Microsoft slips out patch to address glitch caused by earlier patch

Microsoft has slipped out a patch to get Windows 10 PCs back online after an earlier update caused networking disruption in people's computers around the globe.

Since the last week or so, systems in the UK, US, Europe and beyond automatically installed software from Microsoft via Windows Update that broke DHCP, making some computers unable obtain their LAN-side IP addresses from their broadband routers.

This resulted in taking them offline, along with their own local network. 

It was not clear, which Windows Update patch was the cause of the problem, as Microsoft prefers to keep the contents of each upgrade on its website vague. Microsoft also refused to identify the culprit download.

But The Register reported that KB3206632, released yesterday, as part of December's Patch Tuesday contained the following bug fix: "Addressed a service crash in CDPSVC that in some situations could lead to the machine not being able to acquire an IP address."

Meanwhile, Microsoft had also offered guidance to those experiencing difficulties.

"Some customers using Windows 10 have reported difficulties connecting to the internet," said a spokeswoman for Microsoft.

"As a first step, we recommend customers restart their PCs.

"If this does not resolve the problem, visit our website for further support."

A spokesman for Virgin Media said: "We're aware that some customers using Windows PCs are having issues getting online following a Microsoft Windows 10 update," said a spokesman for Virgin Media.

"We're in contact with Microsoft about this issue.

"In the meantime, we have published advice for our customers online.

"This issue affects anyone who wants to access the internet from a computer with the downloaded Windows 10 software update, regardless of the ISP."