Microsoft's recent update for Windows 11, designated as KB5043076, has sparked interest among gamers, particularly those utilizing AMD Ryzen processors. This September 2024 patch introduces significant enhancements, including branch prediction code improvements that promise frame rate increases of 10% or more for Ryzen 7000 series CPUs and newer. These advancements were initially rolled out in the Windows 11 24H2 version and have now been backported to the current 23H2 version, much to the delight of the gaming community.
If you install update KB5043076 and face issues, you’re not alone
However, the excitement surrounding these performance boosts has been tempered by reports of various bugs associated with the update. Users have encountered installation failures, as well as persistent issues such as File Explorer crashing when accessed from the taskbar. This particular glitch appears to be a carryover from August’s optional update, raising concerns about the stability of the current patch.
Moreover, some users have noted that the Phishing Protection feature in Windows Security may deactivate unexpectedly after a restart or shutdown, compromising online safety. Additional reports on Microsoft’s Feedback Hub highlight problems with essential system files, which can disrupt critical functionalities like User Account Control.
How you can deal with these problems (for now)
As KB5043076 is a mandatory update, it will be automatically installed on Windows 23H2 (or 22H2) systems. For those hesitant about the reported issues, there is an option to pause updates for a maximum of one month on Windows 11 Home installations. However, it’s important to note that delaying the update means missing out on crucial security patches included in this rollout.
For users who have already installed the September update and are experiencing difficulties, there is a straightforward solution. Navigate to Windows Update in the Settings menu, then select Update History. Here, you will find the option to Uninstall Updates, allowing you to remove KB5043076 if necessary. Following this, you can also pause future updates for a month, as previously mentioned.
While Microsoft has yet to address these issues publicly, the tech community remains vigilant for any announcements regarding fixes or updates. Anticipation builds for the upcoming full rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2, though the current patch has left some users questioning the reliability of Microsoft’s update process.