Is the latest Windows 11 update preventing you from signing in? Solutions and tips

For a long time now, the automatic updates of Windows 11 have generated both expectations and concerns among those who use this operating system. What should be a continuous improvement in stability and security sometimes surprises us with truly serious problems that affect the daily experience. Recently, the latest cumulative update for April triggered a very serious bug: some users cannot log in after installing it. This situation leaves many people with their computers locked, without access to their files or their usual profile, causing considerable frustration.

In this article we are going to break down, in detail and using close but rigorous language, What exactly is happening with update KB5055523? Windows 11 and how you can regain access to your computer. We'll cover everything from the most technical causes to practical solutions recommended by both experts and Microsoft itself, highlighting the best preventive measures to avoid similar problems in the future.

What's happening with the latest Windows 11 update?

La update KB5055523, released during the traditional Patch Tuesday in April, promised to improve security and fix more than 50 bugs detected in Windows 11. However, the reality has been quite different for many users: Reports of serious login-related issues have multiplied. and the update process itself.

One of the most alarming problems is linked to the biometric login system Windows Hello. Typically, this service allows you to identify yourself using a fingerprint, face, or PIN, facilitating and securing access to the system far beyond the traditional password. However, after the update, Windows Hello stops working, especially on computers where the webcam is disabled for privacy reasons.Until now, it was possible to log in using only infrared sensors, but after installing KB5055523, that functionality fails, and the user is forced to turn on the webcam or enter the PIN or password manually.

As if that were not enough, during the update process there are quite a few who have experienced Critical errors such as code 0x800704ec, preventing the installation from completing even after reaching 100% progress. These types of errors not only compromise security but also directly affect user productivity and privacy.

The situation is further complicated by the emergence of strange folders like "inetpub" in the root of the hard drive, something that has puzzled those who always keep their devices organized and free of foreign elements.

Main effects of the ruling: privacy, accessibility and performance

The impact of KB5055523 is not only limited to access, but negatively impacts privacy and overall system performance. It is important to understand the implications:

• Compromised Privacy: For users who typically disable their webcams as a security measure, the forced switch to using the camera to log in poses an additional vulnerability.
• Accessibility limitation: Many modern devices rely on biometric sensors (such as infrared) for facial recognition without having to activate the webcam. The inability to use this option represents a setback, forcing users to rely on less convenient or direct methods.
• Degraded performance: The fact that the update may cause the startup process to hang, or that additional folders and unsolicited changes to be detected in the system, creates an increased administrative burden and may affect the speed of Boot or everyday use.

Microsoft has acknowledged being aware of the incident, although it has not yet implemented a definitive solution for all the issues raised by the update. This slow response leaves many users waiting or searching for alternative solutions.

Technical causes of errors after updating Windows 11

What causes such critical problems after a theoretically routine update? It's necessary to dig deeper to understand them better:

1. Changes in the authentication system: Windows Hello is a complex ecosystem that integrates software and hardware (webcams, IR sensors, fingerprint readers, etc.). Driver modifications or internal policies can often cause incompatibilities, especially if the user has customized their device's security settings.

2. Interference with privacy and hardware: When disabling the webcam, the system would normally fall directly on the IR sensors. However, the update has shifted this logic, preventing facial authentication if the camera is not active or detected. This could be due to changes in permission management or inadvertent errors in the update scripts.

3. Problems during the installation process: Some users don't even experience the login lock because the update fails beforehand, displaying the aforementioned error 0x800704ec. This code is usually related to security policies, antivirus, or service providers. Windows Defender active at the time of update.

4. Space problems and storage: Sometimes the installation may fail if the computer lacks the necessary free space (at least 20 GB for 64-bit systems), although this has not been the most common reason in the specific case of KB5055523.

First steps to try to regain access

If your computer with Windows 11 It won't let you log in after updatingDon't despair. There are several approaches recommended by Microsoft and specialized media that you can try before taking drastic measures. This can be crucial to resolving the login error.

1. Restart your computer several timesIt may seem obvious, but sometimes the system needs successive reboots to finish applying pending changes to the profile or the update process.
2. Try logging in with PIN or passwordIf you normally log in with facial recognition, try using the PIN associated with your account or a traditional password if Windows Hello isn't responding.
3. Temporarily activate the webcamWe know that many users prefer to keep it disabled for privacy reasons, but during a problem, enabling it may be the only way to regain biometric access.
4. Check that your network and storage are operational. The update and login may require full internet access and sufficient disk space. Please check from another device if your primary computer is locked.

Advanced solutions recommended by Microsoft

When simple steps don't work, it's time to move on to more advanced solutions. Microsoft recommends trying the following measures:

• Reboot in safe mode:
  1. On the login screen, tap Shift while you select Start/Shutdown > Restart.
  2. When the computer restarts and the options appear, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  3. Choose 5 or press F5 to boot into safe mode with networking.
• Temporarily disable Windows Defender antivirus or servicesSecurity software may be blocking critical profile processes. Access the Services app and disable 'Advanced Threat Protection' and 'Microsoft Defender Antivirus,' then restart normally.
• Reset your PC: When nothing else works, use the 'Reset this PC' feature from the Settings menu, under System / Recovery. It's vital to select the option 'Keep my files and local installation' to avoid the loss of personal documents.
• Create a new local user with administrator permissionsIn extreme cases, it may be necessary to create a new account to regain system functionality. Once logged in, copy your personal files from the old user account to the new one.

Don't forget that if you use applications like Microsoft Store or synchronized services, you may need to sign in again to recover your purchases and personalized settings.

Troubleshooting update issues (error codes and crashes)

If the problem lies in the failed update installation and not so much in accessing the profile, Microsoft suggests a series of additional checks and actions:

• Check free disk spaceWindows 11 requires at least 20GB of available space on your primary drive. If you have less, delete Temporary files, programs you don't need or use an external drive to make installation easier.
• Restart the computer to ensure that no processes or applications are blocking the update process.
• Use the Troubleshooter Windows Update: Accede to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run. Let Windows scan and repair any errors during the update. It's recommended to restart after running this wizard.
• Repeat the update check after rebooting, to ensure the latest patches are installed and bugs are fixed.

How to avoid problems with future Windows 11 updates

Although these types of incidents cannot always be prevented, they do exist. Best practices to reduce the risk of losing access after installing a new update: It can also help keep your system in good condition and prevent errors in future updates.

• Always create a system restore point before updating. This way, you can undo the changes in case of failure.
• Keep a copy of your important files to an external location (flash drive, hard drive, cloud) before installing major updates.
• Temporarily disable any security software just before and during the update to avoid interference.
• Check the compatibility of drivers and devices, especially if you use unusual or customized hardware (biometric sensors, specific accessories, etc.).
• Stay informed through technical forums and official sources to find out if an update is causing extensive problems before installing it.

What to do if none of the above works?

In extreme situations, when no solution can restore your access, You can turn to official Microsoft supportFrom their help center, you can access guides and request direct contact with specialized technicians. If the problem is due to a complete profile crash, it may be necessary to use advanced repair tools or, in the worst case, perform a clean installation of the operating system (always maintaining a previous backup). If the problem persists, it is also advisable to consult specialized professionals.

On the other hand, if you depend on your computer for work or study and cannot afford long periods of inactivity, Consider using professional technical services that can recover the information from your hard drive. before performing a full format or restore. You can also check out our article on Windows 10 login errors to better understand other possible problems.

Microsoft currently acknowledges the issue and is likely to release corrective patches in upcoming cumulative updates. Therefore, if you have managed to access it, it is recommended keep your system up to date and stay tuned for future notifications.

The latest wave of problems after update Windows 11 reminds us of the importance of Caution and backup before installing any major updatesBiometric authentication systems make life easier when they work, but they can lock you out if something goes wrong. If you experience any symptoms after an update, it's best to act quickly: try simple solutions first, then advanced ones, and contact official support if the problem persists. Experience shows that with a systematic approach and patience, almost all startup issues can be resolved, even if the initial frustration is significant.