KB5026372 did cause or coincide with credible VPN failures on some Windows 11 22H2 PCs, especially when using the built-in L2TP/IPsec client. Users reported immediate disconnects, lost internet access and unusably slow connections after the May 9, 2023 update. Microsoft did not list VPN failure as a confirmed known issue, so verify the update and timeline before removing anything. Install later updates first; use rollback only as a controlled, temporary troubleshooting step.
What KB5026372 was
KB5026372 was the May 9, 2023 security cumulative update for Windows 11 version 22H2, all editions. It moved systems to OS build 22621.1702 and was bundled with servicing-stack update 22621.1626. Microsoft also changed Windows Update behavior by adding the “get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” control and made Kernel-mode Hardware-enforced Stack Protection driver-compatibility changes. The official bulletin is at Microsoft’s KB5026372 page.
This is now a historical, version-specific problem. In 2026, a current Windows 11 failure is not automatically related to this obsolete 22H2 update. Confirm that the computer actually installed KB5026372 and that the symptom began afterward.
Which problems were linked to the update?
VPN failures reported by users
Microsoft Q&A discussions describe recurring failures with Windows’ built-in VPN, most clearly L2TP/IPsec:
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- The connection authenticates, then drops immediately.
- The VPN connects but internet access disappears.
- Download performance becomes extremely slow.
- Corporate or internal Windows VPN connections become unusable.
- Removing the update restores normal operation for some users, until Windows reinstalls it or a later cumulative update.
These reports are documented in Microsoft Q&A and a related Microsoft discussion. They are community reports, not a complete Microsoft-confirmed defect list. The result can depend on protocol, authentication, VPN server, profile, firewall, security software and other updates. Do not assume every commercial VPN or every Windows release is affected.
Issues Microsoft officially documented
The KB page listed two other problems:
- Some Chinese and Japanese users experienced intermittent speech recognition, expressive input and handwriting failures, particularly with offline speech recognition.
- Certain 32-bit, large-address-aware applications using the
CopyFileAPI could fail to save, copy or attach files. Microsoft noted increased risk when commercial or enterprise security software was present; 32-bit Word or Excel could display “Document not saved.”
Microsoft said later updates addressed these issues: KB5026446 fixed the language-input problem and KB5027231 fixed the 32-bit application problem. Details are in the official support article.
Claims that need caution
Search results also associate KB5026372 with slowness, RDP black screens, BitLocker prompts, disabled services, app crashes, flickering and gaming stutter. Those claims are anecdotal and are not established here as KB5026372 defects. Investigate drivers, security software, profiles, firmware, later updates and hardware before blaming this update.
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Confirm that KB5026372 is involved
Check Update History
- Open Settings.
- Choose Windows Update, then Update history.
- Expand Quality updates.
- Look for KB5026372 and record every newer cumulative update listed.
Check the Windows build
- Press
Win + R. - Enter
winverand press Enter. - Confirm whether the system is Windows 11 22H2 and whether the build is 22621.1702 or later.
A later cumulative update may have superseded KB5026372, or the machine may have been upgraded, reimaged or already rolled back. The visible oldest update is not automatically the cause.
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- Did the VPN or application work before installation?
- Did failure begin after the update and reboot?
- Do other computers using the same VPN fail?
- Does another network, protocol or VPN client work?
- Does the issue disappear in a controlled rollback test and return after Windows updates again?
Fix the problem in the least disruptive order
1. Install current Windows updates
Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates, install available quality updates, restart and test again. The goal is a supported current build, not restoration of an obsolete 2023 package. Later updates specifically addressed the documented language-input and 32-bit application problems.
2. Test the VPN independently
- Confirm whether only the built-in Windows VPN fails.
- Re-enter the credentials and pre-shared key.
- Verify protocol and authentication settings with the VPN administrator.
- Try another internet connection.
- Test the same profile on another device.
- Check for a current VPN client, protocol or server configuration from the provider.
This distinguishes a Windows update regression from a certificate, firewall, driver, server or profile change.
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3. Consider Routing and Remote Access only as an experiment
Some users reported that enabling Routing and Remote Access restored the built-in VPN. It is not an official Microsoft fix and is not appropriate for every workstation.
- Press
Win + R, enterservices.mscand press Enter. - Find Routing and Remote Access.
- Record its original startup setting.
- With administrator approval, set the required startup mode under your organization’s policy and start the service.
- Reboot and test the VPN.
Do not change unrelated services blindly. If this does not help, restore the original state; enabling a routing service can alter the machine’s networking and security posture.
Remove KB5026372 temporarily
Rollback is reasonable only when the update is confirmed, the failure began afterward, later updates do not resolve it, the function is business-critical and you have a recovery plan. Removing a security update creates a temporary security trade-off.
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Use Settings first
- Open Settings → Windows Update → Update history.
- Select Uninstall updates.
- Locate KB5026372, choose Uninstall and restart.
- Retest the VPN or application and record the result.
The combined servicing-stack and cumulative package may not be removable with the normal Windows Update Standalone Installer. Microsoft says wusa.exe /uninstall /kb:5026372 will not work for that combined package, although community users reported it worked on some systems. Treat it as non-universal rather than a standard fix.
Use DISM when Settings cannot remove it
Open an elevated Command Prompt and first list installed packages:
DISM /online /get-packagesCopy the exact cumulative-update package name from the output, then run:
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DISM /online /remove-package /packagename:<exact-package-name>Do not guess or hard-code a package name. It varies with edition, architecture, language and servicing state. Microsoft’s removal guidance is included in the KB article.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Prevent an immediate reinstall while testing
If Windows reinstalls the update and the symptom returns, use Settings → Windows Update → Pause updates only long enough to complete diagnosis and coordinate with IT. Pausing is not a permanent repair and leaves the device without current security fixes. Managed computers should follow organizational change control instead of a user-initiated rollback.
When uninstalling is unavailable
Use Windows Recovery Environment
If the system becomes unbootable, enter Windows Recovery Environment and choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Uninstall Updates → Uninstall latest quality update. Availability depends on the recovery configuration. Have the BitLocker recovery key ready because servicing or recovery can trigger a key prompt.
Escalate managed devices
Corporate users should involve the IT and VPN administrators before changing services, removing updates or altering security controls. Preserve update history, build number, VPN protocol, error messages and test results.
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Why the update may not be the cause
- KB5026372 is not installed, or the machine never ran Windows 11 22H2.
- The failure started long after installation.
- Only one VPN profile, server, provider or computer is affected.
- A later cumulative update is installed and the issue persists.
- The VPN server, certificate, firewall, security product, network driver or ISP changed.
In these cases, keep the system updated and troubleshoot the specific component instead of rolling back Windows.
Practical decision guide
| Situation | Best next step | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| No confirmed KB5026372 installation | Troubleshoot the actual symptom | Avoids unnecessary rollback |
| One PC has a VPN problem | Check profile, drivers, firewall and service state | Diagnosis takes longer but is safer |
| Several PCs using built-in L2TP/IPsec fail after the same update | Test a later build or controlled rollback | Rollback temporarily reduces security |
| Settings allows uninstall | Remove, reboot and test | Windows may reinstall it |
| Settings blocks uninstall | Use DISM with the exact package name | More technical and easier to misuse |
| BitLocker is enabled | Locate the recovery key before servicing | Recovery may require the key |
The Bottom Line
KB5026372 is a credible suspect when a Windows 11 22H2 PC develops built-in L2TP/IPsec VPN failures immediately after installation, but VPN failure was not an official Microsoft-listed known issue. Verify the KB and timeline, install later updates, test the VPN configuration, and reserve DISM or rollback for a documented, recoverable case.
Quick Recap
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