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Is the New Windows 11 Update Safe to Install Right Now?
I need to walk you through the significant problems emerging from the January 2026 Patch Tuesday update (KB5074109) for Windows 11. While this update advances your OS to Builds 26200.7623 (25H2) and 26100.7623 (24H2), it unfortunately introduces disruptions for specific user configurations. Below is a breakdown of the critical issues, who they affect, and the exact steps you should take to resolve them.
Black Screen & GPU Compatibility
A small subset of users are experiencing random black screens shortly after installing KB5074109. This behavior typically involves the desktop freezing, the display going black for a few seconds, and then recovering.
Who is affected: This appears to impact systems with Nvidia and AMD GPUs. It is not limited to a specific driver version.
The Cause: Compatibility conflicts between the new update and existing GPU drivers, or monitor refresh rate handshakes.
Advisory Solution:
- Monitor Settings: One proven workaround involves temporarily downgrading your monitor’s DisplayPort mode (e.g., from 1.4 to 1.2) and then reverting it.
- Driver Update: Ensure your GPU drivers are updated to the latest January 2026 release.
- Uninstall: If the flickering persists and disrupts your workflow, uninstalling the update is the only guaranteed fix currently.
Additionally, a related bug may reset your desktop wallpaper to a solid black color. If this happens, simply navigate to Settings > Personalization and re-select your preferred background image.
Outlook Classic Freezes with POP Accounts
Users utilizing Outlook Classic with POP/SMTP email accounts are facing severe freezing issues. Microsoft has acknowledged a bug where the application fails to close properly, leaving the outlook.exe process running in the background.
The Symptoms: Outlook may refuse to open, appearing to be “stuck” at the loading screen, or throw an error stating the app is already running. You may also experience a “Not Responding” white screen within 5-10 minutes of usage.
Advisory Solution:
- Temporary Fix: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), locate outlook.exe, and select End Task. This will allow you to reopen the application, though the freeze may recur.
- Wait for Patch: Microsoft is investigating this specific profile handling issue. A fix is expected in an upcoming out-of-band update or the next scheduled patch.
Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Connection Failures
For IT professionals and remote workers, this is the most critical defect. KB5074109 breaks the authentication flow for Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365, leading to immediate sign-in failures.
The Error: Users report “Unable to Authenticate” messages or Error Code 0x80080005 when attempting to connect.
Microsoft’s Response: This is a confirmed regression in the security update that breaks credential prompts.
Advisory Solution:
- Known Issue Rollback (KIR): Enterprise admins should deploy the official KIR released by Microsoft. This policy disables the specific feature causing the authentication break without removing the entire security update.
- Alternative Access: Use the Windows App web client (windows.cloud.microsoft) or the standard Remote Desktop client as a temporary bridge.
Broken Folder Customization (desktop.ini)
Power users who rely on desktop.ini files to customize folder names and attributes will find these settings ignored.
The Issue: The File Explorer no longer respects the LocalizedResourceName directive. Consequently, folders with custom display names will revert to their raw system names, and “Hidden” attributes on folders like “Saved Games” may be disregarded.
Advisory Solution: Currently, there is no workaround other than uninstalling the update. This is likely a bug within shell32.dll or windows.storage.dll that will require a future cumulative update to rectify.
Expert Recommendation: Should You Uninstall?
This update patches nearly 100 security vulnerabilities, including three active zero-day exploits. Therefore, I do not recommend uninstalling KB5074109 unless one of the bugs above makes your PC unusable.
If you must uninstall to restore functionality:
- Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history.
- Select Uninstall updates.
- Locate KB5074109 and click Uninstall.
- Restart your computer to revert the changes.