Twist of irony: Win8.1 update blocking updates for some users

In a twist of irony, an update to the latest version of Microsoft's Windows operating system that is needed to receive further updates could be blocking those updates instead.

Microsoft said the issue with Windows 8.1 Update (KB 2919355) may cause machines to stop scanning some servers running Windows Server Update Services 3.0 Service Pack 2.

In a blog post, it said the problem may occur if the servers are configured to use SSL and have not enabled TLS 1.2.

"Microsoft plans to issue an update as soon as possible that will correct the issue and restore the proper behavior for Windows 8.1 Update KB 2919355 scanning against all supported WSUS configurations. Until that time, we are delaying the distribution of the Windows 8.1 Update KB 2919355 to WSUS servers," it said.

It also suggested some workarounds, including temporarily disabling HTTPS on WSUS until it releases an update that resolves the issue.

Security expert Graham Cluley, who formerly worked for Sophos, said this was a twist of irony as the Windows 8.1 update "required for all future updates can actually STOP all future updates!"

"You know that Windows 8.1 update that you must install to get future updates? The one that if you choose not to install, you won’t get any future updates? Well, it turns out that if you install that update you might actually not get any future updates. ... Like I said, oh dear. Kinda embarrassing," he said. — Joel Locsin/VC, GMA News