This is really frustrating. On 13th October 2022, I was updating my Windows 10 with the new KB5011048. This update caused my ArcGIS Pro 2.9.4 to crash. It crashes every time I use Symbology. I was able to fix that issue by installing the .NET Framework 4.8.1. But then today, my Windows install another update (KB5017266) this new update resulted in ArcGIS Pro 2.9.4 crashing when changing symbology. You got to be kidding, Microsoft.
Based on the official ESRI explanation, this new update does not affect the latest ArcGIS Pro 3.0. But if you are ArcGIS Pro 2.9 user, you can do the following to fix this issue.
Option 1. Upgrade to ArcGIS Pro 3.0
Personally, this is not a good option since ArcGIS Pro 3.0 is still buggy and unstable. During our tests, this program is way too unstable. I don’t understand why they even release this to the public.
Option 2. Uninstall Windows Update KB5017266
If you want to keep using ArcGIS Pro version 2.9, you will need to uninstall the recent Windows update until the new ArcGIS Pro patch 2.9.5 is released. To uninstall this specific Windows update, open Control Panel, and then open Programs and Features. Click View Installed Updates. Here you can see all the installed updates on your Windows.
Select the Updates you want to uninstall. Wait until the installation is complete. Restart your Windows afterward.
Thank you.