Windows 10 KB5048652 update fixes new motherboard activation bug

Microsoft has released the KB5048652 cumulative update for Windows 10 22H2, which contains six fixes, including a fix that prevented Windows 10 from activating when you change a device's motherboard.

The Windows 10 KB5048652 update is mandatory as it contains Microsoft's December 2024 Patch Tuesday security updates.

Windows users can install this update by going into Settings, clicking on Windows Update, and manually performing a 'Check for Updates.'

However, as this update is mandatory, it will automatically start installing in Windows once you check for updates. To make this more manageable, you can schedule a time when your computer is restarted to finish the installation.

After installing this update, Windows 10 22H2 will be updated to build 19045.5131 and Windows 10 21H2 will be build 19044.5131.

Windows 10 users can also manually download and install the KB5048652 update from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Microsoft also warns that there will be no Windows 10 preview updates in December due to the holidays. The preview updates will resume in January 2025.

What's new in Windows 10 KB5048652

The KB5048652 update includes fixes for numerous bugs in Windows 10, including one that prevented Windows 10 from activating after you replace a device's motherboard.

This update includes a total of six fixes, which are listed  below:

• [Sysprep /generalize] Fixed: This command fails with error 0x80073cf. This occurs when you try to remove a package after you have already removed its dependencies.

• [App list backup] Fixed: Win32 shortcuts might not back up to the cloud.

• [Copy cloud files] Fixed: When you drag and drop files from a cloud files provider folder, it might result in a move instead of a copy.

• [Motherboard replacement] Fixed: Windows does not activate after you replace a motherboard.

• [Country and Operator Settings Asset (COSA)] Fixed: This update brings profiles up to date for certain mobile operators.

• [Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) printer] Fixed: Windows stops responding when you use an IPP USB printer.

Microsoft says they are not aware of any issues with this update.

A complete list of fixes can be found in the KB5048652 support bulletin and last month's KB5046714 preview update bulletin.