Users report stability problems like freezes, reboots, and app crashes after installing Windows 11 update KB5079473. Learn about the issues and potential fixes.
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Some Windows 11 users are reporting stability issues after installing Microsoft's latest security update. Complaints emerged just days after the patch's release, with users describing system freezes, unexpected reboots, and various application crashes.
The issue involves cumulative update KB5079473, released on March 10 for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. After installation, systems move to builds 26100.8037 and 26200.8037. Officially, the update was meant to focus primarily on security vulnerability fixes, while also including Secure Boot certificate handling improvements, enhanced File Explorer search stability, and WDAC policy changes for COM components.
However, soon after the update began rolling out, reports of problems appeared on Microsoft support forums and Q&A sections. Some users claim their computers started freezing or rebooting spontaneously. One user reported the system completely froze three times in a row, forcing a hard reboot and causing unsaved data loss. Other cases involve users complaining about full screen lock-ups and reboots occurring every 10–20 minutes.
Several reports also mention errors like 0×800704b3 and the critical crash "ATTEMPTED WRITE TO READONLY MEMORY (0xBE)." Some users note that after installing the patch, applications including Microsoft Office and Microsoft Outlook stopped launching, and certain system tools—like Command Prompt or keyboard shortcuts—ceased functioning.
Separate reports have emerged about hardware compatibility issues. Samsung Galaxy Book laptop owners claim their drives became temporarily unavailable after the update, while Dell Precision workstation users report graphical glitches and problems with GPU-accelerated applications. These cases appear isolated for now, but they may point to potential update compatibility problems.
For users experiencing these issues, it's recommended to temporarily pause updates or remove the patch via Windows Update settings. Additionally, submitting feedback through the reporting system could help Microsoft identify the root causes more quickly.