Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 update, KB5051987, has reportedly caused significant problems for users, particularly with the operating system’s essential tool, File Explorer. This comes at a critical time when Microsoft is striving to convince users to upgrade to Windows 11 before Windows 10 reaches its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025. Unfortunately, the 24H2 update has led to widespread complaints, further tarnishing the reputation of Windows 11’s stability.
File Explorer Malfunctions After Update
According to reports from Windows Latest, the KB5051987 security patch has caused File Explorer—the primary tool for navigating files and folders on a Windows machine—to become unresponsive. Users have reported issues ranging from the inability to open File Explorer via desktop shortcuts to problems navigating between folders using the sidebar. Commonly used directories such as Documents, Downloads, and Pictures are among the most affected, leaving many users unable to access their files.
The problem appears to be widespread, with Windows Latest confirming that the issue can be replicated even on a fresh installation of Windows 11, ruling out the possibility of third-party software conflicts. This suggests that the bug is directly tied to the update itself.
Additional Problems: Blue Screens and System Corruption
Beyond File Explorer issues, some users have reported more severe problems, including frequent Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) errors and, in some cases, complete operating system corruption. These issues have left many users frustrated, especially as Microsoft has yet to provide an official solution.
Temporary Workarounds
While Microsoft remains silent on the matter, some users have found temporary relief by rolling back the KB5051987 update. To do this, users can navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Uninstall updates and remove the Security Update for Microsoft Windows (KB5051987). This will revert the system to the previous January 2025 update, potentially resolving the File Explorer issues. However, this workaround has yielded mixed results, and it is not a permanent fix.
What’s Next for Microsoft?
The timing of these issues is particularly unfortunate for Microsoft, as the company is actively encouraging users to transition to Windows 11. Recurring problems like these only add to the stigma surrounding the operating system’s reliability. The fact that Windows Latest was able to easily reproduce the issue on a clean installation is a concerning indicator of the update’s instability.
Fortunately, there is hope on the horizon. Microsoft is expected to release an optional update in February 2025, which may address the File Explorer bugs and other issues caused by the KB5051987 patch. Users are hopeful that this update will resolve the problems, allowing them to use their systems without interruption.
Conclusion
While not all users are affected by the KB5051987 update, the widespread nature of the File Explorer issues and the potential for more severe system problems highlight the challenges Microsoft faces in maintaining a stable operating system. For now, users experiencing issues can attempt to roll back the update, but the ultimate solution lies in Microsoft’s hands. As the company prepares its next update, the hope is that these critical bugs will be addressed promptly, restoring confidence in Windows 11’s reliability.
