Windows 11 KB5074109 Error – 12 Ways to Fix Installation Failures

Quick Fix

If Windows 11 KB5074109 won’t install or causes errors, try this: Open Command Prompt as Admin, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, then sfc /scannow. Restart and try the update again. If you’re getting credential prompt failures after installing, download the fix KB5077744 from Microsoft Update Catalog.

What Is KB5074109?

KB5074109 is the January 2026 Windows 11 security update. While it patches important security vulnerabilities, many users report installation failures, credential prompt issues, and cloud storage problems after installing it. Microsoft has acknowledged these issues and released fixes.

Common error codes with this update include 0x800f0922, 0x80070002, 0x8007000d, and general installation failures. Let’s fix each issue.

Method 1: Install the Out-of-Band Fix KB5077744

Microsoft released an emergency fix for KB5074109 problems.

1. Go to Microsoft Update Catalog (catalog.update.microsoft.com)
2. Search for KB5077744
3. Download the version matching your Windows 11 version (24H2 or 23H2)
4. Run the downloaded .msu file
5. Restart your computer
6. This fixes credential prompt failures and remote desktop issues

Method 2: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

The built-in troubleshooter can fix common update problems.

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
3. Find Windows Update and click Run
4. Wait for the scan to complete
5. Apply any recommended fixes
6. Restart and try the update again

Method 3: Reset Windows Update Components

Corrupted update components are a common cause of KB5074109 failures.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Run these commands one at a time:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

3. Restart your computer
4. Try installing KB5074109 again

Method 4: Run DISM and SFC Scans

System file corruption can block Windows updates.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. Wait for completion (can take 10-20 minutes)
4. Run: sfc /scannow
5. Wait for the scan to finish
6. Restart your computer
7. Try the update again

Method 5: Free Up Disk Space

KB5074109 requires sufficient free space to install.

1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer
2. Right-click your C: drive and select Properties
3. Click Disk Cleanup
4. Check all boxes, especially Windows Update Cleanup
5. Click Clean up system files
6. Select additional items and click OK
7. Ensure you have at least 20GB free

Method 6: Manually Download and Install

If Windows Update keeps failing, install the update manually.

1. Go to catalog.update.microsoft.com
2. Search for KB5074109
3. Find the version for your Windows 11 (x64 for most PCs)
4. Click Download
5. Run the downloaded .msu file
6. Follow the installation prompts
7. Restart when complete

Method 7: Fix Credential Prompt Failures

After installing KB5074109, remote desktop and credential prompts may fail.

Symptoms:

• Windows App fails to sign in
• Azure Virtual Desktop connection errors
• Windows 365 login failures
• Remote desktop credential prompts not appearing

Solution:

1. Install KB5077744 from Microsoft Update Catalog
2. Or wait for the next Patch Tuesday update
3. As a workaround, use the classic Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc.exe) instead of Windows App

Method 8: Fix Cloud Storage App Errors

KB5074109 causes OneDrive and Dropbox file access issues.

Symptoms:

• Outlook becomes unresponsive when accessing PST files on OneDrive
• Applications hang when opening cloud-synced files
• Dropbox files fail to open

Workarounds:

1. Move PST files from OneDrive to local storage
2. Pause OneDrive sync temporarily
3. Open files from local copies instead of cloud versions
4. Wait for Microsoft’s permanent fix in a future update

Method 9: Disable Antivirus Temporarily

Security software can interfere with Windows updates.

1. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus
2. Windows Defender can stay enabled
3. Try installing KB5074109
4. Re-enable antivirus after installation

Method 10: Check for Driver Issues

Outdated drivers can cause update failures.

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager
2. Look for devices with yellow warning icons
3. Right-click and select Update driver
4. Update graphics, network, and chipset drivers
5. Visit your PC manufacturer’s website for latest drivers
6. Restart and try the update

Method 11: Uninstall KB5074109 (If Causing Problems)

If the update installed but causes issues, you can remove it.

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history
2. Click Uninstall updates
3. Find KB5074109
4. Click Uninstall
5. Restart your computer
6. Pause updates for 7 days while waiting for a fixed version

Method 12: Clean Boot Installation

Install the update with minimal software interference.

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, press Enter
2. Go to Services tab
3. Check Hide all Microsoft services
4. Click Disable all
5. Go to Startup tab and click Open Task Manager
6. Disable all startup items
7. Restart and try installing KB5074109
8. Re-enable services after successful installation

Known Issues with KB5074109

• Credential prompt failures – Fixed by KB5077744
• Cloud storage app hangs – Move files locally as workaround
• WUSA errors from network shares – Install from local drive instead
• Smart card authentication issues – Update may conflict with older smart card certificates

FAQ

Should I install KB5074109?

Yes, it contains important security fixes. However, wait a few days after release for Microsoft to address known issues, or install KB5077744 immediately after to fix credential problems.

Why does KB5074109 keep failing to install?

Common causes include corrupted update components, insufficient disk space, conflicting software, or driver issues. Run the DISM and SFC scans, reset update components, and try manual installation from Microsoft Update Catalog.

How do I fix remote desktop not working after KB5074109?

Install the out-of-band fix KB5077744 from Microsoft Update Catalog. This specifically addresses credential prompt failures affecting remote connections, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Windows 365.

Can I skip KB5074109?

You can pause updates temporarily, but security updates are important. Microsoft will likely include the fixes in next month’s cumulative update, so you could wait for February 2026’s Patch Tuesday.

Will KB5074109 be replaced?

Yes, cumulative updates replace previous ones. February 2026’s update will include all KB5074109 fixes plus additional patches, potentially with the known issues resolved.