A recent update for Microsoft Windows users has stirred some discontent, particularly with the February release of Windows 11 KB5051987. This update has been reported to cause a series of localized issues, adding to the growing list of challenges faced by Windows 11 as the support deadline for the more widely used Windows 10 approaches.
File Explorer Frustrations
According to Windows Latest, the update is failing to install for certain users and is generating additional complications, notably disrupting the functionality of File Explorer. Users have encountered a significant issue where File Explorer becomes unresponsive when attempting to open folders such as Desktop, Documents, or Pictures. Even accessing it through desktop shortcuts or Windows Search has proven futile.
Interestingly, while File Explorer may appear to be malfunctioning, it is not entirely broken. Users can verify its presence in the Task Manager, though this offers little solace. One user reported that while the interface is not completely nonfunctional—allowing access to Home and Gallery via the sidebar—other folders remain inaccessible.
In addition to the File Explorer troubles, other problems have emerged, including an inoperable sidebar. The fact that File Explorer hasn’t crashed entirely does little to alleviate the frustration. For those experiencing these issues, the most effective solution appears to be uninstalling the problematic update. This can be accomplished through the Windows Update section in Settings, where an Uninstall button is readily available.
Steps to Resolve the Issue
To uninstall the update, users should follow these steps:
- Navigate to Windows Update in Settings.
- Locate the update labeled KB5051987.
- Click on ‘Uninstall’ and confirm your choice by selecting Uninstall again.
- Reboot your system to complete the process.
Once the update is removed, users will revert to the January 2025 Update. Should the same issues arise upon attempting to reinstall KB5051987, it is advisable to pause updates for a few weeks. Windows Latest anticipates that many of these issues will be addressed in the optional update scheduled for February 2025, expected to be released in the third week of the month.
This update is categorized as a mandatory security update, meaning it will install automatically, regardless of user preference. Consequently, if your system is vulnerable to the issues associated with this update, the experience will be unavoidable. Users will need to manually uninstall the patch and consider pausing updates for up to three weeks or await the forthcoming optional patch in February 2025.
This latest incident is part of a series of challenges that have plagued Windows 11 updates. As the deadline for Windows 10 support looms in October, Microsoft is likely eager to resolve these issues to ensure a smoother user experience, particularly concerning security updates, which have been a pivotal factor in encouraging users to transition to Windows 11. Efforts to gather further insights from Microsoft regarding these recent developments are ongoing.
