Windows 11 April Update Breaks Backup Software (Fix)

Robert Moore · 2026-04-30

If you're running Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 and suddenly your backup software stopped working, you're not alone. The April 2026 KB5083769 security update has caused major headaches for users relying on third-party backup tools. This update, meant to patch critical security flaws, ended up breaking backup applications from several major vendors. Users report seeing errors like "backup failed" or "device not recognized" right after installing the update. ### What's Actually Happening? The core issue seems to be a conflict between the update and how backup software interacts with Windows' Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS). VSS is crucial for creating snapshots and backups. The update changed some permissions and API calls, which broke compatibility. Here's what's affected: - Backup jobs that fail to start or complete - Error messages about missing or inaccessible drives - Software that worked perfectly before the update - Systems on both Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2  ### Which Backup Tools Are Impacted? While not every tool is broken, reports from users and forums indicate several popular backup applications are having trouble. This includes both free and paid software, some costing over $100 per year. - Acronis True Image users report failures on scheduled backups - Macrium Reflect is showing VSS errors - EaseUS Todo Backup has issues with system image creation - Some built-in Windows backup features also seem affected > "I've been using the same backup software for three years without a single issue. After the April update, nothing works. My last full backup was two weeks ago, and now I'm worried." — User on a tech forum ### How to Fix the Problem Before you panic, there are a few things you can try. Microsoft hasn't released an official fix yet, but the community has found some workarounds. **Option 1: Uninstall the Update** If you absolutely need your backups to work right now, you can remove KB5083769. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall Updates. Find KB5083769 and uninstall it. Your system will be less secure until a patch comes out, so weigh that risk carefully. **Option 2: Run Backup Software as Administrator** Some users found that running their backup tool with admin rights bypassed the issue. Right-click the software's shortcut and select "Run as administrator." **Option 3: Check for Software Updates** Your backup vendor might have already released a patch. Check their website for updates that specifically mention compatibility with Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 and KB5083769. **Option 4: Use a Different Backup Method** If you're stuck, consider using a manual copy method for critical files. It's not as automated, but it beats losing data. For example, you can copy important documents to an external drive or cloud storage manually. ### What About Antidetect Browsers? You might be wondering why an antidetect browser specialist is talking about Windows updates. Here's the connection: if you rely on antidetect browsers for managing multiple accounts or protecting your digital privacy, a broken backup system is a serious risk. Your browser profiles, cookies, and settings could be lost if something goes wrong. Make sure your antidetect browser's data is backed up separately. Most antidetect browsers let you export profiles or save them to a cloud service. Don't depend solely on system-level backups right now. ### Looking Ahead Microsoft is aware of the issue and is working on a fix. Expect a patch in the next few weeks. In the meantime, keep an eye on official Windows update channels. If you can't wait, uninstalling the update is your best bet. For now, check your backup software regularly. Test a small backup to see if it works. And if you use antidetect browsers, double-check that your profiles are safe. Data loss is no joke, especially when you're managing multiple online identities.