News Overview
- Microsoft has released the KB5055612 preview cumulative update for Windows 10 versions 22H2, 21H2, and 20H2, containing several fixes and improvements.
- A key fix addresses a GPU-related issue within the Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL2) that could cause applications to crash or malfunction.
- The update also includes various other bug fixes related to printing, remote desktop connections, and memory leaks.
🔗 Original article link: Windows 10 KB5055612 preview update fixes a GPU bug in WSL2
In-Depth Analysis
The KB5055612 update is a non-security preview release, meaning it’s optional and primarily intended for users who want to test upcoming fixes before they are generally available in the next Patch Tuesday update. The most significant fix highlighted in the article pertains to GPU utilization within WSL2. Specifically, the update resolves a bug that could lead to application crashes or unexpected behavior when WSL2 instances attempted to utilize the GPU for tasks such as machine learning or graphical applications.
The article also mentions the following key fixes and improvements:
- Printing Fix: Addresses an issue preventing users from printing to certain printers using a Universal Printing Class Driver.
- Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) Fix: Resolved a problem that could cause RDC connections to fail.
- Memory Leak Fix: Rectified a memory leak issue related to the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) subsystem.
- Microsoft Distributed Transaction Coordinator (DTC) Fix: Addressed a memory leak related to DTC.
- Other General improvements: Addresses issues affecting Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS), printing with certain fonts, and task scheduler.
This update primarily focuses on fixing existing bugs and does not introduce new features. It’s important to note that preview updates may contain unresolved issues, so users should exercise caution when installing them on production systems.
Commentary
The GPU fix for WSL2 is a welcome addition. WSL2 has become a popular tool for developers and data scientists who want to run Linux-based applications within Windows, and GPU support is crucial for computationally intensive tasks. This fix should improve the stability and usability of WSL2 for users who rely on GPU acceleration.
The inclusion of other fixes, such as those related to printing and remote desktop connections, indicates Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the stability of Windows 10, despite the focus shifting towards Windows 11. Addressing memory leaks is also crucial for ensuring optimal system performance and preventing crashes.
While the update is optional, users experiencing the issues described in the article should consider installing it to resolve these problems. As a preview update, it’s advisable to monitor for any potential issues after installation.