Windows 11 users are experiencing unexpected issues with the latest optional update, the preview of Moment 3 (KB5026446). Reports indicate that some users are encountering bugs and, even more concerning, the upgrade is installing itself automatically without user consent.
According to Windows Latest, the installation of KB5026446 occurred automatically when users checked for updates on their PCs. It’s worth noting that as an optional update, it should require manual initiation by the user. In other words, the installation of this preview update should not happen automatically.
Windows Latest has received reports from its readers about this unexpected installation, and similar reports have surfaced online, even from users who hadn’t actively checked for updates.
In addition to the installation issue, the Moment 3 preview update is causing various problems, as one would expect from a patch still in testing. Some users have reported issues with the Microsoft Store, while others have experienced problems with Game Pass on PC, rendering games unplayable.
Other reported problems include system freezes, apps failing to open, and keyboards and mice not functioning properly after the update. Installation failures with cryptic error messages have also been reported, which unfortunately seems to be a common occurrence with Windows 11 updates.
Fortunately, in all these cases, simply uninstalling the update through Windows Update in the Update History section resolved the issues. However, it’s frustrating for users who didn’t want to install the optional update in the first place.
The extent of the issue with the automatic installation of the KB5026446 preview update is unclear, but it is definitely affecting a number of users. Windows Latest suggests that if users notice the update installing when they check for updates, they can cancel the installation by selecting ‘Pause Updates.’ This workaround may be helpful to keep in mind.
One theory is that this unexpected installation may be linked to users who have selected the option in Windows 11 to ‘Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.’ Enabling this option is necessary to access the new features of Moment 3 in KB5026446. However, even if users have chosen this option, they should not be subjected to the automatic installation of an optional update without any warning, especially when they haven’t actively checked for updates.
Hopefully, Microsoft will provide clarification on this matter soon to address the concerns raised by users.
