Technology Advisor Blog



Windows 11 User Updates and Patches

Posted by Sarah Carroll on 12/22/25 12:51 PM

Windows11

8 weeks have passed since the highly anticipated sunset of Windows 10, leading to the transition of Windows 11 for most users. Throughout the last several weeks, many updates and security patches have been put in place to maintain high performance for users. As folks have updated their devices to Windows 11, a lot of users have experienced unusual glitches that Microsoft has resolved in real time. Let’s go over what updates have occurred so you are up to date and recognize anything you may have encountered within the last couple weeks!


To Start Off, Why Does Windows 11 Has Many Updates?

Windows11 by Microsoft has frequent patches for their systems due to updating security practices, bug fixes and gradual feature rollouts with the intent to help users through intuitive navigation. Some of these feature rollouts on W11 include but are not limited to: AI Powered Tools, Copilot Features, and of course security enhancements.
Windows 11 updates aren’t optional maintenance to ignore or omit, they’re essential for protecting you and your team’s devices. Our Ekaru team has all the up-to-date knowledge for windows and Microsoft to be able to navigate you through any troubleshooting that comes your way with these frequent patches. Below are some examples that we have come across that we believe you should know about in case you run into these yourself.

 


White Flash in Dark Mode

 

If you’re using dark mode on Windows, have you recently come across a bright light every action you take with opening a new tab? You’re not alone and fairly can be quite distracting in productivity.
This came from a security patch known as KB5070311, where users noticed this visual bug when opening tabs and navigating between them. Using dark mode to prevent working on a bright screen, the experience for users was not satisfying.

However, Microsoft has acknowledged this issue with users and has resolved in patch KB5072033.
For users who prefer dark mode (me included), this resolved issue provides other users with a flow immersion when using instead of ‘flashes’ becoming a distraction. While this can alter someone’s workflow, another issue that can cause a halt are disappearing icons, especially the first step into using your web applications.

Password icon On Windows 11
Password Icon Vanishing on Lock Screen

While an icon disappearing is enough to notice, it causes a little bit of panic when it involves you needing to take the next steps into signing in. Appearing on the preview Windows 11 24H2 update KB5064081, when users arrived at lock screen, they were viewing a blank space when their password key (PIN, fingerprint, security key, etc.) were enabled. While you couldn’t see it, it was still possible to access your password if you memorized the spot where the password lock was present.
As users were confused and some panicked under the assumption something was wrong, Microsoft confirmed this behavior, listing as a known issue that will be fixed within further development. This is a reminder that UI glitches, alongside the ‘flashes’ seen when navigating tabs in dark mode, can affect everyday workflows.
For additional password protection, Microsoft has also Prompted for a PIN on top of security keys.

 


Additional PIN Prompt


Microsoft updated how FIDO2 security keys behave on Windows 11. After recent updates (starting with the September 29, 2025 preview KB5065789 and completed by November’s monthly update KB5068861), users trying to sign in with a security key might now be prompted to create or enter a PIN, even if a PIN wasn’t previously required or set. This change is intentional to comply with WebAuthn authentication standards, which treat “preferred” user verification requests as requiring a PIN or similar confirmation.
While some may see this as an inconvenience when trying to access their applications, this step isn’t a bug, it’s a standards compliance change that could surprise users and admins who expected passwordless security keys to work without PIN prompts. It’s especially important for enterprises that use security keys for authentication: they might need to adjust identity provider settings or educate users about PIN prompts.

 

Why Staying Current on Windows 11 Matters

 

Windows 11 is evolving rapidly, and the updates released over the last several weeks clearly show why staying current is critical for security, stability, and productivity. As your provider for all things IT, our Ekaru team closely monitors these changes, so you don’t have to.


What Ekaru Does to Help

 

  • Monitor Windows updates and known issues
  • Test patches before deployment
  • Roll out updates strategically, not disruptively
  • Educate users on what’s changing and why
  • Keep your systems secure, stable, and compliant

While for some users, transitioning over to Windows 11 from Windows 10 is not possible due to projects that take priority or even intimidated updating your devices. While it’s understandable to be intimidated by change, especially on your desktop, there is an option for extended windows 10 use.
However, staying on older systems means:

 

  • Missing security improvements, which could affect how phishing attempts bypass your older systems.
  • Falling behind in productivity tools.
  • Facing more disruptive upgrades later that may take up more productivity than staying proactive.

 

 

Contact Us to See How We Can Help Your Business!

Bottom Line

Recent Windows 11 updates have included not just bug fixes and security patches, but also some notable UI and authentication changes. Windows 11 updates aren’t optional maintenance, they’re essential protection. Staying current reduces risk, improves productivity, and keeps your business ready for what’s next. Our job is to make sure you get the benefits without headaches.

If you’re looking for IT assistance with devices, phones, Microsoft 365 and more, let’s connect for a 15-minute call to assess your needs and how we can help you!

 

Topics: Microsoft Windows Update, Microsoft, Microsoft Updates, cybersecurity, Windows11

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