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Windows 10: Microsoft fixes bug that blocked PCs from the internet

Microsoft has issued a patch to resolve problems caused by a Windows update last week, which had stopped some Windows 10 users getting online.
Written by Nick Heath, Contributor
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Last week's update caused a CDPSvc crash that prevented some devices from getting DHCP information from routers, essential for assigning a local IP address.

Microsoft has fixed a problem caused by a recent Windows update that stopped some PCs connecting to the internet.

The problematic update, pushed out by Microsoft last week, left some Windows 10 machines unable to get online, because they were unable to request a local IP address from routers.

On Tuesday, Microsoft released a security update that resolves the issue, which it says was caused by the CDPSvc, or Connected Devices Platform Service, crashing.

"We released an update on December 13 that will automatically install and resolve connectivity difficulties reported by some customers," a Microsoft spokesperson said.

"To receive the update, customers may need to first restart their PCs by selecting Start on the taskbar, clicking the Power button, and choosing Restart, not Shut down. Additional guidance can be found on our support forum here."

The problem affected various Windows users, with customers of major UK ISPs PlusNet and Virgin Media complaining about not being able to get online following last week's update.

The CDPSvc crash seemed to prevent PCs from getting Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) information from routers, a necessary step when assigning a local IP address to a device.

The exact Windows update that caused these problems is unclear, although it may be KB3201845, released on December 9. In the notes for yesterday's fix, KB3206632, Microsoft said this update replaced KB3201845.

It is not the first time that Windows patches have caused issues for users. Earlier this year the Windows 10 Anniversary Update triggered complaints about frozen systems and broken webcams.

Unlike most other editions of Windows 10, the Home edition can't defer receiving updates for several months, to wait for any early issues to be ironed out.

A group of Windows 10 Home users has petitioned Microsoft to allow them to delay when updates are applied.

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