Microsoft has refreshed the Windows 11 Known Issues page to alert users about a problem connected to the latest update, KB5012643. The notice explains that certain applications built on the .NET Framework 3.5 may experience difficulties after the update is applied. Earlier reports identified symptoms such as screen flickering in safe mode, along with minor quirks in File Explorer and the Start menu, but the current advisory focuses on application stability and startup behavior.
In practical terms, some .NET Framework 3.5 programs can fail to launch following the KB5012643 installation. The impact appears most pronounced for software that relies on Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) and Windows Workflow (WWF) components, where the launch process may halt unexpectedly or stall at startup. This aligns with user feedback collected by various technology outlets during the update cycle. For context, the issue has been noted across multiple configurations, drawing attention to how dependent legacy frameworks remain within Windows 11 environments.
Microsoft’s guidance for affected users centers on removing the problematic update, KB5012643, via Windows Update. As an interim workaround, tech communities have recommended restarting relevant .NET Framework 3.5 services and WCF components through the operating system’s services list and command line utilities. These steps aim to restore normal operation while a permanent fix is developed. Microsoft has stated that a resolution is in progress but has not announced a timetable for a subsequent release that would address these issues directly.
Additional context from the tech press emphasizes broader compatibility concerns with backward-looking components and the ongoing effort to improve reliability after updates. Consumers are advised to monitor the official Windows Update announcements and to test critical applications after applying future security or feature updates to ensure continued compatibility. The situation underlines how even well-established frameworks can present unexpected challenges when combined with newer operating system updates, and it highlights the importance of phased testing and documented rollback procedures for enterprise environments. (Source: BetaNews, through reported user experiences and official statements related to the KB5012643 update)