Microsoft has released the KB4535996 update to address the Windows 10/11 Search box issue that has been causing frustration among users. This update specifically targets versions 1903 and 1909 of Windows.
But before we delve deeper into the KB4535996 update, allow us to take you through a quick journey to when the Search issue started.
The Problem with the Windows 10/11 Search Box
According to reports, the Search problem started when the Windows 10/11 May 2019 Update was released. Users who installed the said Windows 10/11 update were unable to search the web using the Search box.
A few months after the Search issue surfaced, Microsoft immediately rolled out an initial fix, noting that they have addressed the issue for a small number of users.
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November of the same year, Microsoft released another Windows update. But as with the May 2019 Update, it came bundled with more Search box issues. Although there were fixes that surfaced along the way, some issues have persisted.
What is KB4535996 for Windows 10/11?
The KB4535996 for Windows 10/11 is an update that aims to resolve the frustrating Search issue. And according to Microsoft, the latest update also addresses other known issues and bugs.
Here’s what KB4535996 can do for Windows 10/11 in a nutshell:
- It addresses an issue that keeps the Speech Platform application from launching for several minutes in a noisy environment.
- It addresses an issue that reduces the quality of images in the Windows Mixed Reality home environment.
- It improves the battery life of a computer while in Modern Standby mode.
- It addresses an issue that prevents any ActiveX content from loading.
- It addresses an issue that causes the Microsoft Narrator utility to stop working when a session takes longer than 30 minutes.
- It addresses an issue that keeps the Windows Search box from working properly.
- It addresses an issue that prevents the user interface of the printer settings to display properly.
- It fixes an issue that keeps some applications from accessing network printers.
- It addresses an issue that cause Remote Desktop sessions to disconnect due to a leak in system memory that occurs when a client window is maximized or minimized.
- It addresses an issue with certificate validation that causes the Internet Explorer mode to fail on Microsoft Edge.
How to Install KB4535996 on Windows 10/11
Before installing the KB4535996 Update on Windows 10/11, Microsoft strongly recommends that you install the latest Servicing Stack Update (SSU) first to avoid running into compatibility problems. SSUs are designed to improve the compatibility and reliability of the update process to identify and isolate potential issues while installing the Windows Update.
In most cases, the KB4535996 Update will be installed automatically. But you can do it manually by following the steps below:
Via Windows Update
- Go to Settings and select Update and Security.
- Click Windows Update.
- Navigate to the Optional Updates Available section. Here, you will find the download link to the update.
- Click on the link and download the update.
Via Microsoft Update Catalog
To get the standalone package for the KB4535996 Update, go to the official Microsoft Update Catalog website. From there, download the update and install it on your Windows 10/11 computer.
Via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
This update will automatically sync with Windows Server Update Services as long as you follow these Products and Classifications configuration:
- Product: Windows 10/11, version 1903 or later
- Classification: Updates
How to Uninstall the KB4535996 Update
If you suspect that the KB4535996 Update is only causing more problems on your Windows 10/11 device, you can always uninstall it.
Here’s how:
- Go to Start.
- Into the search field, input Command Prompt and click the first item on the list.
- Input the following command into the command line: wmic qfe list brief /format:table
- Hit Enter.
- Check the update history of your device. And then, enter this command to uninstall the update: wusa /uninstall /kb:4535996
- Press Enter.
- Hit Yes to confirm your action.
- Continue with the on-screen prompts.
Final Thoughts
At the moment, there are no known issues with the KB4535996 Update. But if any arises in the coming days, we know that Microsoft will immediately work on that.
To prevent further issues on your Windows 10/11 device, it is wise to install a reliable PC repair tool. It will leave your device running fast and performing at its best as it finds and fixes any issues that affect your computer’s speed and stability.