Are you having issues with the Windows 10 April 2018 update? Here are some common problems

Arif Bacchus

Windows 10 new hero wallpaper

We’ve already documented the issues many have faced with Google Chrome and Cortana in the Windows 10 April 2018 Update, but there are many problems that go beyond that. From issues with Alienware devices and File Explorer locking up, and more, here are some common problems with the latest Windows 10 OS update (via Computer World.)

File Explorer crashes

According to this Reddit thread, some users are seeing an issue where File Explorer is crashing every so often. The issue is linked to Windows Timeline, and the way in which it has to sync to the cloud. There are two temporary solutions, including turning off syncing activities or editing the registry to disable Timeline.

BSOD when updating

Another group of users on Reddit are reporting a BSOD when updating to the Windows 10 April 2018 Update via Windows Update. The codes change for some users every time, and the most common appears to be Critical_Proccess_Died.  The issue occurs on a variety of devices, including the Surface Laptop, HP laptops, or Acer laptops.

Alienware devices lock up:

Some users on the Microsoft Answers forum are reporting that the Windows 10 April 2018 Update causes their Alienware devices to lock up. The problem appears to be linked to an alert which says “Some apps need to be uninstalled. These programs need to be uninstalled because they aren’t compatible with the upgrade: Hybrid laptops with discrete GPU connected to the display.” Microsoft is blocking some Alienware devices from getting the update completely because there is a known issue that may cause these devices to show a black screen when exiting battery slaver mode.

Meltdown and Spectre patches are gone?

Noted by AskWoody, is not clear if the Windows 10 April 2018 Update keeps the same Meltdown and Specture patches that were included in the Fall Creators Update. Microsoft has not said much about the subject, and a security bulletin for the patches has not been updated.

Other issues which have been documented across social media include: the mouse cursor being slow, disk drives letters being scrambled, and running out of space on the local disk. We’re hoping most of these issues can get addressed in the upcoming May 8th Patch Tuesday update, but for now, users with these problems will have to try workarounds or just roll back to the Fall Creators Update. Let us know in the comments if you’re having any issues with the Windows 10 April 2018 Update so far.