A wave of frustration is sweeping through the gaming community. Players are reporting unsettling visual glitches appearing in their favorite titles, and the finger-pointing has begun.
Initially, the blame fell squarely on Nvidia, following the release of their latest GeForce Game Ready drivers. But a surprising shift is occurring – Nvidia representatives are now suggesting the root of the problem lies with a recent Microsoft Windows update.
Specifically, Microsoft’s January 2026 security update, designated KB5074109, is being identified as the potential culprit. This update has already been linked to a cascade of issues, ranging from the dreaded black screen of death to crashes in Outlook and bizarre behavior in File Explorer.
The situation is complex. Both Microsoft and Nvidia unleashed new software updates in close succession – KB5074109 and Nvidia’s driver version 591.86. The timing has created a confusing scenario for gamers trying to pinpoint the source of their troubles.
Nvidia support personnel, including a representative known as “Manuel@Nvidia,” are now advising users to uninstall the problematic Windows update as a potential fix. This is a significant admission, suggesting the issue extends beyond Nvidia’s own software.
Reports indicate the visual glitches are manifesting across a variety of games, impacting the gaming experience for many. While Microsoft released an optional patch, KB5074105, intended to address several bugs, it appears the core issue persists for some.
A more comprehensive solution is anticipated with the next security patch scheduled for release on February 10, 2026 – “Patch Tuesday.” This update is expected to incorporate the fixes from the optional patch and potentially resolve the underlying conflict.
However, removing security updates is rarely ideal. Both the January and February patches aim to bolster PC security and stability, and reverting to older code introduces potential vulnerabilities. An updated Nvidia driver could also offer a resolution, as has occurred in similar situations previously.
If the glitches are severely impacting your gaming experience, uninstalling the January update is an option. Navigate to Windows Settings > Update & security > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates and locate KB5074109.
Remember, it’s generally best to maintain the latest security patches unless absolutely necessary. Consider waiting for the February update or a potential Nvidia driver fix before taking action, as reverting updates can introduce unforeseen consequences.
