Microsoft performed another Known Issue Rollback (KIR) after Windows 11 users complained of Start menu issues after installing update KB5014668.
KIRs used to be relatively rare, but several issues have recently necessitated their implementation. In the case of the recently released KB5014668 update, some users have found that it is not possible to open the Start menu either by clicking the Start button or by using the keyboard.
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With the Start menu being so central to using Windows 11, it’s no surprise that this problematic update was rolled back.
Microsoft gave few details about the problem, nor revealed the extent of the problem. The company says:
After installing KB5014668 or later updates, we have received reports that a small number of devices may not be able to open the Start menu. On affected devices, clicking or selecting the Start button, or using the Windows key on your keyboard may have no effect.
The notice on the Known Issues page for Windows 11 then reveals the resolution to the issue:
This issue is resolved using Known Issues Rollback (KIR). Please note that it may take up to 24 hours for the resolution to automatically propagate to consumer devices and unmanaged business devices. Restarting your Windows device may help the resolution apply to your device faster. For company-managed devices that have installed an affected update and experienced this issue, you can resolve it by installing and configuring a special Group Policy. The special group policy is located in Setting up a computer -> Administrative Templates -> KB5014668 220721_04201 Known restore issue -> Windows 11 (original version).
It is likely that the number of people affected by the KB5014668 issue is not too high as the update is optional. It was previewed recently and should be released more widely next patch on Tuesday, assuming the issues are resolved.
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