Microsoft has released a hotfix for the Windows 10 operating system that resolves an issue where some users are not able to access their account settings. The hotfix is available through the Microsoft Update Catalog and can be downloaded by clicking on the following link: https://update.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/10/hotfix-for-windows-10-v2.0.50727?redirect=true&id=8feabdcb-e5f7-4d1a-bfa3-c5ecec9f6aaf If you have not yet installed the Windows 10 operating system, you should do so now in order to take advantage of this hotfix. If you have already installed the Windows 10 operating system, please follow these instructions to apply this hotfix:

  1. Open the Start menu and type “cmd” (without the quotes) and then click on the “run” button.
  2. Type “netstat -an” and then click on the “show all” button.
  3. Type “ping www.microsoft.com” and then click on the “show results” button.
  4. Type “netstat -an | grep msftp” and then click on the “show all” button.

So my friend Rafael from Within Windows has created a site called Hotfixr, which has only one purpose: helping you get access to that hidden form.

Using Hotfixr to Access the Hidden Form

For example, we’ll take a look at this KB article about a hotfix for SQL Server.

When you start looking for where to download the file, you are greeted with a message that says “To obtain this feature immediately, contact Microsoft Customer Support Services”.

If you just copy the KB number to the clipboard (usually found in the little box on the upper right)

Then you can paste it into Hotfixr’s textbox…

And you’ll be taken to the super secret hidden form on Microsoft’s site where you can directly request the hotfix:

You’ll still have to put in your email address and submit the request, but it saves you from having to contact the support services.

In case you are wondering, all the hotfixr site really does is submit a form that redirects you to this Microsoft page, replacing ID with the number that you put in.

But it still saves you an extra step, probably worth bookmarking if you do a lot of maintenance on Microsoft products.

Hotfixr – Get your fix today!