How to remove KB5074109 if integrated into Windows 11 25H2 (Visual issues in Forza Horizon 5)

Question

Hello,

I recently purchased a new laptop that came with Windows 11 preinstalled by the manufacturer.

My current system information is:

• Edition: Windows 11 Home

Version: 25H2

OS Build: 26200.7840

I am experiencing visual issues in Forza Horizon 5, specifically abnormal black shadows and lighting artifacts during gameplay.

After researching the issue, I found multiple discussions suggesting that KB5074109 may have introduced graphical or rendering-related problems for some users, particularly affecting lighting and shadow behavior in certain games.

However:

KB5074109 does not appear in Update History

It does not appear in Installed Updates (Uninstall Updates section)

The system was purchased recently and shipped with this build

Because I am running Windows 11 25H2 (Build 26200.7840), I suspect that KB5074109 may already be integrated into the cumulative update that is part of the base OS image.

My question is:

If KB5074109 is already integrated into this build, is there any supported way to remove or roll back only that specific update without performing a complete downgrade or clean installation of an older Windows version?

If individual removal is not possible, what would be the recommended approach to isolate or revert changes introduced by that update?

Thank you for your clarification.Hello,

I recently purchased a new laptop that came with Windows 11 preinstalled by the manufacturer.

My current system information is:

Edition: Windows 11 Home

Version: 25H2

OS Build: 26200.7840

I am experiencing visual issues in Forza Horizon 5, specifically abnormal black shadows and lighting artifacts during gameplay.

After researching the issue, I found multiple discussions suggesting that KB5074109 may have introduced graphical or rendering-related problems for some users, particularly affecting lighting and shadow behavior in certain games.

However:

KB5074109 does not appear in Update History

It does not appear in Installed Updates (Uninstall Updates section)

The system was purchased recently and shipped with this build

Because I am running Windows 11 25H2 (Build 26200.7840), I suspect that KB5074109 may already be integrated into the cumulative update that is part of the base OS image.

My question is:

If KB5074109 is already integrated into this build, is there any supported way to remove or roll back only that specific update without performing a complete downgrade or clean installation of an older Windows version?

If individual removal is not possible, what would be the recommended approach to isolate or revert changes introduced by that update?

Answer 1

Hi Buturia,
Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum. I'm happy to help.

Since this is a public forum, we will hide your personal identifiable information, and I have sent that image of yours containing your personal identifiable information in a private message so we can work together to resolve the issue. Also, please check your private message in case you want to share another screenshot to avoid leaking your PII by click on the Private Message button right under your first post.

I have a workaround although it's not convenient to do so. It's performing an In-place upgrade.

Disclaimer: Let’s try performing an in-place install or in-place upgrade which will refresh your Windows files and operating system without removing files or applications. That being said, we always recommend that if you have important data, you should back it up before making large system changes. If you want to back up your data first, please do so. Once you are done backing up, you can follow the steps in the following guides: How to run In-place upgrade in Windows 11 - Microsoft Community

After performing an In-place upgrade, you will have 25H2 without recent updates. You may then choose to update the system to the moment right before KB5074109 or pause Windows Update and wait for any news.

Additionally, you may try a workaround from user AJ42 on this thread: Windows 11 update KB5074109 reportedly reduces gaming performance.

Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate and safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

I hope that above information is helpful to you.

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Answer 2

Hello,

It's better to troubleshoot than to uninstall the update. I would also like to tell you that KB5074109 is the January update. It has been replaced by Februrary update so uninstalling is not possible.

Please supply the following Information.

Right-click the Start button and Choose the Run option

Type in msinfo32

Press enter.

Take a screenshot of the System Summary window and post it in the next reply.

I look forward to your response and am eager to collaborate until we find a solution.

Answer 3

If KB5074109 is integrated into your Windows 11 build (such as 25H2 Build 26200.7840), there is no supported method to remove or roll back that specific update individually without performing a complete downgrade or clean installation of an older version of Windows. Windows updates, especially cumulative ones, are designed to be installed as a whole, and individual components cannot be uninstalled through standard user interfaces.

To address the visual issues you are experiencing in Forza Horizon 5, consider the following approaches:

1. Check for Additional Updates: Ensure that your system is fully updated. Sometimes, subsequent updates may resolve issues introduced by previous ones.
2. Graphics Driver Update: Update your graphics drivers to the latest version from the manufacturer's website. This can often resolve rendering issues in games.
3. Game Settings: Adjust the graphics settings within Forza Horizon 5. Lowering certain settings may help mitigate the visual artifacts.
4. Feedback Hub: Use the Windows Feedback Hub to report the issue. This can help Microsoft identify and address the problem in future updates.
5. Community Forums: Engage with community forums or support groups for Forza Horizon 5 to see if other users have found specific workarounds or solutions.

If the problem persists, you may need to consider a clean installation of Windows or wait for a future update that addresses the issue directly.

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References:

• Resolved issues in Windows 11, version 25H2