Windows 10 has recently received an update as part of Microsoft’s extended support program, but it appears that this latest release is not without its complications. Users have reported various issues stemming from the December update, identified as patch KB5071546, which has notably disrupted the functionality of StartIsBack, a widely used customization application that enhances the Start menu experience.
Reported Issues Following the Update
Feedback from users on platforms like Reddit and X indicates that the update has resulted in a blank screen on some PCs, rendering the desktop inaccessible. One user shared that their experience with the December update led to a series of performance issues, including choppy wallpaper animations, unexpected CPU spikes, and noticeable lag in the user interface. The only remedy for these problems was to revert back to the previous version of Windows 10.
Additionally, gamers have not been spared from the update’s fallout. Reports suggest frame rate drops in popular games such as Overwatch, while others have noted that the Xbox app has ceased functioning properly since the installation of the update. Another user expressed frustration over the update repeatedly attempting to install itself, despite already being applied.
Complications have also arisen for those utilizing multiple monitors. Users have reported that their dual-display setups have failed to operate correctly after the installation of KB5071546, with the Windows desktop not loading as expected. A temporary fix has been found by disabling one monitor or uninstalling the December update altogether.
Some users have encountered difficulties with the update failing to install entirely, as highlighted in discussions on Microsoft’s Tech Community hub. Amidst these challenges, a potential solution for the StartIsBack issue has emerged: installing the latest version of the application may restore its functionality. However, this can be tricky for users facing a blank desktop, necessitating the removal of the existing version to access a working interface.
Interestingly, the expectation was that Microsoft would focus solely on security patches at this stage of Windows 10’s lifecycle. Yet, the documentation for KB5071546 does mention a security fix for PowerShell 5.1, which may be linked to the interface glitches reported by users. It is essential to consider that foregoing the December update could leave systems vulnerable to emerging exploits, a factor that users must weigh carefully when contemplating a rollback.
