline package. And if you are looking for Windows 10 version 22H2 ISO image you can get it from here.
Windows 10 KB5049981 update Direct Download Links: 64-bit and 32-bit (x86).
The above link opens the Microsoft Update Catalog which is the public library of Windows Updates released in the past. You can click on the ‘Download’ button next to the version of Windows you’ve installed, and begin the download by clicking on .msu link which appears in the next pop-up.
If you encounter any problem installing these updates here read our Windows update troubleshooting guide.
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