Forum Discussion
How to fix: kb5086672 breaks network?
After installing update KB5086672 on Windows 11, my network connection completely stopped working. The update shows as installed successfully but my PC cannot detect any Wi-Fi networks or connect via Ethernet, even though other devices on the same router work fine. I have already tried restarting my PC and router, running the network troubleshooter, and resetting network settings, but nothing has brought back connectivity.
Rolling back the update immediately restores network functionality, so the update is definitely the cause. On a separate note I am also dealing with another Windows update that has failed to install for the second time in a row, always rolling back at around 75 percent.
Has anyone found a permanent fix for KB5086672 breaking the network stack without having to uninstall and hide the update permanently? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
2 Replies
If KB5086672 is causing network loss, the most reliable fix is to update or reinstall your network adapter drivers (from the PC/motherboard manufacturer), then install the latest optional Windows updates or BIOS/chipset updates before reinstalling KB5086672, as the issue is often due to driver incompatibility introduced by the update
The KB5086672 update is an optional out-of-band update that has been widely reported to break network connectivity, particularly on systems with Realtek network adapters, by corrupting drivers or causing conflicts with power management features.
