Windows 11 KB5051987 Update Issues: File Explorer Problems and Installation Failures on Windows 11 24H2

Windows 11 KB5051987 Update: Common Issues and Troubleshooting Guide

The February 2025 update for Windows 11, identified as KB5051987, has become one of the most prominent releases recently. However, users are facing significant hurdles during installation and functionality. Notably, after upgrading our Windows 11 24H2 system to KB5051987, we encountered problems with the HP Spectre camera and a malfunctioning File Explorer.

File Explorer Unresponsive After Update

A widespread issue linked to the KB5051987 update is the unresponsiveness of File Explorer. Many users report that they cannot open folders like Desktop, Documents, or Pictures. This is particularly frustrating since attempts to launch File Explorer from a desktop shortcut or through the Windows search yield no results.

Interestingly, while File Explorer appears stuck, it may still be running in the background. You can find the explorer.exe process listed in the Task Manager. Some users have noted that they can still navigate to Home and Gallery through the sidebar; however, accessing other folder locations is impossible, with clicking on the sidebar arrows producing no response. This issue seems to be linked to certain features within File Explorer rather than a full crash.

Reports indicate that over 30 users have echoed similar experiences following the installation of Windows 11 KB5051987. While it remains uncertain if third-party customization tools are to blame, users on clean installations are also encountering these obstacles. It is advisable to temporarily disable any third-party software to check if File Explorer functionality returns.

In one case, a user reported, “I tried a system restore and ended up with a black desktop. Uninstalling the update through PowerShell yielded no success either; a reload seems to be the only option.” This indicates that the installation may cause deeper issues beyond surface-level performance declines.

Installation Problems: Errors and Stalls

Another common complaint surrounds the installation process itself. Users report that attempts to install KB5051987 frequently stall at 96%, displaying an error that states, “Something didn’t go as planned.” Many have echoed this sentiment, noting messages about missing update files preventing installation.

In discussions on platforms like Reddit, users have mentioned their updates getting stuck at 0% for several hours. Onlookers may notice the progress bar jump to 100% suddenly, only for the installation to fail shortly thereafter.

If your download appears frozen, clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder (where Windows keeps its update files) may resolve the issue. Alternatively, giving Windows time to complete the process unimpeded can also work wonders.

Additionally, some users are facing performance issues, like mouse stuttering or system lag, particularly after earlier updates. One user recounted, “I experienced mouse stuttering followed by input lag. Ultimately, my system halted, forcing a hard reboot, ” highlighting the serious impact this update may have on overall system performance.

Camera Malfunctions Post-Update

The problems don’t stop at File Explorer and installation errors; post-update camera performance is suffering as well. Similar to issues stemming from the previous KB5050094 January update, numerous users have reported that their cameras no longer function after installing KB5051987. For example, the Windows Camera application frequently fails to detect connected cameras, leaving users unable to troubleshoot effectively.

It has been established that the only way to restore camera function appears to be by uninstalling the KB5051987 update altogether.

List of Additional Reported Issues

Here are several other potential issues users have reported after the KB5051987 installation:

Inability to install applications within Windows Sandbox, particularly affecting. NET applications at this time.
Graphics performance drops have been flagged, with one user noting an FPS drop from 125 to 85 while playing Battlefield 2042.
Experiences of FPS drops to 30 while playing Fortnite Festival after the update implementation.
The new Taskbar preview animation either fails to load or functions incorrectly for some users, persisting even after reinstalling the update.
Some users reported being unable to boot into Windows, necessitating manual intervention via BIOS.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my File Explorer is not responding after the KB5051987 update?

If File Explorer is unresponsive, try restarting your computer first. If the issue persists, check the Task Manager for the explorer.exe process and try to terminate it. After that, restart File Explorer from the Task Manager. If none of these solutions work, consider disabling third-party customization tools that may be causing conflicts.

2. How can I solve the installation issue for the KB5051987 update?

If your update is stalling or failing, try clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder to remove any corrupted update files. You can do this by navigating to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download and deleting its contents. Additionally, ensure your internet connection is stable during the update process.

3. The camera isn’t working after the KB5051987 update; what can I do?

If your camera has stopped functioning post-update, first try uninstalling the KB5051987 update to see if that resolves the problem. If that isn’t an option, you can also attempt to reinstall camera drivers or use the Device Manager to troubleshoot hardware issues.

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