The KB5033375 cumulative update released as part of the December 2023 Patch Tuesday has led to widespread Wi-Fi connectivity issues on certain Windows 11 devices. Numerous user reports on platforms such as Reddit, Twitter, and Microsoft’s community forum highlight the problems, prompting advisories from universities recommending the uninstallation of the KB5033375 update. This advice extends to removing the optional cumulative update preview KB50532288 if installed. University advisories, like the one from the University of British Columbia, specify that the problem primarily affects enterprise wireless networks, particularly those with fast-transition/fast-roaming enabled for seamless device movement between access points.
The impact of the Wi-Fi connectivity issue appears to be specific to Windows 11 operating systems, particularly those running on version 22H2 or 23H2 feature releases. Windows 10 systems do not seem to be affected by this particular problem. As a temporary workaround, affected users are advised to uninstall both the KB5033375 Windows 11 December cumulative update and the related KB50532288 optional preview update. This involves accessing the Windows Update history, selecting the updates, and clicking the Uninstall button. Additionally, users are recommended to use the ‘Show or Hide Updates’ troubleshooter to hide the update, preventing it from appearing in the list of available updates.
Despite the widespread reports and advisories, there is currently no information on whether the Wi-Fi connectivity problems extend to specific models of wireless network adapters. Microsoft has not provided an immediate comment on the issue. The impact seems to be limited to enterprise wireless networks, with home users who have installed the updates not reporting similar Wi-Fi connectivity problems. The situation emphasizes the challenges and disruptions that can arise from software updates, leading to the need for prompt temporary solutions and user advisories.
