Microsoft released Windows 10 1903 cumulative update KB4515384 on September 10. The monthly cumulative update has resulted in a number of issues, including a Search and Start menu problem, audio issues, and apparently connectivity bugs too.
The Windows maker has updated the list of known issues, acknowledging that certain devices with some Intel and Broadcom WiFi adapters "will no longer be able to use any Wi-Fi connections." Microsoft says this is a Windows 10 1903 issue, pushing the company to put a compatibility hold on the affected devices. Users have confirmed that they have been using the latest Windows 10 version 1903 without any problems and only the recent cumulative update introduced this compatibility issue.
In its support document, Microsoft explains the problem (emphasis is ours):
Safeguard on certain devices with some Intel and Broadcom Wi-Fi adapters
Microsoft and NEC have found incompatibility issues with Intel Centrino 6205/6235 and Broadcom 802.11ac Wi-Fi cards when running Windows 10, version 1903 on specific models of NEC devices. If these devices are updated to Windows 10, version 1903, they will no longer be able to use any Wi-Fi connections. The Wi-Fi driver may have a yellow exclamation point in device manager. The task tray icon for networking may show the icon for no internet and Network & Internet settings may not show any Wi-Fi networks.
"To safeguard your update experience, we have applied a compatibility hold on the affected devices from being offered Windows 10, version 1903," the company added.
Microsoft has recommended users not to attempt to manually install Windows 10 1903 using the Update now button or the Media Creation Tool until the company has addressed the bug. The company also said that it's working with NEC on a resolution.
How to fix Windows 10 1903 connectivity issues after installing the latest cumulative update
If you are experiencing connectivity issues on Windows 10 version 1903, you can try disabling and then re-enabling the WiFi adapter. Here is how to do that:
- Go to Settings > Device Manager (search for Device Manager and it will be the top result).
- Expand Network Adapters.
- Right-click the Intel wireless adapter that is causing the issue and select the Disable device option.
- Click the Yes button to confirm.
- Right-click the same Intel wireless adapter again, and select the Enable device option.
- Restart your machine.
If this doesn't work out, you can also uninstall the latest Windows 10 1903 cumulative update KB4515384 that has created this problem. We shared the steps earlier in this guide, which will work with this update, as well.
Microsoft is clearly knee deep in quality control problems with version 1903 being the second consecutive major upgrade being hit by issues after issues. The company has promised to focus on performance and stability with the release of the upcoming Windows 10 version 1909, which isn't bringing any new features. The next version is currently being tested by Insiders in the Slow and Release Preview rings and will be delivered as a cumulative update.
