A seemingly routine security update for Windows 11, released a few weeks ago as KB5083769, has quickly become a source of frustration for many users. While intended to bolster system defenses, the update has instead triggered a cascade of unexpected problems, ranging from frustrating inconveniences to potentially devastating data access issues.
Initial reports detailed alarming incidents of BitLocker lockouts, trapping users out of their own systems, and relentless boot loops that prevented Windows 11 from starting at all. Adding to the chaos, a bug affecting Remote Desktop connections further complicated matters, disrupting remote access for countless individuals and businesses.
Now, as May unfolds, the scope of the KB5083769 fallout continues to expand. A growing number of users are discovering conflicts between the update and a diverse array of popular third-party backup solutions, including well-regarded programs like Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud, Macrium Reflect, NinjaOne Backup, and UrBackup Server.
The root of these backup failures appears to lie within a critical Windows service known as the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS). This service is fundamental to modern data protection, creating instantaneous snapshots of files that enable seamless and reliable backup recovery – but KB5083769 has introduced a bug that disrupts its functionality.
For those experiencing backup failures after installing the update, the current recommended solution is a temporary one: uninstalling KB5083769. This restores functionality to affected backup programs, but leaves systems vulnerable to the security threats the update was originally designed to address.
The timeline for a permanent fix remains uncertain. Microsoft has yet to announce a specific date for a patch addressing the VSS bug, leaving users in a precarious position – balancing the need for data security with the ability to reliably protect their valuable information.
