installation failures Archives

Winsage

February 23, 2025

Microsoft Update Fails—How To Stop New Install Breaking Windows

A recent update for Microsoft Windows, specifically Windows 11 KB5051987, has caused issues for users, including installation failures and problems with File Explorer becoming unresponsive when accessing folders like Desktop, Documents, or Pictures. Users can see File Explorer in Task Manager, but it remains largely nonfunctional. Other issues include an inoperable sidebar. The recommended solution is to uninstall the update via the Windows Update section in Settings. Users should locate the update, click 'Uninstall', and reboot the system. After uninstalling, they will revert to the January 2025 Update. If problems persist upon reinstalling KB5051987, users are advised to pause updates for a few weeks. This update is mandatory and installs automatically, making it necessary for users to manually uninstall it if they encounter issues. Microsoft is expected to address these problems in an optional update scheduled for February 2025.

Winsage

February 18, 2025

New patch for Windows 11 24H2 reportedly plays havoc with File Explorer, and some folks are claiming it’s broken their PC

Microsoft's cumulative update for Windows 11, patch KB5051987, has caused significant issues for users of the 24H2 version. Problems include File Explorer failing to open essential folders like Documents and Pictures, difficulties accessing File Explorer through search or shortcuts, and widespread installation failures. Users report the update process stalling, prolonged installation times, critical system errors, and instances of Blue Screens of Death, which can render Windows 11 inoperable. The issues persist even in clean installations of Windows 11, and there are currently no widely recognized workarounds, though disabling Windows Sandbox has been suggested for Pro edition users. Reports of installation failures and system crashes continue, leading to caution among users regarding the update.