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Windows 8.1 Update 1 delayed for businesses using Windows Server Update Services

Windows 8.1 Update 1 went live earlier this week, but you may not see it for a while if you’re a business attempting to grab it by using Windows Server Update Services. Microsoft has temporarily made the update unavailable via WSUS. According to Microsoft, the rollout was halted due to a bug in the new update that prevents users from detecting future updates when using the service.

Here’s how Microsoft describes the problem:

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“There is a known issue which causes some PCs updated with the Windows 8.1 Update (KB 2919355) to stop scanning against Windows Server Update Services 3.0 Service Pack 2 (WSUS 3.0 SP2 or WSUS 3.2) servers which are configured to use SSL and have not enabled TLS 1.2.”

MORE: We go hands on with Windows 8.1 Update 1

Though Microsoft has suspended automatic downloads through WSUS, users can still install the update manually via MDSN or the Windows Update Catalog, but Microsoft recommends that those who have not downloaded the update to hold off until Redmond issues another update that rectifies the issue. However, Microsoft also says that you can get around the problem by enabling Transport Layer Protocol (TLS) 1.2, or disabling HTTPS on WSUS. Should you opt to turn HTTPS off, Microsoft states that you can re-enable it once they release the patch that deals with this issue.

It’s currently unclear when Microsoft’s patch for this problem will be released. Windows 8.1 Update 1 adds a few new features, including a power button for the Start screen, the ability to run Modern UI apps in the desktop, and more.

What do you think? Sound off in the comments below.

Mike Epstein
Associate Editor, Gaming
Michael is a New York-based tech and culture reporter, and a graduate of Northwestwern University’s Medill School of…
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