Nvidia says uninstalling Windows patch may fix gaming issues
Frustrated by visual issues after installing the latest Nvidia drivers? Nvidia representatives start blaming Microsoft for any issues you might encounter and recommend that you uninstall the January 2026 security update.
Microsoft’s KB5074109 update for January caused all kinds of problems, from black screens (formerly called blue screens) and Outlook crashes to File Explorer ignoring settings stored in the desktop.ini file. It even breaks dial-up modems. And now it’s apparently causing issues in games as well.
The problem is that Microsoft and Nvidia released new software within a short time of each other: KB5074109 from Microsoft and version 591.86 of Nvidia’s GeForce Game Ready drivers. Gamers initially blamed Nvidia, but support staff pushed back, with “Manuel@Nvidia” telling users that uninstalling the Windows Update might be the only solution.
“Even though this started after a Windows 11 update, we are considering it,” Manuel wrote. “As far as I know, the only way to fix this seems to be to uninstall KB5074109.”
So far, users seem to be reporting visual issues in various games. Manuel’s comments were made four days ago, days after Microsoft released an optional patch that was supposed to fix various issues. This patch, KB5074105, fixed various bugs that caused system crashes in addition to other improvements. These fixes are expected to be implemented in the next security patch rolling out on “Patch Tuesday” this month, February 10, 2026.
The problem isn’t simple, as Tom’s Hardware points out: January and February patches are designed to fix bugs and improve your PC’s security, so removing updated code is never an ideal solution. It’s also possible that an updated Nvidia patch will fix the issue, as has already happened.
However, if you are having issues and want to uninstall the January patch before the February patch is released, go to Windows 11. Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates and check for update KB5074109. If so, you can click the uninstall button next to it. (It’s also possible that Microsoft has since patched it, via out-of-band patch KB5078127.) Remember, it’s always a good idea to keep patches in place unless absolutely necessary.
