Microsoft's February 2026 security update for Windows 11, identified as KB5077181, is causing serious issues for thousands of users worldwide. From installation failures to system freezes and Nvidia GPU crashes, this update has become a nightmare for many.
What is update KB5077181
KB5077181 is the cumulative security update Microsoft released on February 10, 2026 for Windows 11 (OS Builds 26200.7840 and 26100.7840). It was supposed to fix security vulnerabilities and previous bugs, including a black screen issue with Nvidia GPUs.
However, ironically, the update is creating new problems worse than the ones it was meant to fix.
Installation errors reported
Multiple users on Microsoft forums have reported that the update fails to install properly, showing various error codes:
- 0x800F0991 — Generic installation error
- 0x800F0983 — Package application failure
- 0x800F0922 — Insufficient system partition space
- 0x80073712 — Corrupted system files
- 0x80096004 — Digital signature verification error
In many cases, the update downloads, attempts to install during restart, and then rolls back the changes, leaving the system as it was — or worse, in an unstable state.
Nvidia GPU problems
Users with Nvidia graphics cards are the most affected. Reported issues include:
- Freezing under GPU load: The system freezes when running games or GPU-intensive applications
- HDMI issues: External monitor detection via HDMI stopped working properly
- Broken sleep mode: The computer doesn't properly enter or exit sleep mode
- Black screen: Although the update promises to fix this bug, some users report it persists or worsens
Audio failures on gaming laptops
Several users with gaming laptops, including Lenovo LOQ models, report that after installing KB5077181:
- Audio produces popping sounds every second
- The system freezes at the sign-in screen
- The only solution found was to completely wipe the SSD or perform a Windows 11 repair reinstall
What you can do if you are affected
If you already installed KB5077181 and are having issues, here are your options:
Option 1: Uninstall the update
- Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update History
- Click on Uninstall updates
- Find KB5077181 and uninstall it
- Restart your computer
Option 2: Pause updates
- Go to Settings > Windows Update
- Click on Pause updates for 1 week
- Wait for Microsoft to release a corrective patch
Option 3: Repair reinstall
- If your system is very unstable, download the Windows 11 ISO from microsoft.com
- Run setup.exe from within Windows and choose "Keep files and apps"
- This repairs system files without losing your data
Microsoft's response
So far, Microsoft has acknowledged that "a small number of users" are experiencing issues but has not released a corrective patch. The next cumulative update in March is expected to include the necessary fixes.
If you haven't updated yet, we recommend waiting a few days until Microsoft confirms the issues have been resolved, especially if you have an Nvidia GPU or a gaming laptop.
