A Critical Issue in Windows Updates Leaves Users Stranded with Black Screens
In a significant development, Microsoft has confirmed that recent Windows updates have caused desktop loading issues for some users. This problem, which manifests as black screens and prevents access to the desktop until the user manually starts the desktop session, affects those who installed specific August 2026 preview updates and subsequent patches. While the issue mainly impacts Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) hosts using FSLogix, a software solution designed to speed up user profile loading in virtual environments, other Windows users are also being affected.
FSLogix is a relatively specialized technology used by some companies to enhance the performance of their virtual desktop infrastructure. However, this particular problem affects more than just AVD setups. Users who installed KB5120996 (Windows 11 26H1), KB5120998 (Windows 11 24H2/25H2), and last month’s Patch Tuesday updates (KB5124008 and KB5122880) are all potentially impacted. As a result, these users may experience a black screen after signing in, preventing them from accessing their desktop until they manually launch Windows Explorer.
Fortunately, Microsoft has provided temporary workarounds for affected users. To bypass the issue, users can manually launch Windows Explorer by opening Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), selecting “Run new task,” entering “explorer.exe,” and clicking “OK.” This action should allow them to access their desktop temporarily until a more permanent fix is available.
Microsoft has also implemented a known issue rollback for enterprise customers via its Known Issue Rollback feature. IT administrators can mitigate the problem on enterprise-managed devices by installing specific group policies, which will disable the problematic update change until a resolution is released in a future Windows update. For users who are part of an enterprise setup, their administrators should be able to find further guidance on deploying and configuring these group policies on Microsoft’s support website.
This incident serves as a reminder that even with the best-laid plans, software updates can sometimes go awry. It underscores the importance for both individuals and organizations to stay vigilant and informed about potential issues associated with updates. The practical takeaway here is simple: while relying on temporary workarounds may be necessary in the short term, it’s crucial to closely monitor official communications from Microsoft regarding any ongoing issues related to recent updates.
Source: Bleeping Computer — 2026-09-25