KB4041689 marks the end of support for Windows 10 version 1511

If you’re still running Windows 10 version 1511 on your computer, perhaps it’s time to upgrade your OS. Microsoft recently pushed the last Windows 10 version 1511 update to the public, marking the end of support for the OS.

Update KB4041689 brings a series of bug fixes to Universal CRT that blocked executable files from running, patches memory corruption issues, and adds many security improvements to various Windows components.

KB4041689 changelog

• Addressed issue where the Universal CRT _splitpath was not handling multibyte strings correctly, which caused apps to fail when accessing multibyte filenames.

Addressed issue where the Universal CRT caused the linker (link.exe) to stop working for large projects.

Addressed issue where the MSMQ performance counter (MSMQ Queue) may not populate queue instances when the server hosts a clustered MSMQ role.

Addressed issue with the Lock Workstation policy for smart cards where, in some cases, the system doesn’t lock when you remove the smart card.

Addressed issue where, when using Conditional Access with Azure Active Directory, authentication fails.

Addressed issue with form submissions in Internet Explorer.

Addressed issue where messages that should be in a non-English language display in English in Internet Explorer.

Addressed issue where USBHUB.SYS randomly causes memory corruption that results in random system crashes that are extremely difficult to diagnose.

Security updates to Microsoft Windows Search Component, Windows kernel-mode drivers, Microsoft Graphics Component, Internet Explorer, Windows kernel, Microsoft Edge, Windows Authentication, Windows TPM, Microsoft PowerShell, Windows Wireless Networking, Windows Storage and Filesystems, Microsoft Windows DNS, Microsoft Scripting Engine, Windows Server, Device Guard, and the Windows SMB Server.

Windows 10 version 1511 end of service

As we already stated at the beginning of this article, KB4041689 is the last update that Microsoft released to Windows 10 version 1511. In other words, devices running this OS version will no longer receive monthly security and quality updates.  If you continue using Windows 10 version 1511, your computer will no longer be protected against the latest security threats.

Upgrading your PC to the latest OS version available is extremely important. In this manner, you can stay one step ahead of hackers and avoid malware and ransomware attacks.

To continue receiving security and quality updates, we recommend upgrading to Windows 10 Creators Update as soon as possible. For more information on how to install the Creators Update and fix possible download issues, check out the articles below:

• Download the Windows 10 Creators Update’s official ISO files
• Unable to download Windows 10 Creators Update [Fix]