The mandatory Windows 11 update released this month (KB5074109) is creating major headaches for a large number of users after automatic installation. The update raises the OS build to 26200.7623 on 25H2 systems and 26100.7623 on 24H2 systems. While it includes the usual security fixes and small improvements, several widespread bugs have appeared right after installation.
Most Commonly Reported Issues
- Black screen delay before desktop appears — many users see a completely black screen for 30 seconds to several minutes after login before icons, and the taskbar finally show up.
- Desktop background keeps resetting to the default blue image or solid color even when custom wallpaper is set.
- Outlook Classic refuses to open — the program launches but stays stuck in a non-responsive state. Users must open Task Manager every time, find outlook.exe, and end the process before it will actually start properly.
- File Explorer bugs related to desktop.ini — custom folder icons, backgrounds, and localized names disappear or revert after the update (Microsoft appears to have accidentally broken handling of desktop.ini files).
- Other smaller reports — random explorer.exe crashes, pinned taskbar items vanishing, and occasional Start menu lag.
Microsoft has already acknowledged the Outlook Classic startup issue in their support article and confirmed it is under investigation.
No official acknowledgment has appeared yet for the black-screen delay, wallpaper reset, or desktop.ini problems, but the volume of complaints on Microsoft Answers, Reddit, and Twitter/X is very high.
What You Can Do Right Now
Uninstall the update (recommended if you’re affected):
- Settings → Windows Update → Update history → Uninstall updates
- Find KB5074109 → Uninstall
- Restart the computer
Pause updates temporarily (to prevent automatic reinstall):
- Settings → Windows Update → Pause updates
- Choose the longest pause period available (usually 5 weeks)
Outlook workaround (until fixed):
- After login, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager Go to the Details tab
- Find outlook.exe → right-click → End task
- Then launch Outlook again — it should open normally
Wallpaper reset fix (temporary):
- Right-click desktop → Personalize → Background
- Choose your picture again and set it as Fill or Fit
- Some users report having to repeat this after every reboot
Many people are waiting for Microsoft to release an out-of-band (emergency) patch, which is common when a monthly update breaks so many basic functions. So far no such patch has appeared, but it is widely expected in the next few days.
If your PC is working fine after KB5074109, there is no need to uninstall — the issues are not affecting every system. But if you see any of the problems listed above, removing the update is currently the fastest way to return to normal operation.
We’ll update this story as soon as Microsoft releases an official fix or further explanation.
