If games started stuttering, FPS dropped, or the screen went black after the Windows 11 January 2026 update, the Windows 11 KB5074109 patch is a frequent trigger—most often on systems using NVIDIA GPUs. This guide explains who’s affected, how to recognize Windows 11 graphics glitch symptoms, why NVIDIA driver conflicts with Windows 11 happen, and which fixes users are applying with success.

Introduction

The update installed quietly. The problems didn’t.

After the Windows 11 January 2026 update, many systems that ran fine the day before began acting up. Games felt uneven. FPS dropped without warning. In some cases, the display went dark mid-session, leaving users staring at a black screen on Windows 11 with no clear explanation.

Across forums and support threads, one detail kept repeating: Windows 11 KB5074109.

Systems with NVIDIA graphics cards showed the highest number of complaints—stuttering, visual artifacts, crashes, and clear Windows 11 update FPS drop issues. For users who rely on stable performance, especially gamers and creators, the shift was immediate and frustrating.

This guide focuses on clarity and practical answers.

By reviewing community discussions, technical forums, Reddit threads, and official statements, patterns became clear. The goal here is simple: help confirm whether KB5074109 gaming performance issues are affecting a system and outline the steps that actually help restore stability.

Product / Category Overview

This article covers Windows 11 system updates and how they interact with NVIDIA GPU drivers during gaming and other performance-heavy tasks. While security updates like Windows 11 KB5074109 play an important role, they can sometimes introduce GPU driver mismatch, Windows patch conflict, or broader system instability after a Windows update, particularly on gaming PCs and workstations.

Why User Reviews Matter Here

Release notes explain intent. User reports explain reality.

When a Windows 11 update causes a black screen, crashes, or stuttering, early warnings usually come from real users. Their experiences show which GPUs are affected, which driver versions fail, and which workarounds bring systems back to normal. This guide reflects those real-world signals rather than assumptions.

What You’ll Learn From This Guide

• Which system setups encounter NVIDIA gaming issues on Windows 11 after KB5074109
• How to recognize early signs of Windows 11 graphics glitch problems
• Why NVIDIA driver conflicts with Windows 11 happen, explained without technical clutter
• Reliable ways to fix the black screen after installing the January 2026 Windows update
• A clear explanation of using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) for a clean driver setup
• Practical habits that help avoid system instability after Windows updates in the future

Why This Guide Helps Right Now

Security updates protect systems, but when Windows 11 KB5074109 leads to an NVIDIA black screen on Windows 11, FPS loss, or crashes, everyday work and gaming suffer. These issues affect anyone who depends on consistent GPU performance.

The reassuring part is that many systems return to normal with a few focused steps while official fixes are still in progress. Knowing what’s happening makes the process calmer and more predictable.

Our Perspective and Who This Is For

As technology experts with over 20 years of experience in hardware and application research and development, every issue is examined through real-world performance, durability, and long- term value. The aim is to provide guidance that holds up beyond quick fixes.

This guide is written for Windows 11 gamers, PC enthusiasts, content creators, and professionals using NVIDIA GPUs who want stability and clear direction. All recommendations are grounded in extensive research, component-level analysis, real-world usability, and industry experience.

That focus on clarity and usefulness is what makes this guide worth staying with.

1. Who Gets Hit by Windows 11 GPU Issues After KB5074109 (And Who Usually Doesn’t)

The Windows 11 January 2026 update didn’t affect everyone the same way. Some systems showed problems right away, while others ran without a single hiccup. That difference caused confusion, especially among users with similar hardware.

Based on user reports, testing patterns, and shared fixes, the impact tends to follow clear lines.

Likely Affected Setups

• Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 builds
• Dedicated NVIDIA GPUs, with RTX 30-series and RTX 40-series reported most often
• Gaming PCs and gaming laptops with NVIDIA cards
• Creative workstations running GPU-heavy software
• A smaller number of systems using AMD discrete GPUs

Usually Unaffected Setups

• Older Windows 11 versions or Windows 10
• Systems relying on integrated graphics
• Light office, browsing, or media-focused machines
• PCs with paused or manually controlled Windows updates

These Windows 11 update GPU issues are not guaranteed to appear on every system. Driver versions, background software, and update timing all play a role. If performance stayed normal after the update, the system likely avoided this specific compatibility issue.

2.  Common Symptoms After Windows 11 KB5074109 (Quick Checklist)

Many users didn’t notice the problem until everyday tasks started feeling wrong. If these changes showed up right after installing Windows 11 KB5074109, the link is strong.

Symptoms Reported After the Update

• Display turns completely black, sometimes after login, sometimes mid-game
• Graphics artifacts on Windows 11, such as flickering lines, color blocks, or broken textures
• Game stuttering after Windows update, with sudden FPS drops and brief freezes
• Windows 11 update causing black screen during boot or when waking from sleep
• Display driver crashes on Windows that forces a restart
• In rare cases, a gaming PC does not boot after a Windows update

When several of these appear together, KB5074109 gaming performance issues are almost always part of the picture.

3. Why Windows 11 January 2026 Update Problems Happen

The Windows 11 KB5074109 patch includes security fixes and internal changes to how Windows manages graphics hardware. Those changes improve protection, but they also shift how the system talks to GPU drivers.

On some systems, this creates a GPU driver mismatch. Windows expects one response, while certain NVIDIA driver versions respond differently. Under light use, the issue may stay hidden. Under heavy load—gaming, rendering, or streaming—the mismatch shows up fast.

That’s when users see:

• Black screens
• Rendering artifacts
• Stuttering and FPS drops

The update itself isn’t broadly broken. It exposes cases where older driver code and newer Windows behavior don’t line up. NVIDIA has acknowledged the reports, and many users confirm that removing the update restores stability right away.

4.  How to Fix NVIDIA GPU Issues After the Windows 11 KB5074109 Update

The KB5074109 update is a security and quality release for Windows 11 builds 26100.7623 and 26200.7623. Microsoft confirms that it changes internal system behavior, which can surface compatibility problems with certain drivers and hardware configurations.

If graphics issues appear after installing this update, the safest approach is to start with driver cleanup. If that doesn’t restore stability, rolling back the update is a supported option. Updates can then be paused to prevent immediate reinstallation.

4.1 Clean NVIDIA Driver Reinstall for Windows 11 Systems

Microsoft notes that display and performance issues after cumulative updates are often related to driver compatibility rather than hardware failure. For systems using NVIDIA GPUs, reinstalling the graphics driver cleanly is the recommended first step.

Standard driver updates may leave older components behind. Those remnants can conflict with how the updated Windows build communicates with the GPU.

A clean NVIDIA driver reinstall removes those leftovers and rebuilds the graphics driver environment, which resolves many NVIDIA driver conflicts with Windows 11 cases reported after KB5074109.

4.2 What Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) Does and Why It’s Useful

Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) is a third-party utility commonly used by technicians and advanced users to fully remove display drivers before reinstalling them. While Microsoft does not provide DDU directly, its use aligns with Microsoft’s guidance to reinstall drivers when compatibility issues appear after updates.

DDU is often used when dealing with:

• NVIDIA RTX issues on Windows 11
• Graphics artifacts on Windows 11
• Display driver crashes on Windows
• Windows 11 black screen after update

Where DDU Helps Most

• Gaming PCs and laptops with NVIDIA GPUs
• Systems showing instability only after KB5074109
• Cases where normal driver updates fail to resolve issues

Why DDU Is Effective

• Removes driver files, registry entries, and cached components
• Runs in Safe Mode, reducing system interference
• Prevents older driver fragments from clashing with newer versions
• Creates a clean baseline for reinstalling supported drivers

This approach often resolves game stuttering after Windows update and Windows 11 update FPS drop without removing the Windows update itself.

4.3  Step-by-Step NVIDIA Driver Cleanup Process

• Download the latest Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) from the official Guru3D website
• Extract the files to a known folder
• Restart Windows into Safe Mode
  • Hold Shift and select Restart
  • Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart
  • Press 4 to enter Safe Mode
• Launch DDU and allow it to detect the installed GPU
• Select NVIDIA from the device type menu
• Choose Clean and restart
• Windows will remove all NVIDIA driver components and reboot
• Download the latest NVIDIA Game Ready Driver from NVIDIA’s official site
• During installation, choose Custom installation and enable Perform a clean installation

For many systems affected after KB5074109, this restores normal gaming and display behavior.

4.4  Roll Back Windows 11 KB5074109 If Issues Continue

Microsoft confirms that KB5074109 can be uninstalled if it causes problems. If driver cleanup does not resolve the issue:

• Open Settings → Windows Update → Update history → Uninstall updates
• Locate KB5074109 and uninstall it

If the screen goes black after logging in on Windows 11 and normal access isn’t possible:

• Force restart the system twice to enter Windows Recovery
• Select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Uninstall Updates
• Choose Uninstall the latest quality update

This returns the system to the previous build state.

4.5  Pause Windows 11 Updates to Prevent Reinstallation

To stop Windows from reinstalling KB5074109 immediately:

• Open Settings → Windows Update
• Select Pause updates
• Choose a pause period of up to 5 weeks

This gives time for updated drivers or follow-up patches from Microsoft and NVIDIA.

4.6  Temporary Workarounds While Waiting for Official Fixes

While updates and drivers are being understood or revised:

• Lower in-game graphics settings to reduce GPU load
• Disable hardware acceleration in browsers and desktop apps
• Use an older NVIDIA driver version that worked reliably before KB5074109

These steps don’t replace a permanent fix, but they help keep systems usable and stable in the meantime.

4.7  Decide Between Driver Cleanup or Update Rollback (Quick Decision Guide)

If the system is unstable after KB5074109, the right fix depends on how the problem shows up and how much access you still have. Use the guide below to choose the safest next step without guessing.

Start With Driver Cleanup If All of These Are True

• Windows still boots to the desktop
• The display works most of the time
• Issues appear mainly during games or GPU-heavy apps
• You see game stuttering after a Windows update, FPS drops, or graphics artifacts
• Driver updates were installed over older versions

Why this works:

Most problems in this state come from a NVIDIA driver conflict with Windows 11, not the update itself. A clean reinstall removes leftover driver files that clash with the new Windows build. This fix keeps security updates in place and restores stability in many cases.

Best action:
Proceed with Section 4.3 (DDU clean driver reinstall) first.

Choose Update Rollback If Any of These Are True

• The screen goes black at login or shortly after boot
• Windows becomes unusable or crashes repeatedly
• The system fails to boot reliably
• Driver cleanup did not improve stability
• The issue appeared immediately after KB5074109 was installed

Why rollback helps:
In these cases, the update itself is triggering a compatibility break that the driver alone can’t fix. Removing KB5074109 restores the previous system behavior while waiting for revised drivers or follow-up patches.

Best action:
Proceed with Section 4.4 (Roll back Windows 11 KB5074109), then pause updates.

If You’re Unsure Which Path to Take

Use this simple rule:

• Desktop access + performance issues → Driver cleanup first
• Black screens, boot failures, or lockouts → Update rollback

This order minimizes risk and avoids unnecessary rollbacks.

After Either Fix

• Pause Windows updates to prevent reinstallation
• Monitor system behavior for at least a few days
• Install future updates only after updated NVIDIA drivers are available

This approach keeps systems usable now while staying ready for official fixes when they arrive.

5. When You Should Not Uninstall Windows 11 KB5074109

The Windows 11 KB5074109 update is a security and quality patch. It closes known vulnerabilities and improves system protection. Removing it without a clear reason can expose the system to avoidable risk.

If a PC shows no NVIDIA gaming issues on Windows 11, no black screen, and no Windows 11 update FPS drop, keeping the update installed is the safer choice.

Keep KB5074109 Installed When

• Games and apps run normally
• No Windows 11 graphics glitch appears
• No NVIDIA driver conflict with Windows 11 symptoms are present
• The system remains stable during gaming and daily use

Rolling back should only be considered when KB5074109 gaming performance issues clearly disrupt everyday work or gaming. If performance remains unchanged, uninstalling the update offers no benefit and increases security exposure.

6. What NVIDIA and Microsoft Say About Windows 11 KB5074109 GPU Issues

Both NVIDIA and Microsoft have addressed parts of the situation, though from different angles.

NVIDIA has acknowledged user reports describing a black screen on Windows 11, stuttering, and performance drops following the January update. For affected users, NVIDIA has advised temporarily removing the update while the investigation continues.

Microsoft has confirmed KB5074109 as a cumulative security update and has since released optional follow-up patches. Some of these address black screen and display-related issues in specific environments. At this time, gaming-specific symptoms such as FPS drops and stuttering are not listed as official Known Issues, but Microsoft continues to collect telemetry and feedback.

This means affected users are not alone, even if every symptom is not formally documented yet.

7. Habits That Reduce Future Windows Update GPU Compatibility Problems

Most Windows update compatibility issues can’t be predicted, but their impact can be reduced with a few steady habits.

Best Practices for Windows 11 GPU Stability

• Install the latest GPU drivers before major Windows updates
• Create system restore points before patch days
• Review Microsoft’s update release notes and known-issues pages
• Pause updates on gaming systems until early feedback is available
• Test optional preview updates, which often include early fixes

These steps don’t block updates permanently. They help ensure that when updates arrive, systems remain stable and recoverable.

Why This Matters Long Term

Windows updates will continue to evolve, and GPU drivers will always be part of that equation. Staying informed, prepared, and cautious keeps systems usable without giving up security.

For most users, Windows 11 KB5074109 works as intended. For those affected by NVIDIA GPU issues, targeted steps—not guesswork—bring stability back.

That balance is what keeps systems both secure and reliable.

8. Frequently Asked Questions About Windows 11 KB5074109 and NVIDIA GPU Issues

This section answers the questions readers usually search for right after running into problems with the Windows 11 January 2026 update. Each answer is short, clear, and focused on real- world use, helping both users and search engines understand what matters most when dealing with KB5074109 gaming issues, NVIDIA black screen on Windows 11, and related GPU problems.

Q. Is Windows 11 KB5074109 safe to install?

1. For most users, yes. Windows 11 KB5074109 is a standard security update and installs without issues on many systems. Users with NVIDIA GPUs, especially gamers, should install the latest graphics drivers first or wait a few days to see early feedback before updating.

Q. Why does the Windows 11 update cause a black screen?

1. Some Windows updates change how the system communicates with the graphics driver. When those changes clash with existing NVIDIA driver code, the GPU may stop responding, leading to a Windows 11 black screen during login, gaming, or wake-from-sleep.

Q. Is KB5074109 causing gaming problems on Windows 11?

1. Yes. Many user reports link Windows 11 KB5074109 to FPS drops, game stuttering, and reduced performance, particularly on systems using NVIDIA RTX GPUs. The issue does not affect every system, but it appears consistently in gaming setups.

Q. Why do NVIDIA games crash after a Windows update?

1. Heavy graphics workloads place constant demand on the GPU. When a Windows patch conflict or GPU driver mismatch exists, that load can trigger instability, causing crashes, freezes, or black screens during gameplay.

Q. How can NVIDIA graphics artifacts on Windows 11 be fixed?

1. The most reliable first step is a clean NVIDIA driver install using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU). This removes leftover driver files that often cause graphics artifacts on Windows 11 after an update.

Q. Will future Windows or NVIDIA updates fix these issues?

1. In most cases, yes. Microsoft and NVIDIA typically release driver updates or follow-up patches within weeks once compatibility problems are confirmed. Monitoring driver releases and optional Windows updates helps catch fixes early.

Q. Windows 11 won’t boot after an update—what should be done?

1. Use the Windows Recovery Environment to uninstall the latest quality update. This restores the system to a previous state and allows normal access while waiting for compatible drivers or patches.

9. Final Thoughts

Windows updates exist to keep systems secure and reliable. Still, now and then a Windows update compatibility issue slips through, and Windows 11 KB5074109 is one of those cases for certain hardware setups.

The good news is that most affected systems recover quickly. In many cases, a clean NVIDIA driver install using DDU is enough to restore smooth gaming and normal performance. When that isn’t enough, rolling back the update and pausing reinstallation gives users breathing room while fixes are in progress.

Staying alert to new NVIDIA driver releases and optional Windows updates matters, as these often carry the permanent fixes. And if something still doesn’t line up, sharing details in the comments helps. Many readers are working through the same issue, and we’re always glad to help sort it out together.

Clear steps, a bit of patience, and the right updates usually bring everything back on track.

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