Windows 11 Updates Fix Gaming Bugs and Boost Security (KB5036980 & KB5036894)
Microsoft has released two significant updates for Windows 11, addressing everything from frustrating gaming bugs to critical security vulnerabilities. Whether you’re running the latest version of Windows 11 or an earlier release, there’s an important update available for your system. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s new in updates KB5036980 and KB5036894.
Optional Update KB5036980 for Windows 11 22H2 & 23H2
For users on the most current versions of Windows 11 (22H2 and 23H2), Microsoft has rolled out the optional preview update KB5036980. While not a mandatory security patch, this update contains a host of important bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements that many users will want to install.
One of the most significant fixes in this release is for gamers. This update resolves an issue that caused games using BattlEye anti-cheat software to have trouble restarting after a system reboot. If you’ve been struggling with game launch failures, this patch is designed to solve that problem.
Beyond gaming, KB5036980 delivers several key stability enhancements:
- Virtual Smart Card Fix: Addresses a bug that could cause your computer to become unresponsive when using a virtual smart card to sign in.
- Hibernate and Power Issues: Solves a problem that could prevent a system from resuming from hibernate and fixes a bug where the
powercfg.execommand would stop working. - Start Menu Search Reliability: Corrects an issue where the Start menu search would fail for some users after they logged back into their profile.
- Troubleshooting Tool: Fixes a bug that prevented the built-in troubleshooting tool from launching correctly.
Because this is a non-security “preview” update, it is considered optional. You will need to manually initiate the download and installation through the Windows Update settings. It provides an early look at the fixes that will be included in next month’s mandatory security update.
Essential Security Update KB5036894 for Windows 11 21H2
If your system is still running the original version of Windows 11 (21H2), update KB5036894 is a critical release you should install immediately. As part of Microsoft’s regular monthly security cycle, this is a mandatory update focused on protecting your system from potential threats.
The primary purpose of KB5036894 is to address multiple security vulnerabilities within the Windows operating system. Keeping your device protected from emerging threats is crucial, and installing this update is a vital step in maintaining your digital security.
In addition to the security patches, this update also bundles all the quality improvements and bug fixes from the previous month’s optional preview release.
Known Issue: Printer Installation Problems
It’s important to be aware of a known issue with this update. Some users may encounter problems when trying to install certain printers, particularly when using the HP Smart app. If you experience this, Microsoft recommends a simple workaround: download the official printer drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website and install them manually, rather than relying on the app-based setup.
How to Install the Latest Windows 11 Updates
Keeping your system updated is the best way to ensure it remains secure, stable, and running smoothly. Follow these steps to get the latest patches:
- Open the Settings app (you can press Windows Key + I).
- Navigate to the Windows Update section.
- Click the Check for updates button.
- Your system will automatically download and install mandatory security updates like KB5036894.
- For optional updates like KB5036980, you may see a “Download & install” button below the main checker. You will need to click this to begin the process.
For advanced users or IT administrators, both updates are also available for direct download from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
In summary, installing these updates is highly recommended. For users on version 21H2, the security benefits are non-negotiable. For those on 22H2 and 23H2, the array of bug fixes—especially the one for gamers—makes the optional update well worth installing.
Source: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/windows-11-kb5066835-and-kb5066793-updates-released/
