Experiencing Issues with Microsoft Updates: Strategies to Prevent Fresh Installations from Disrupting Windows Functions
Windows 11 users are experiencing some troubles with the February update, specifically KB5051987. This update appears to be causing issues for some individuals, leading to unresponsive File Explorer. Users are reporting that File Explorer becomes unresponsive when trying to open folders such as Documents, Pictures, or Desktop, and even Windows Search isn't helping.
Interestingly, File Explorer's exe can still be found running in the Task Manager, but it's of little use to the affected users. One user, in fact, managed to open Home and Gallery through the sidebar, but no other folders would respond.
This isn't the only issue with KB5051987. The sidebar itself becomes inoperable, adding to the user's frustration. Even though File Explorer hasn't technically crashed, the issues still warrant some attention. Uninstalling the latest update is the best course of action for affected users.
This can be done in the Settings under Windows Update, where you'll find the Uninstall buttons. Once done, the user will be downgraded to the January 2025 Update. Users may attempt to reinstall the patch later, but if the problem persists, they should consider pausing updates for a couple of weeks or wait for the optional patch in the third week of February.
It's worth noting that this issue is not unique. Windows 11 has been plagued with several issues recently, and Microsoft will want to resolve these before the end of support for Windows 10 in October. The seamless Windows 11 experience, particularly in terms of security and updates, is crucial to Microsoft's upgrade strategy.
Sources:
- Windows 11 KB5051987 Update causing File Explorer issues - Windows Latest
- Windows 11 KB5051987 Update issues explained - The Windows Club
- Windows 11 Update Troubleshooter - Microsoft Support
- Microsoft has issued a warning to Windows 11 users about the potential issues with the KB5051987 update, specifically mentioning its impact on File Explorer.
- Some users are comparing the performance of Windows 11 versus Windows 10 after encountering the KB50519187-related issues, finding Windows 10 to be more stable.
- Amidst these problems, Microsoft is reminding users that the end of support for Windows 10 is approaching in October, emphasizing the importance of a stable operating system like Windows 11.
- To address the KB5051987-related issues, users can refer to the Windows Update Troubleshooter provided by Microsoft for guidance.
- Despite these problems, the overall comic relief comes from the mildly amusing situation of unresponsive File Explorer, particularly when trying to access folders like Documents, Pictures, or Desktop.
