Issues Fixing the Spectre and Meltdown Situation

With the recent processor flaws discovered at the beginning of the year, coined Spectre and Meltdown, some significant updates have been put in place, but not without issues.

Microsoft has been pushing Windows updates to address the processor vulnerabilities, as they always do when an issue is discovered, but many of the sixteen patches have currently been suspended. The company had been receiving reports that customers using AMD processing chips would brick their devices after installing the updates from Windows, getting the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). AMD and Microsoft are currently working together to build a patch for those utilizing AMD processing units.

Another issue with fixing The Spectre and Meltdown revolves around Antivirus software. Microsoft found during the testing stage of the patches that specific antivirus programs are the blue screen of death, due to the software being out of date. Users who have a lower version of their antivirus protection may knock out their devices when installing the new patches. It is recommended to ensure your antivirus programs are updated to the latest version before installing the Spectre and Meltdown fixes.

Sources:
Microsoft pauses AMD updates for Spectre and Meltdown after consumer issues
Microsoft yanks buggy Windows Meltdown/Spectre patches for AMD computers