Windows 10 KB5000802 Crashes PC with Stop Code APC_INDEX_MISMATCH

Microsoft has released another "bad" update for Windows 10.  This time, a March 2021 update named KB5000802 (or KB5000808 depending on your version of Windows 10) which causes some computers to crash to a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) with a stop code of APC_INDEX_MISMATCH.  One of our customers found that she could not print, not even a Windows test print, without immediately crashing to a BSOD.

Microsoft is aware of the issue but has yet to release a fix as of the writing of this article.  In the meantime, the Internet community has come up with numerous workarounds including:

• Enabling "direct printing"
• Enabling "PrinterIsolationAware" using the Windows Application Compatibility Toolkit
• Uninstalling the update KB5000802 or KB5000808

During our troubleshooting, we found that enabling "direct printing" and using the Application Compatibility Toolkit did not work.  In our case, we were forced to uninstall the offending Windows Update from the computer.  For Windows 10 v2004 or 20H2 uninstall the KB5000802.  For older versions of Windows 10 such as 1909 or 1903, uninstall KB5000808.

If you are unable to complete one of the workarounds yourself, we can help.  Call our technicians at 937-454-1984.