Windows 10 emergency update fixes Office 365, Microsoft Teams internet issues

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Microsoft is once again floundering to keep Windows 10 running safely and reliably. The company's latest stopgap is an emergency update to fix a Windows 10 bug that has been causing connectivity issues, as ZDNet reports

Windows 10 users are having difficulty connecting to the internet when using certain productivity programs, including Office 365 (soon to be Microsoft 365), Microsoft Teams and Outlook. The problem affects PC users and servers updated after Feb 27 that use a proxy, especially with a VPN. 

Microsoft originally said a patch for the connectivity problems would be available in early April. It beat that estimate, and you can now update your system manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog

The update isn't being released automatically to all users. Rather, Microsoft recommends that only people affected by the connectivity problems should manually install the optional patch. 

"An out-of-band optional update is now available on the Microsoft Update Catalog to address a known issue whereby devices using a proxy, especially those using a virtual private network (VPN), might show limited or no internet connection status,"  according to a note in the Microsoft Message Center

The timing of the connectivity issues couldn't be worse as the world shifts to a work-at-home lifestyle to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Office 365 is relied upon by millions of people working in various industries. When Microsoft Teams, Office, Outlook and Edge can't connect to a server, it can have a crippling impact on workforces. 

Phillip Tracy

Phillip Tracy is the assistant managing editor at Laptop Mag where he reviews laptops, phones and other gadgets while covering the latest industry news. After graduating with a journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin, Phillip became a tech reporter at the Daily Dot. There, he wrote reviews for a range of gadgets and covered everything from social media trends to cybersecurity. Prior to that, he wrote for RCR Wireless News covering 5G and IoT. When he's not tinkering with devices, you can find Phillip playing video games, reading, traveling or watching soccer.