An optional Windows Update released last month is crashing apps in Windows 11, but rather than issuing a quick fix, Microsoft is recommending users uninstall the update instead.
As ExtremeTech reports, the update in question is KB5012643 (via Windows Latest), and it was meant to unlock a number of small improvements in Windows 11 as well as fix bugs. However, it's causing some apps to either crash or not open at all. More specifically, apps using certain optional components in .NET Framework 3.5 probably won't run with this update installed.
The mitigation option Microsoft suggests is to uninstall the update, which can be achieved as follows:
- Open the Start menu and type "Windows Update Settings"
- Click the Windows Update settings option that pops up
- Select View Update History
- Select Uninstall Update
- Find the KB5012643 update in the list and click to uninstall it
Microsoft is aware some users won't be in a position to access the settings on their PC to uninstall the update. In that case, there's a list of instructions available for re-enabling .NET Frame 3.5, which should also solve the problem temporarily.
The KB5012643 update was released on April 25, and although it's embarrassing for Microsoft to have to recommend an uninstall, at least the damage is limited since the update is optional.