Fix: Connectivity Issues due to Faulty WPD Update (2/22/2016)

Several Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 10 users reported an issue involving Windows being unable to recognize MTP based devices. This issue occurred after users installed an optional and undocumented Windows update “Microsoft – WPD – 2/22/2016 12:00:00 AM – 5.2.5326.4762”. After installation, phones and portable devices which use MTP, including Android and Windows smartphones, cannot be detected properly in Windows 10.

Microsoft removed the driver from Windows Update the same day immediately the issue was identified, but if you’ve already installed this update, you can use Microsoft’s driver troubleshooter to fix this issue. Aside this, you can roll back the driver to remove it from the system and then prevent it from reinstalling.

Method 1: Using the Driver Troubleshooter

Microsoft has developed a driver troubleshooter to fix the issue on the affected operating systems.

1. Download the Windows Troubleshooter from here and double-click to launch it.
2. Click “Find a fix or workaround for new issue 108018” and click Next
3. The troubleshooter will search the driver bug and if it’s detected, you’ll see a screen informing you Emerging issue 108018 has been fixed.
4. Click Close to exit the troubleshooter and then try to connect your MTP device again.

Method 2: Performing a System Restore

To perform a system restore, you must have had it setup with an earlier restore point available.

1. Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run prompt.
2. Type rstrui in the command prompt and click OK.
3. If a system restore point is available, you’ll see a Recommended system restore point or one which you can choose yourself. Follow the prompts and make sure your system is restored to a point prior to March 8, when the update was rolled out.
4. When your system is back online, try to connect your MTP device to confirm if the problem has been fixed.

Method 3: Rolling Back the Device Driver

1. Connect your MTP-based device to your PC.
2. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager. You can alternatively, press WIN + R key to open the run dialog, type “devmgmt.msc” and click OK. If you’re prompted for admin privileges for this action, grant it.
3. Look for the device with a yellow or red exclamation next to it. It should have the name of your phone or another MTP device.
4. Right-click on the device and choose Update Driver Software.
   
5. Select Browse my computer for driver software and choose Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
6. Select Mobile Devices, or the name of your device if available and check Show compatible hardware. Click Next.
7. After the driver is installed, reboot the PC, connect your device and verify if Windows can detect it.

To prevent the driver from reinstalling, take these steps

1. Open the Start Menu, type cmd, right-click on it and Run as Administrator. You should grant UAC control if prompted. You can also press Win + X and select Windows Powershell (Admin).
2. Type pnputil.exe -e and hit enter. This will show a list of all installed drivers.
   
3. Scroll through the list and look for the entry which matches in the below example. Take note of the associated .inf file name. It should something like oemXX.inf with a one or two digit numbers after “oem”, and have the Driver date and version as shown here.
   
4. Type pnputil.exe -d oemXX.inf, where XX is the number in the file name as shown in the example above. Hit Enter and the faulty driver will be removed from your system.

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