Troubleshooting Windows 11 KB5055523 Installation Failures and Windows Hello Issues (April 2025 Update Problems)

Tackling Windows 11 KB5055523 Update Issues: A Comprehensive Guide

The installation of Windows 11 KB5055523 has been fraught with challenges for many users, primarily due to error codes such as 0x80070306, 0x800f0905, and 0x800704ec. These issues, reported widely among users, have led to frequent failures during the update process, with some experiencing frustrating freezes at 20% or 70%.Compounding the problem is a complete malfunction of Windows Hello following the installation of this update.

Understanding the Mandatory Update

It’s essential to note that you cannot bypass the Windows 11 KB5055523 update, as it is a mandatory security patch. It will automatically download and install on your system. The update gained further notoriety for unexpectedly creating an inetpub folder, an outcome not documented by Microsoft, leading to user confusion. While this folder is innocuous, it pales in comparison to the critical issues we’re addressing here.

Error Codes Associated with KB5055523

One prominent issue observed with the KB5055523 update is the occurrence of the error code 0x800704ec during installation attempts. Users have reported that the Windows Update logs seem to indicate a .dll file issue, with a suggested workaround being to execute sfc /scannow to detect and resolve operating system corruption. Unfortunately, this has not proven useful in finalizing the update, which continues to falter.

Microsoft has acknowledged the feedback and is actively investigating these installation failures; however, they have not provided specific resolutions as of now. Additionally, failures due to 0x80070306 and 0x800f0905 remain problematic, with limited user options to address them.

Effective Workarounds for Installation Challenges

In my extensive experience managing Windows 11 updates, especially in corporate environments, I’ve found success utilizing the .msu offline installer obtained from the Microsoft Update Catalog, particularly when conventional Windows Update methods fail.

If issues persist even with the offline installer, consider refreshing Windows 11 using the Update Assistant Tool. This method maintains your data while rectifying update problems, providing a fresh start without losing any essential information.

Impact on Windows Hello Functionality

One of the most frustrating outcomes of the Windows 11 KB5055523 update is its interference with Windows Hello, especially for users who have enabled privacy features that disable the standard camera while keeping the infrared (IR) sensor active. For instance, Lenovo laptops often come equipped with a physical switch for the camera, while some HP devices feature a function key toggle.

Breaking Down Windows Hello Issues

Before the April 2025 update, users could effectively obscure their standard webcam while still utilizing the infrared sensor for face recognition. However, this functionality appears to have been disrupted by the KB5055523 update.

Users have reported instances where Windows Hello fails to recognize their faces during login attempts, producing errors such as “Couldn’t recognize you.” In some cases, even with a functional IR camera, users experience interference during setup due to conflicts with the color camera system.

Resolving Windows Hello Issues After the Update

If Windows Hello is malfunctioning post-update, one potential solution is to disable the color (RGB) camera via Device Manager. Here’s how you can do that:

Open the Device Manager and navigate to the “Cameras” section. You should see two cameras listed: one RGB and one IR.
Right-click the color (RGB) camera (which may be labeled something like Integrated Camera, HD, or Webcam) and select the option to disable it.
Keep the IR camera active. Afterwards, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Windows Hello Face to set up or test face recognition.

This workaround has reportedly restored functionality for some users. However, results may vary. For others, full removal of the KB5055523 patch might be necessary, which can be done through Settings > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall update.

According to a recent support document from Microsoft, the company has recognized specific issues related to Windows Hello errors that include:

“Something happened, and your PIN isn’t available. Click to set up your PIN again.”
“Sorry something went wrong with face setup.”

While these problems may occur sporadically, they differ from the prevalent issues reported after installing the update. For those facing the aforementioned errors, retrying the reconfiguration of Windows Hello could prove beneficial. Otherwise, users should consider either uninstalling the update or learning to manage without Windows Hello until a solid fix is rolled out by Microsoft.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main error codes associated with the Windows 11 KB5055523 update?

The primary error codes encountered are 0x80070306, 0x800f0905, and 0x800704ec. These codes indicate various issues relating to the installation and functionality of the update.

2. Can I uninstall the KB5055523 update, and will it affect my data?

Yes, you can uninstall the KB5055523 update by navigating to Settings > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall update. This will not wipe your personal data, but it may remove important security fixes included in the update.

3. What should I do if Windows Hello is not working after the update?

If Windows Hello is malfunctioning, try disabling the RGB camera through Device Manager and keeping only the IR camera active. If this does not resolve the issue, consider uninstalling the update or waiting for a patch from Microsoft that addresses these problems.

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