Another chapter in the ongoing saga of Windows updates unfolds, as users find themselves grappling with yet another failure. Microsoft has been compelled to issue guidance on workarounds, as a solution remains elusive. This issue, which has its roots in updates dating back to August, has the potential to disrupt a broad spectrum of Windows PCs.
Current Situation
According to Windows Latest, the recent updates for Windows 11 have been described as nothing short of disastrous. Users are particularly frustrated by a password icon that has seemingly vanished from the sign-in options on the lock screen. Microsoft acknowledges this glitch, stating that while the icon is not visible, hovering over the designated area reveals that the password button is still functional, albeit hidden from view.
In a somewhat humorous twist, Microsoft’s workaround for locating the missing password icon encourages users to engage in a bit of guesswork. The company suggests that if users are unable to find the icon, they should try clicking randomly on the lock screen, which might just trigger the elusive password field. This workaround, while amusing, underscores the frustration many users are experiencing.
For those who typically rely on their Windows Hello PIN for sign-ins, the absence of the password icon may not be a frequent concern. However, when the need arises, the hidden icon can become a source of irritation. While Microsoft has not disclosed the exact number of affected users, it is clear that the impact is widespread, affecting all PCs running specific update versions.
Affected Updates
The following update versions are currently known to be impacted:
- KB5068861 | Build 26200.7171 / 26100.7171 | Released on November 11
- KB5067036 | Builds 26200.7019 / 26100.7019 | Released on October 28
- KB5070773 | Builds 26200.6901 / 26100.6901 | Released on October 20
- KB5066835 | Builds 26200.6899 / 26100.6899 | Released on October 14
- KB5065789 | Build 26100.6725 | Released on September 29
- KB5068221 | Build 26100.6588 | Released on September 22
- KB5065426 | Build 26100.6584 | Released on September 9
- KB5064081 | Build 26100.5074 | Released on August 29
As Microsoft works diligently to resolve this issue, users are left to navigate the challenges posed by these updates, hoping for a more stable experience in the near future.