Smart Card reader issues after Feb 11, 2025 update.

Question

No issues with my smart card reader prior to this update (2025-02 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 23H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5051989)) and I haven't been able to log into my DOD email ever since because of my cac reader not working. Appreciate any suggestions to get it working again. How can I remove those changes that were implemented during that Feb 11 2025 update?

I've referred to this forum but no success https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/windows-security-smart-card-popup/6f323b47-f049-41c3-8d43-8b6a43f5dfe7#windows.  Seems a little outdated.

Thanks for any help!

Answer 1

Hello DGMorris,

Thank you for posting in Q&A forum.

Removing the KB might expose your system to vulnerabilities or incompatibilities, please try some steps below before you uninstall/remove this KB. Please always ensure you have a current backup of your data before making important or system-critical changes.

1. Check CAC Reader Drivers.

1. Open Device Manager (right-click on the Start button, select Device Manager).
2. Expand “Smart card readers” and locate your CAC reader.
3. Right-click and select “Update driver.” You can choose to let Windows search for an updated version or manually install a driver provided by your hardware supplier.
4. If a driver update doesn’t work, consider rolling back the driver (right-click the device, then “Properties” → “Driver” tab → “Roll Back Driver,” if the option is available).

2. Use System Restore if you have before installing the update

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui.exe, and hit Enter.
2. Follow the prompts to choose a restore point that predates February 11, 2025.
3. Allow the system to restore and reboot.

Note: Keep in mind that System Restore can undo recent policy changes and driver updates, but it may also affect other installed programs or changes made after that restore point.

3. Review DoD and CAC Application Updates

DoD systems may require updates to the middleware or applications that handle CAC authentication to maintain compatibility with Windows updates. Check with your DoD IT support or visit official DoD support pages to confirm that no additional updates or configuration changes are required.

4. Event logs and error messages

Look at the Windows Event Viewer logs under “Applications and Services Logs” → “Microsoft” → “Windows” → “SmartCard” or related entries. These logs might give additional insights about errors in the driver or middleware.

How can I remove those changes that were implemented during that Feb 11 2025 update?
A: You can try to uninstall this KB5051989, then check if it helps.

1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I.
2. Go to “Windows Update.”
3. Click on “Update history.”
4. Scroll down to “Uninstall updates.”
5. Look for “2025-02 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 23H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5051989).”
6. Select it and click “Uninstall.”
7. Follow the on-screen prompts and then restart your computer.

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know.

Best Regards,

Daisy Zhou

============================================

If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.