Windows 10 KB4535996 update is causing sleep problems and degrading performance

When Microsoft released the KB4535996 update for Windows 10, it was supposed to fix problems with search and printing. But, as has become something of a recurring theme, the update has been causing problems of its own for users.

Myriad reports have come in of issues with sleep, BSoD errors, and a reduction in system performance following the installation of the optional update.

See also:

• Microsoft starts rolling out new icons to all Windows 10 users
• Microsoft releases KB4535996 update to fix Windows 10 search and printing problems
• Microsoft is making it harder and harder to use a local account in Windows 10

While Microsoft is yet to acknowledge that there is a problem, its forums are filled with people complaining about problems with KB4535996. Those who have run into trouble report that uninstalling the KB4535996 update fixes the problem, which would seem to suggest that it is to blame.

On Twitter, one user complains about sleep problems:

@MicrosoftHelps Since the latest Windows 10 updates, KB4537572 and KB4535996, my computer is waking itself from sleep every couple of hours. Didn't do this prior to updates. Ideas?

— Tim Thrash (@TimThrash) March 7, 2020

And they are not alone. There are numerous similar reports to be found online. On Microsoft's Answers website, there are many comments from disgruntled Windows 10 users about not only sleep issues, but also a drop in performance, an inability to enter safe mode, boot problems and more.

With Microsoft yet to admit that there is anything wrong, the only course of action available to those experiencing problems is to uninstall KB4535996.