Windows 11 has once again found itself in the spotlight for less-than-ideal reasons, as the latest cumulative update, known as KB5055523, has stirred up a host of issues for users. Released on April 14, 2025, the update has particularly affected the functionality of Windows Hello, the biometric login feature that allows users to access their devices using facial recognition.
Reports have surfaced indicating that the update disrupts the infrared sensor used for facial recognition, especially for those who utilize privacy shutters over their webcams. This has led to significant login difficulties, with many users finding that they must remove the privacy cover to log in successfully. As one affected user recounted, "I’ve reproduced the issue several times, with several clean installs. The webcam we’re using is the Logitech Brio 4k, with the latest firmware and drivers, which is compatible with Windows Hello." This feedback highlights the frustrating nature of the problem, as it negates the convenience that Windows Hello is supposed to provide.
Windows Latest, a tech news site, has been actively covering the fallout from this update. Users have expressed their discontent on various forums, with one stating, "Just wanted to see if anyone else is experiencing issues with Windows Hello face recognition since the latest update (KB5055523). Before, I had the camera (Brio 4K) covered and it would work fine. Now, I have to remove the privacy cover for it to recognize me." This sentiment has been echoed by numerous others, indicating that the issue is widespread.
While some users have found a temporary workaround by disabling the RGB camera in Device Manager—thus allowing the infrared scanner to function properly again—this solution is not guaranteed. Windows Latest suggests that users could try this method, but they also caution that it may not work for everyone. If you're desperate for a fix, this could be worth a shot, although uninstalling the April update might be the most effective solution until Microsoft rolls out a proper fix.
In addition to the Windows Hello issues, the April update has also been plagued by installation failures. Many users have reported encountering error messages such as '0x80070306' and experiencing progress getting stuck at various percentages during installation attempts. Microsoft is currently investigating these installation failures, which have become a recurring theme with Windows updates.
Interestingly, the April update has not only caused technical glitches but has also led to some peculiar bugs that have been reported in the past. For instance, some users have experienced their operating system displaying a mix of two different languages after changing their language settings. This kind of inconsistency raises questions about the stability of the Windows 11 24H2 update.
Moreover, a previous patch had even led to the uninstallation of the Copilot app, which is a significant setback for Microsoft as it aims to promote its AI assistant. Such lapses have left users bewildered and frustrated, further contributing to the growing discontent surrounding Windows 11.
One particularly memorable bug involved the File Explorer interface, where a menu would extend beyond the screen's border, rendering some options inaccessible. This was a clear indication of the underlying issues that have plagued the 24H2 update since its inception.
As the dust settles from the latest update, users are left grappling with the inconveniences it has caused. The combination of Windows Hello malfunctions, installation failures, and bizarre bugs paints a troubling picture for Microsoft. As they investigate these issues, users are left to navigate the complexities of their operating systems, often with little guidance.
In light of these challenges, it seems that the April 2025 update has not only failed to deliver improvements but has instead compounded existing problems for Windows 11 users. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Microsoft will address these concerns and restore user confidence in their operating system.
