Security Update (KB5077181) causing ping and packet loss issues.

Question

There's 2 similar posts to this, but I need further assistance, I'll list them below.
post 1 (microsoft q&a)
post 2 (reddit)

| I've tried a lot of diagnostics and troubleshooting, from basic stuff like power cycling my router-modem setup (ISP is spectrum), flushing dns, restarting network settings within windows (no I don't have any vpns installed)
I've used cmds like traceroute, pathping, ping to cloudflare, google dns, and specific game servers (to determine where the issue starts, to an extent).
--called my ISP, no issues on their end (allegedly), currently postponed a technician appointment till I'm confident it's an ISP issue to which it seems like it isn't as others are experiencing similar issues to me given this update.
--on latest drivers for all available network devices.

| in games like Valorant or Fortnite, I get consistent 1-2% packet loss, and total packets lost during the entire game amount to 500+, ping , and internet calls like ones on discord experience buffer and my ping exceeds numbers of 100ms, (even reaching 2000ms once), on all platforms and games.

| issues only started post-security update and I can't roll back unfortunately, nor uninstall the security update itself (even with terminal).
Did all the recommended steps in post 1.

Does anyone have any advice?
or do I need to wait on Windows to fix it themselves, and who knows when that'll be?

Answer 1

It seems that you are experiencing network connectivity issues, including packet loss and increased ping, which started after the installation of the security update (KB5077181). While I cannot provide a specific solution to this issue, I can suggest a few general troubleshooting steps that might help:

1. Update Network Drivers: Ensure that all your network drivers are up to date. You mentioned that you have the latest drivers, but it's worth double-checking.
2. Network Reset: Consider performing a network reset. This can sometimes resolve issues caused by updates. You can do this by going to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset.
3. Check Windows Defender Settings: If you are using Windows Defender, ensure that the settings related to the Network Protection feature are configured correctly, as they can sometimes interfere with network connectivity.
4. Use Alternative Testing Tools: Instead of relying solely on ping, try using Test-NetConnection in PowerShell or tracert to diagnose where the packet loss occurs. This can provide more detailed insights into your network path.
5. Monitor for Updates: Keep an eye on any further updates from Microsoft regarding this security update. Sometimes, subsequent patches are released to address issues introduced by previous updates.
6. Community Feedback: Since you mentioned that others are experiencing similar issues, consider participating in forums or communities where users discuss this update. They might share workarounds or solutions that have worked for them.

If the problem persists, you may need to wait for Microsoft to release a fix or consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance.

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References:

• Lost internet connectivity using VPN in Windows Defender Exploit Guard - Network Protection
• How to use Ping.exe to check your Microsoft Broadband Network Adapter