Windows 11 Glitches After Update? What You Can Do

Windows 11 Glitches After Update? Here’s What You Can Do

We’ve all been there you install a long-awaited Windows 11 update hoping for improvements, but instead, your PC starts acting weird. Maybe your taskbar disappeared, apps won’t open, your Wi-Fi vanishes, or worse, your system slows to a crawl.

If your Windows 11 glitches after an update, don’t panic. You’re not alone, and in many cases, these bugs are fixable. This guide breaks down why post-update problems happen and how to troubleshoot them without going crazy or losing your data.

Let’s walk through real solutions for real people no tech jargon, just smart steps to get your computer back on track.

Why Does Windows 11 Bug Out After Updates?

Windows updates are meant to improve performance and security. But sometimes, they bring new glitches, especially after big feature rollouts like Moment 5 or cumulative updates like KB5039302.

Here’s what causes these issues:

Driver incompatibilities
Third-party software conflicts
Registry or system file changes
Incomplete or interrupted updates
Unstable beta features from Windows Insider builds

The good news? Most of these are temporary and fixable.

Step 1: First Things First The Quick Checks

Before diving into deep fixes, try these simple things:

Restart (for real)

Not just closing the lid—do a full shutdown and restart. Sometimes that’s all your system needs to reinitialize properly.

Check for pending updates

Microsoft often releases follow-up patches after a buggy update.
Go to:
Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates

Use Windows Troubleshooters

Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot and run tools like:

Internet Connections
Windows Update
Bluetooth or Audio

They won’t fix everything, but they’re a solid start.

Taskbar, Start Menu, or Search Not Working?

This is a common Windows 11 bug after updates—the taskbar freezes or disappears, the Start Menu doesn’t respond, or search won’t open.

Fixes to try:

1. Restart Windows Explorer:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
Find Windows Explorer > Right-click > Restart

2. Re-register Windows apps (PowerShell fix):

Open PowerShell (Admin) and paste:

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

This resets app registration without deleting anything.

PC Lagging or Sluggish After Update?

Slow performance after an update is frustrating, especially if your PC was running smoothly before.

Fixes to boost speed:

Disable Startup Apps:
Settings > Apps > Startup – turn off apps you don’t need.
Update Drivers:
Use Device Manager to update your graphics, network, and chipset drivers.
Roll Back the Update (if recent):
Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Sound Not Working?

Many users report no internet after Windows 11 update, or Bluetooth/audio issues. Often, the update messes with drivers or power settings.

Do this:

1. Reinstall Network Drivers:

Device Manager > Network adapters > Uninstall your Wi-Fi driver
Reboot to reinstall it automatically.

2. Reset Network Stack (Command Prompt):

Run CMD as admin and type:

netsh winsock reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns

3. Disable Power-Saving Settings:

Device Manager > Network adapter > Properties > Power Management tab
Uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device”

Missing Files or Reset Settings?

Sometimes after updates, user settings disappear or files feel “lost.”

Before panicking:

Check OneDrive or This PC > C:\Users\YourUsername
Use File History or search for files via Search using known names

If your account feels reset, you might be in a temporary profile.
Reboot, and if the issue persists:

Create a new account
Migrate data from C:\Users\TEMP or similar folders

How to Uninstall a Bad Windows 11 Update

Option 1: Via Settings

Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update History
Click Uninstall Updates
Choose the problematic patch (look for KB number)

Option 2: Use System Restore

Search for “Create a restore point”
Open System Restore
Choose a restore point before the update installed

Advanced Fixes If You’re Still Stuck

Still having trouble? Let’s go deeper.

1. Run System File Checker (SFC):

sfc /scannow

2. Run DISM to repair Windows image:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

3. Boot in Safe Mode:

Press Windows + R, type msconfig
Under Boot tab, choose Safe boot > Minimal

Safe Mode can help test if third-party software is causing issues.

Should You Wait It Out or Get Help?

Sometimes, Windows updates just need time. If the bug is widespread, Microsoft usually releases a fix in a few days.

Here’s what you can do:

Monitor forums like Reddit r/WindowsHelp or Microsoft Answers
Submit feedback via Feedback Hub
Track update logs at:

If you’re short on time or the problem is serious (e.g. black screen, data loss), reach out to a remote tech support service or local repair expert like Techie Fixers.

How to Avoid Glitches in Future Updates

You can’t stop updates forever, but you can prepare smartly.

Pro tips:

Pause updates for a week after release
Settings > Windows Update > Pause for 7 days
Backup your files using OneDrive or external drives
Avoid enabling beta features unless you’re a tester
Always update drivers before OS updates

Real FAQs About Windows 11 Update Issues

1. Is it safe to uninstall a Windows 11 update?

Yes especially if the update causes serious bugs. Use “Uninstall Updates” under Update History. Just don’t delay security patches for too long.

2. Why did my PC become slower after the latest update?

Often, it’s background indexing, outdated drivers, or services clashing post-update. Let the system settle, and check Task Manager for resource hogs.

3. How do I stop automatic updates on Windows 11?

Go to Settings > Windows Update > Pause updates. For long-term control, use Group Policy Editor (for Pro users) or metered connections.

4. How do I fix a black screen after a Windows 11 update?

Try restarting in Safe Mode or using System Restore. Black screens often result from driver issues—especially graphics cards.

5. What’s the difference between a Feature Update and Patch Tuesday updates?

Feature Updates are large (e.g. Moment updates) and add new functions. Patch Tuesday updates are monthly and focus on security.

Final Thoughts

Windows 11 glitches after update can feel frustrating, especially if your system was stable before. But most bugs have simple fixes restart a process, update a driver, or roll back a patch.

Be patient, be proactive, and always backup before updating. And remember you’re not alone. These issues happen even to pros. Bookmark this guide or share it with someone else stuck in a post-update glitch cycle. Need expert help? Don’t wait get professional support before the problem gets worse.