Tag: KB5077181

  • Windows 11 KB5077181 Blocks C: Drive Access on Some Samsung PCs

    Windows 11 KB5077181 Blocks C: Drive Access on Some Samsung PCs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft acknowledged a problem with Windows 11 affecting specific Samsung computers after security update KB5077181, causing “C: is not accessible – Access denied” errors.

    2. The issue affects certain Samsung Galaxy Book 4 and Desktop models running Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2.

    3. Users may experience difficulties with file access, application launches, and administrative functions due to permission issues linked to the Samsung Galaxy Connect app.

    4. Microsoft clarified that the problem is related to Samsung software, not the Windows update itself, and has categorized it as Mitigated.

    5. Recovery options for affected users are limited, and they are advised to contact Samsung support for assistance while Samsung works on remediation strategies.


    Microsoft has acknowledged a problem with Windows 11 that is affecting certain Samsung computers, following the security update KB5077181 from February 2026 and subsequent updates. As stated on the company’s Windows release health page, some devices may no longer have access to their C: drive, displaying the error “C: is not accessible – Access denied.” This can lead to file access issues and hinder the launch of several applications.

    Affected Models

    On the official known issues page for Windows 11 version 25H2, Microsoft noted that this issue has been seen in certain Samsung Galaxy Book 4 and Samsung Desktop models using Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. The affected models include NP750XGJ, NP750XGL, NP754XGJ, NP754XFG, NP754XGK, DM500SGA, DM500TDA, DM500TGA, and DM501SGA.

    User Experience

    Users facing this problem may encounter difficulties while performing regular tasks like opening files, starting applications, or executing administrative functions. In some instances, they may also struggle to elevate privileges, uninstall updates, or gather logs due to permission issues.

    Interestingly, Microsoft highlights that this issue is not a result of the latest or past Windows monthly updates, even though it coincided with the recent Patch Tuesday. Their investigation, conducted alongside Samsung, concluded that the symptoms stem from an issue within the Samsung Galaxy Connect app.

    Distinction of Responsibility

    This clarification is crucial since the problem relates to systems that have installed KB5077181, the cumulative update for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, and later updates. Microsoft is emphasizing that the root cause is linked to Samsung software, not the Windows update itself.

    Currently, Microsoft has categorized the issue as Mitigated. To address this, the Samsung Galaxy Connect app was temporarily taken down from the Microsoft Store to prevent further installations. Furthermore, Samsung has released a stable earlier version of the app to avoid this issue affecting more devices.

    Recovery Options

    For computers already impacted, recovery solutions are still quite limited. Microsoft states that Samsung is working on remediation strategies with their support and advises those affected to reach out to Samsung’s support for tailored assistance.

    According to Microsoft’s release health page, the issue was logged on March 13, 2026, at 12:13 PT and was updated on March 14, 2026, at 16:59 PT. Users seeking further information can check here.

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  • Reddit Reacts: KB5077181 Update Causes Gaming Stutter Issues

    Reddit Reacts: KB5077181 Update Causes Gaming Stutter Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft released a cumulative update for Windows 11 on February 10, 2026, for versions 24H2 and 25H2, identified as KB5077181, updating to Build 26100.7840 and 26200.7840, respectively.

    2. Users have reported new stuttering issues in games after installing the update, which do not appear to be related to low frame rates or network delays.

    3. A suggested workaround is to disable Fullscreen Optimizations for specific games, which has resolved stuttering for some users.

    4. Microsoft has not officially confirmed any performance decline linked to the update, and complaints do not seem to target specific hardware or games.

    5. Users experiencing issues are encouraged to report them via the Microsoft Feedback Hub, providing detailed information about their setup and the problem.


    Microsoft released a cumulative update for Windows 11 on February 10, 2026, specifically for the 24H2 and 25H2 versions (KB5077181). This update brings the OS to Build 26100.7840 for 24H2 and 26200.7840 for 25H2. While this patch has already been associated with various user-reported issues, such as strange shutdowns and networking problems, gamers are now sharing their concerns regarding stuttering issues that have appeared after the update.

    User Reports of Stuttering

    In a thread on Reddit discussing Windows Help, a user with Windows 11 Pro 25H2 on Build 26200.7840 mentioned encountering rhythmic stuttering in games right after installing KB5077181. They noted that this stuttering does not seem to relate to low frame rates or network delays, but rather resembles a new pattern of stuttering that only occurs in-game following the update.

    Workaround for Stuttering

    The same user also pointed out that turning off Windows “Fullscreen Optimizations” (FSO) for the specific game stops the stuttering, although they hadn’t needed to make that change before the update. Currently, this issue is mostly categorized as “user reports”—there’s no official Microsoft statement confirming a decline in gaming performance linked to KB5077181, and the complaints do not seem to point to a specific graphics card manufacturer, driver version, or particular game.

    Suggested Actions for Users

    The most reliable workaround mentioned by users in the thread is to disable Fullscreen Optimizations on a per-game basis, which has helped at least one user resolve the stuttering issue, although it might alter how overlays function (like how volume displays work in full-screen modes). If you experience the same stuttering after updating to KB5077181, Microsoft recommends submitting a report through the Microsoft Feedback Hub, providing detailed information about your build, hardware, and steps to replicate the problem. This method is often the quickest way to highlight an issue to the Windows engineering team.

    Following the widely discussed issues from January’s updates, any new “gaming hiccup” from Windows 11 Patch Tuesday will certainly attract attention, even if the cause turns out to be a driver interaction, a conflict specific to certain games, or a coincidence affecting only a handful of systems.

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  • Windows 11 KB5077181 Update: Boot Loops, DHCP Errors, Sign-In Issues

    Windows 11 KB5077181 Update: Boot Loops, DHCP Errors, Sign-In Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday update on February 10, 2026, introduced Windows 11 KB5077181, updating 24H2 to Build 26100.7840 and 25H2 to Build 26200.7840, with no known issues reported by Microsoft.

    2. Despite Microsoft’s claims, users report problems such as a restart loop during installation and sign-in, with devices restarting over 15 times before users can log in.

    3. Some users experience sign-in failures related to the System Event Notification Service, encountering an error message without a clear explanation from Microsoft.

    4. Networking issues have surfaced post-update, including Wi-Fi connections failing with DHCP errors, leading to a “Connected but no internet” status, and some users unable to install the update due to specific error codes.

    5. The update coincides with Microsoft’s Secure Boot transition, which includes warnings about expiring certificates and potential compatibility issues with certain applications due to changes in Windows components.


    Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday update on February 10, 2026, introduces Windows 11 KB5077181, elevating 24H2 to Build 26100.7840 and 25H2 to Build 26200.7840. According to Microsoft’s official KB page, the company claims it is not aware of any issues with this release.

    Concerns with the Update

    However, numerous reports indicate that KB5077181 may cause problems in real-world use, often trading one issue for another. This is particularly concerning since Microsoft asserts that this February update is intended to fully fix the previous UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME boot failure bug, which was linked to failed updates in December 2025, with effects becoming apparent after the January 13, 2026 update or later.

    Restart Loop and Sign-In Issues

    A major complaint involves a restart loop that occurs during the later stages of installation or around the sign-in process. Third-party sources note that systems might enter “endless” restart cycles after applying KB5077181. Reports on Microsoft’s Q&A forum mention devices restarting more than 15 times before users are able to log in.

    For those who do reach the login screen, some users encounter a System Event Notification Service (SENS) error during sign-in which reads: “The System Event Notification Service service failed the sign-in. The specified procedure could not be found.” Currently, there is no clear public explanation from Microsoft, so it’s better to describe it as a post-update sign-in failure related to that specific service error, rather than a clear “DLL mismatch” issue.

    Networking Problems and Update Errors

    Other discussions highlight networking issues following the update. One report from Microsoft’s Q&A indicates that Wi-Fi connections fail with a DHCP error right after the KB5077181 restart, leading to a “Connected but no internet” status, which only resolves after uninstalling the update (until Windows Update reissues it).

    Some users are unable to receive the update at all, with error codes like 0x800f0983 and 0x800f0991 being reported. PCWorld specifically mentions these codes in their overview of the repercussions from KB5077181.

    Secure Boot Transition and Compatibility Alerts

    KB5077181 is also arriving amidst Microsoft’s larger Secure Boot transition. The company has cautioned that Secure Boot certificates from 2011 will start expiring in June 2026, and they are updating devices to 2023 certificates to prevent a compromised Secure Boot state.

    In a separate note, Wibu-Systems (CodeMeter) has issued a product alert indicating that KB5074105 and KB5077181 alter Windows components in ways that could render an AxProtector function-call obfuscation mechanism incompatible under specific protection setups, potentially leading to some protected applications failing to start or operate correctly.

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  • Windows 11 February 2026 Update: KB5077181 & KB5075941 Fix Bugs

    Windows 11 February 2026 Update: KB5077181 & KB5075941 Fix Bugs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft released cumulative security updates for Windows 11 on February 10, 2026, with KB5077181 for versions 24H2 and 25H2, and KB5075941 for version 23H2.
    2. Secure Boot certificates will begin expiring in June 2026, and users are advised to follow Microsoft’s guidance to avoid potential issues.
    3. KB5077181 includes fixes for full-screen gaming eligibility and connectivity issues with WPA3-Personal Wi-Fi networks.
    4. KB5075941 addresses a problem where computers using Virtual Secure Mode might restart instead of shutting down or hibernating after updates.
    5. The February 2026 release also features updates such as expanded Cross-Device Resume, improvements to Windows MIDI Services, and adjustments to Narrator verbosity controls.


    Microsoft has put out its cumulative security updates for Windows 11 as of February 10, 2026. For users on Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, the update is designated as KB5077181, which upgrades the operating system to Builds 26100.7840 (for 24H2) and 26200.7840 (for 25H2).

    Updates for Windows 11 23H2

    As for Windows 11 version 23H2, Microsoft has released KB5075941, which raises the OS to Build 22631.6649. Both of these updates come packed with this month’s security patches and also include some “non-security updates” from the previous optional preview release, depending on the version track you’re on.

    Important Secure Boot Information

    In the release notes for the two updates, Microsoft has highlighted a critical upcoming deadline for Secure Boot maintenance. The Secure Boot certificates that are utilized by most Windows devices are set to begin expiring in June 2026. Microsoft cautions that devices might face issues “if not updated in time” and directs users and organizations towards its guidance for Secure Boot preparation.

    On the 24H2/25H2 versions, Microsoft has stated that it is using this month’s servicing to further its phased rollout strategy. The quality updates for Windows now include targeting data that helps identify which devices are ready to receive new Secure Boot certificates, with the certificates being distributed only after there are “sufficient successful update signals.”

    Fixes and Improvements in Updates

    Within KB5077181, Microsoft points out several fixes, including resolving a full-screen gaming eligibility problem and addressing a bug that could prevent connections to certain WPA3-Personal Wi-Fi networks following a previous update. They have also announced that updated AI components (Image Search, Content Extraction, Semantic Analysis, and a Settings Model) are now at version 1.2601.1268.0, as detailed in the release notes.

    At the time of writing, Microsoft has indicated that it is not aware of any issues with KB5077181.

    For the Windows 11 version 23H2 update, Microsoft has mentioned a change regarding Secure Boot/Boot Manager: on devices that already have the Windows UEFI CA 2023 certificate within the Secure Boot signature database (DB), the update will replace the older 2011-signed bootmgfw.efi with the 2023-signed version. They also warn that resetting the DB or toggling Secure Boot could lead to a “Secure Boot violation” and notes that recovery media is a potential solution in rare cases.

    Additional Fixes in KB5075941

    KB5075941 also addresses a commonly discussed problem where some computers using Virtual Secure Mode (VSM) might restart instead of shutting down or entering hibernation after receiving security updates from January 13, 2026, onwards.

    Similar to the package for 24H2/25H2, Microsoft asserts that there are no known issues with KB5075941 at the time of this publication.

    BleepingComputer has reported that the February 2026 Patch Tuesday release also includes feature updates that are rolling out progressively. These updates feature expanded Cross-Device Resume, enhancements to Windows MIDI Services, additional controls for Narrator verbosity, and adjustments to Smart App Control behavior. It is important to note that, like many Windows features, the availability of these updates can vary depending on your device, configuration, and rollout status.

    Microsoft support: KB5077181

    Microsoft support: KB5075941

    BleepingComputer

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