Key Takeaways
1. The January 2026 KB5074109 security update for Windows 11 is causing significant issues, including black screens, app crashes, and Outlook freezing.
2. Users attempting to uninstall the update are facing a rollback failure with error 0x800f0905, which halts the process.
3. Microsoft has not provided a specific fix for the uninstall failure, leading users to seek workarounds like using a System Restore point or a Windows Update repair installation.
4. Ongoing issues include disrupted S3 sleep mode on older computers and persistent errors when launching apps, particularly with Outlook Classic.
5. Microsoft acknowledges the problems with KB5074109 but advises users to wait for a resolution if their computer is functioning well.
The Windows 11 KB5074109 security update from January 2026 is turning into a nightmare for many users. After Microsoft informed those impacted that it was okay to remove the update, which caused black screens, app crashes, and Outlook freezing, some are now experiencing issues where the rollback fails with error 0x800f0905.
Uninstall Challenges
As reported by Windows Central, users attempting to uninstall KB5074109 on their Windows 11 devices are encountering the 0x800f0905 error, which is related to the servicing stack or component store. This error completely halts the uninstall process, leaving users in a tough spot. They are forced to either hold on to a problematic update that disrupts apps and sleep mode or look for more extreme solutions.
Workarounds and Recommendations
At this moment, Microsoft has not provided a specific fix for the uninstall failure. Nevertheless, tech experts and support documents are suggesting a few potential workarounds. These include utilizing a System Restore point, if available from before the update, performing a “Fix problems using Windows Update” repair installation that retains apps and files, and then attempting to uninstall the update again. It’s important to remember the usual advice to create a complete backup before trying these methods.
Ongoing Issues
Meanwhile, reports of complications from KB5074109 keep piling up. Users with older computers are finding that the update disrupts S3 sleep mode, leading their screens to go blank without actually entering low-power sleep, which often necessitates a hard reboot. Others are still facing 0x803F8001 errors when launching apps, and Outlook Classic is freezing, particularly when mail archives are stored in OneDrive or other cloud locations.
In the meantime, the situation remains chaotic: Microsoft still classifies KB5074109 as the official Windows 11 January 2026 security update and has acknowledged various regressions. They suggest uninstalling it if users are severely impacted, but some can’t even roll back smoothly without encountering yet another error. If your computer is functioning well, it might be best to wait patiently for a resolution.
Leave a Reply