In recent weeks, the release of Windows 11 KB5051987 has stirred a mix of excitement and frustration among users. This February 2025 update, touted as one of the most significant in recent months, has unfortunately been accompanied by a series of installation challenges and functionality issues that have left many users grappling with unexpected problems.
Installation Challenges and File Explorer Woes
Reports indicate that the update is not installing smoothly for a segment of users, with some experiencing stalls at 96% and error messages that read, “Something didn’t go as planned.” One user shared their experience on the Feedback Hub, stating, “Can’t install 2025-02 Cumulative Update KB5051987. It keeps saying this: Some update files are missing or have problems.”
In addition to installation hiccups, the update has caused notable disruptions within File Explorer. Users have reported that they are unable to open folders such as Desktop, Documents, or Pictures. While File Explorer remains active in the background, indicated by the explorer.exe process in Task Manager, accessing its features has become a challenge. A user noted that they could still navigate to Home and Gallery through the sidebar, but attempts to expand folder views resulted in no response.
This peculiar behavior has prompted over 30 reports to Windows Latest, highlighting the bizarre experiences users are encountering post-update. One frustrated user recounted their ordeal, stating, “Only I tried a system restore first, and now I get a black desktop.” Such instances underscore the complexity of the issues stemming from this update.
Camera Functionality and Performance Issues
Another area of concern has been the functionality of the camera. Following the installation of Windows 11 KB5051987, many users have found their cameras rendered inoperative, with error messages indicating that the camera cannot be detected. Even attempts to restart devices or reinstall drivers have proven futile. Affected users have reported that removing the update restores camera functionality.
Performance issues have also surfaced, with users experiencing mouse stuttering and typing lag. One user detailed their experience, stating, “The first indication of issues was when my mouse started moving with a stutter, and then my typing lagged.” Such performance degradation has led to system slowdowns, prompting users to resort to hard reboots.
Addressing the Update’s Impact
For those grappling with the fallout from the February 2025 update, the recommended course of action is to uninstall Windows 11 KB5051987. Users can navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Uninstall updates to initiate this process. After confirming the uninstallation, a system reboot is essential to revert to the previous January 2025 update.
While there is the option to reinstall the patch, users are advised to proceed with caution. If the same issues arise, pausing updates for a few weeks may be prudent. Anticipation is building for the upcoming February 2025 optional update, expected to address many of these concerns, which is slated for release in the third week of the month.
Potential Issues to Note
- Installation problems with apps inside Windows Sandbox, particularly affecting .NET applications.
- Performance drops in gaming, with reports of FPS reductions in titles like Battlefield 2042 and Fortnite.
- Glitches in the taskbar’s new preview animation.
- Isolated cases where users were unable to boot into Windows post-update, requiring manual intervention through BIOS.
