Many users reported that after installing update package KB5040525, the Taskbar and Start button disappear, and Windows Explorer restarts frequently. This creates trouble while working on your PC and results in a poor user experience. In this article, we will troubleshoot the problems caused by the update package KB5040525.
About KB5040525
Update KB5040525 was released on July 23, 2024. This is a non-security update that fixes bugs and improves system functionality. However, some Windows computers are not compatible with this update and experience additional problems after installing it.
How to resolve KB5040525 problems?
If your PC is not compatible with this update package, you may experience one or more of the following issues.
- Start button stopped working.
- Taskbar not working or disappear suddenly.
- Windows Explorer restarts frequently.
- App crashes or hangs, etc.
To fix the above problems, just follow the guideline below.
Solution 1: Optimise your computer.
Mostly, the problem arises due to outdated drivers installed on your computer. After installing the update package KB5040525, the outdated drivers can’t communicate with the PC properly and start creating problems.
Additionally, missing system files such as DLL files, EXE files, SYS files, etc., are also significant reasons behind PC problems.
To overcome such issues, fix the common bugs on your computer and optimize your PC for the best performance. You can either do this manually or use an advanced optimizer tool.
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Solution 2: Hide the Update
As mentioned above, KB5040525 is not a security update, so you can safely hide this update and refuse to install it. It won’t affect the security of your Windows OS and will allow you to bypass the problems caused by this update.
Hiding this update is very easy and straightforward. Just download Microsoft’s show/hide tool and hide this update.
Step 1: Download the show/hide tool (wushowhide.diagcab) from the following location.
Step 2: Double-click on this tool and open it. Click on the Next button and it will start diagnostic process. Select Hide Updates option.
Step 3: Select the problematic updates from the list and click on the Next button to hide it.
Solution 3: Uninstall KB5040525 from your computer.
Uninstall this update from your computer as follows:
Step 1: Navigate to Settings → Windows Update → Update History. Scroll down to the bottom and click on Uninstall updates option.
Step 2: Click “Uninstall” button next to update KB5040525.
Solution 4: Run System File Checker Tool
Corrupted or missing system files are also a major reason behind update-related problems. Run the built-in System File Checker tool to fix system file issues.
Step 1: Open Admin Command Prompt.
Step 2: Execute the command.
sfc /scannow
Step 3: Reboot your PC.
Solution 5: Run DISM command.
The DISM command is another good option for repairing Windows images. It scans the Windows image thoroughly and fixes any problems it finds. You can run this command-line utility as follows:
Step 1: Open elevated Command Prompt.
Step 2: Execute the following commands in sequence.
1. DISM – Check Health
C:\Windows\System32> dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool
Version: 10.0.22621.2792
Image Version: 10.0.22631.3737
No component store corruption detected.
The operation completed successfully.
2. DISM – Scan Health
C:\Windows\System32> dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool
Version: 10.0.22621.2792
Image Version: 10.0.22631.3737
[==========================100.0%==========================]
No component store corruption detected.
The operation completed successfully.
C:\Windows\System32>
3. DISM – Restore Health
C:\Windows\System32> dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool
Version: 10.0.22621.2792
Image Version: 10.0.22631.3737
[==========================100.0%==========================]
The restore operation completed successfully.
The operation completed successfully.
C:\Windows\System32>
Step 3: It will take some time to finish the process so keep patience and let the process completes.
Conclusion:
If you are having problems after installing the update file KB5040525 on a Windows 11 or Windows 10 machine, you can uninstall or hide this update. Additionally, you should also run the System File Checker tool and the DISM command to fix and repair problems in the Windows OS.