How to uninstall 2026-01 Security Update (KB5074109) (26200.7623)

Jerry Pomales 60

How to uninstall 2026-01 Security Update (KB5074109) (26200.7623) [Removed from System Center Operations Manager]

ncooney2015@outlook.com 25 Reputation points

2026-02-12T19:30:42.12+00:00

The 3 updates I see are from February. How do I find the older updates or is it too late now to delete it. Do the other updates since that one have to be uninstalled also or are they ok to leave there.

Answer accepted by question author

Ian-Ng 12,035 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-23T21:23:02.33+00:00
Hi @Jerry Pomales,

After reviewing your response to other users, I understand the urgency of the issue regarding the "damaged file" error you are seeing in Adobe InDesign when saving to Dropbox. This appears to be a conflict triggered by the recent 2026-01 Security Update (KB5074109).

Since this security update cannot be uninstalled at this time, we need to use a workaround to ensure you can continue working on your Magazine Layouts without losing data. While we wait for an official patch from Microsoft or Adobe, I recommend monitoring the Adobe Community forums. They are currently the most reliable source for real-time solutions from other professionals facing this exact issue.

In the meantime, please use the following workflow to save your files safely:

It has been confirmed that the conflict occurs specifically when Dropbox is actively running while InDesign attempts to save to the synced folder.

Option 1: Save Locally First
- Save your InDesign file to a non-Dropbox folder on your computer (e.g., your Downloads or Documents folder).
- The file should save without the "damaged" error.
- Once saved, manually move the file into your Dropbox folder for syncing.
Option 2: Direct Save (Requires restarting services)

If you must save directly to the Dropbox folder path:
- Quit Dropbox completely (ensure it is not running in the system tray).
- Restart Adobe InDesign.
- You should now be able to save to the local Dropbox folder without errors.
- Once you are finished working, restart Dropbox to allow the files to sync to the cloud.
Please let me know if these steps allow you to save your work successfully.I appreciate your patience and understanding.
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2 people found this answer helpful.
Jerry Pomales 60 Reputation points

2026-01-23T21:35:40.5733333+00:00

Thanks Ian, That's what I'm doing now. Saving locally and moving the file to Dropbox. Thank you again for your help on this matter. I really appreciate your time..

Ian-Ng 12,035 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-23T22:41:56.0833333+00:00

Hi @Jerry Pomales,

Thank you so much for your response and glad to hear that. I hope you have a good day.

Sebastian Pineda 0 Reputation points

2026-01-28T00:28:57.9933333+00:00

At the time of this post there is in fact a way to uninstall this tragic embarrassment of an update.

To uninstall the 2026-01 Security Update (KB5074109) (26200.7623), follow these steps:

Open the Control Panel on your Windows device.

Click on Programs, then select Programs and Features.

On the left side, click on View installed updates.

Find the update titled 2026-01 Security Update (KB5074109) in the list.

Right-click on it and choose Uninstall.

Follow the instructions to complete the uninstallation.

<Non-relevant content removed>
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Jerry Pomales 60 Reputation points

2026-01-21T15:11:16.0233333+00:00

It doesn't give me the option to uninstall
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3 people found this answer helpful.
Arlene Dunstan 0 Reputation points

2026-01-24T15:33:29.35+00:00

same for me

Ian-Ng 12,035 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-26T21:58:36.18+00:00

Hi @Arlene Dunstan,

As a latest update, Microsoft has released an out-of-band update (KB5077744) specifically to address instability introduced by the January 14 build. Before rolling back, you may want to check Windows Update for KB5077744 to see if it resolves the issue.

Sebastian Pineda 0 Reputation points

2026-01-28T00:29:25.0066667+00:00

To uninstall the 2026-01 Security Update (KB5074109) (26200.7623), follow these steps:

Open the Control Panel on your Windows device.

Click on Programs, then select Programs and Features.

On the left side, click on View installed updates.

Find the update titled 2026-01 Security Update (KB5074109) in the list.

Right-click on it and choose Uninstall.

Follow the instructions to complete the uninstallation.
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Q&A Assist

2026-01-21T15:10:25.01+00:00

AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more
To uninstall the 2026-01 Security Update (KB5074109) (26200.7623), follow these steps:
1. Open the Control Panel on your Windows device.
2. Click on Programs, then select Programs and Features.
3. On the left side, click on View installed updates.
4. Find the update titled 2026-01 Security Update (KB5074109) in the list.
5. Right-click on it and choose Uninstall.
6. Follow the instructions to complete the uninstallation.
If you face difficulties while uninstalling, consider using the Spuninst.exe utility located in the %Windir%\$NTUninstallKB5074109$\Spuninst folder to assist with the removal of the update.

References:
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3 people found this answer helpful.
Alan Rawlinson 10 Reputation points

2026-01-23T10:11:38.6966667+00:00

I have the same problem as @Jerry Pomales in that 2026-01 Security Update (KB5074109) (26200.7623 is not an appearing in the list of updates under 'Update history > Uninstall updates'
I need to unisntall it as Windows App is not working.
What is the/is there an alternative way to uninstall it?
Cheers
A
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2 people found this answer helpful.
Jerry Pomales 60 Reputation points

2026-01-23T11:36:34.4066667+00:00

Hello Allan, this out-of-band emergency update din't work for my Adobe InDesign problem but it looks like is working for other Windows fixes. Hope it works for you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dTO6-RdKC8

Alan Rawlinson 10 Reputation points

2026-01-23T16:39:05.2333333+00:00

Thanks Jerry! That video was very helpful.
I can now use the Windows App!
The KB5077744 (OS Build 26200.7627) update has fixed the issue. Phew!
Sorry to hear that it did not help you with your Adobe InDesign problem. I hope you get a resolution soon.
Have a good weekend.

JERRY EAKLE 0 Reputation points

2026-01-24T00:08:45.43+00:00

This gave me an "Installer encountered an error: 0x8000ffff"
Catastrophic failure

Ian-Ng 12,035 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-26T21:54:51.59+00:00

Hi @JERRY EAKLE,

Regarding the error message, it often indicates a synchronization issue or a temporary service conflict.

To resolve this, please complete the following two steps:

Step 1: Verify Date and Time Settings

Incorrect system time can prevent Windows from verifying update certificates.

Right-click the Time and Date in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar.

Select Adjust date/time.

Ensure that Set time automatically is toggled On.

Click the Sync now button.

Step 2: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes an automated tool to fix common update corruptions.

Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security.

Select Troubleshoot from the left menu.

Click on Additional troubleshooters.

Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.

Please restart your computer after completing these steps and attempt the update again. If the issue persists, please let me know.
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Ian-Ng 12,035 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-21T19:34:08.63+00:00
Hi @Jerry Pomales,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

Regarding your concern about of uninstalling 2026-01 Security Update (KB5074109) (26200.7623), while Microsoft typically recommends keeping all security patches installed, in this specific case, uninstalling the update is an officially supported troubleshooting step to restore system functionality.

How to Uninstall KB5074109:
1. Open Settings and go to Windows Update.
2. Select Update history > Uninstall updates.
3. Locate Security Update for Microsoft Windows (KB5074109).
4. Click Uninstall and follow the on-screen prompts.
5. Note: After restarting, we recommend "Pausing Updates" for 7 days in the Windows Update settings to prevent the system from automatically reinstalling the patch.
Security Note: Removing this update will temporarily leave your system without the latest security definitions. We recommend checking for a permanent cumulative update from Microsoft within the next week to ensure your device remains protected.

Please let me know if this restores your system to normal operation.

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.
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1 person found this answer helpful.
Jerry Pomales 60 Reputation points

2026-01-21T20:35:30.82+00:00

The update doesn't give me the option to uninstall

Jerry Pomales 60 Reputation points

2026-01-21T20:43:14.16+00:00

I tried this, but it doesnt give me the option to uninstall.

Ian-Ng 12,035 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-21T20:52:34.4733333+00:00

Hi @Jerry Pomales,

I appreciate your reply. Would you mind providing me with a screenshot of this screen?

Jerry Pomales 60 Reputation points

2026-01-21T20:57:07.2033333+00:00

Here you go

Jerry Pomales 60 Reputation points

2026-01-21T20:58:46.0033333+00:00

But as you can see, the update is there

Ian-Ng 12,035 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-21T21:10:18.3633333+00:00

Hi @Jerry Pomales,Since the standard "Uninstall" button is missing, you can attempt to use the official Command Prompt method as a workaround by using Command Prompt (wusa.exe)1/ Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

Click Start, type cmd.

Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

2/ Type the following command and press Enter:

wusa /uninstall /kb:5074109

Follow the prompts:

If the system allows it, a dialog box will appear asking you to confirm the uninstallation.

If it says "The update KB5074109 is required by your computer and cannot be uninstalled," it means this specific security patch has become a permanent part of your current build or is required by a newer update (like KB5077744).

Please keep me informed of outcome after trying this step. Thank you.

Jerry Pomales 60 Reputation points

2026-01-21T21:18:42.4466667+00:00

This is what I get

Ian-Ng 12,035 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-21T21:43:57.8466667+00:00

Hi @Jerry Pomales

Thank you for sharing those screenshots. They confirm that your system currently identifies KB5074109 as a required update, which is why the "Uninstall" option is missing and the Command Prompt (wusa) method is being blocked.

The reason you cannot uninstall KB5074109 is that Windows has designated it as a mandatory component of your current system build. Once an update reaches this status, the standard "Uninstall" option is removed to protect system integrity.

I appreciate your understanding and your patience.

Jerry Pomales 60 Reputation points

2026-01-21T21:45:34.77+00:00

Should I just reinstall Windows 11? I'm about to lose a client because of this problem

Ian-Ng 12,035 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-21T22:55:44.3766667+00:00

Hi @Jerry Pomales,

Could you clarify the issue regarding losing a client? Once I have a clearer understanding, I’ll be better able to provide the next steps to help prevent this from happening, as you mentioned.

Jerry Pomales 60 Reputation points

2026-01-21T23:02:01.18+00:00

This update is creating issues with Adobe InDesign, wich I use for Magazine Layouts. I service my Clients remotely using Dropbox. Ever since the update any file I try to save tell me is damage. I called Adobe this morning and they told me it was because of this update and I needed to uninstall while they work on a solution

Gerardo Salgado-Cardenas 5 Reputation points

2026-01-22T17:02:18.49+00:00

@Jerry Pomales Try going into Safe Mode and running that command. I used that command and it worked for me in safe mode. Also make sure the user knows their Bit Locker Key.

Jerry Pomales 60 Reputation points

2026-01-22T19:10:11.72+00:00

I tried that it gave me this message every time. Also tried with Command Prompt and it doesn't work either.

Ian-Ng 12,035 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-22T22:21:57.6633333+00:00

Hi @Jerry Pomales,

Based on your context, you can try the following official recovery methods to restore Adobe InDesign functionality:

1/ Perform a System Restore

Using this tool to bypass the uninstallation block and revert your entire system to a working state.

Search for "Create a restore point" in your Start menu and click the System Restore button.

Select a restore point created before January 14, 2026.

This will revert your system files while keeping your personal documents and Dropbox data intact.

2/ Uninstall via Windows Recovery Environment

If a restore point is not available, you can attempt to remove the update through the Windows recovery menu.

Go to Settings > System > Recovery and click Restart now next to Advanced startup.

Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates.

Select Uninstall latest quality update.

3/ Check for the Emergency Stability Patch

Microsoft has released an "out-of-band" update (KB5077744) specifically to address instability caused by the January 14 build. Before rolling back, you may check Windows Update for this KB number to see if it resolves the file-saving conflicts.

Once your system is restored, please select "Pause updates for 7 days" in your Windows Update settings.

Please let me know after trying these steps above.
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