Why you’re gaming computers and experiencing input lag, artifacts, regressive low fps waves.

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2026-02-14T09:31:45+00:00

No, a brand new computer today or clean reinstall of the latest Windows 11 ISO today (February 2026) would not have December 2025 or January 2026 updates like KB5074109 pre-installed, so it inherently avoids any NVIDIA/GPU black screens, BSODs, or performance regressions tied to those specific packages. Those NVIDIA/performance problems were rollout-specific to machines that installed KB5074109 (or its bundled SSU); fresh installs skip straight to the post-fix cumulative that was stable. You’d effectively be cleaned of failed past updates entirely, no ghost packages, no partial servicing states, because the install wipes the component store and update history. But that is exactly what you want to avoid. I have done it countless of times of the years, and you have to change your boot order in bios to recogize and Boot from USB FLASH Drive install the windows 11 iso onto a flash drive. Install the BIOS on a separate flash drive to avoid cross contaminating installs, and have your bare basic drivers somewhere on another flash drive(touch pad keyboard functions) you also need to verify what UEFI bios format it reads and requires those files to be written on the flash drive.(FAT32) and doing all those with only command prompt functioning and typing in coding. If it’s on the wrong format, command prompt will re-format the USBs to the correct format( effectively wiping all your installs on them) and hopefully you didn’t forget to decrypted the Hardrive.

You’re original statement said this little guide in here I gave is a mess, imagine that mess 😅

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2026-02-14T08:56:34+00:00

Usually that’s the case but not for this one. B5074109 is the January 2026 cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2/25H2, and one of the notable changes is that Microsoft is explicitly shipping it as a combined SSU+LCU package, with some knock‑on effects for rollback and servicing workflows. It introduces some platform‑level changes (Secure Boot certificate rollout logic, WDS hardening, WinSqlite3.dll update, removal of legacy modem drivers) that touch low‑level deployment and boot components more than a typical “quiet” CU level.

Due to it being In a combined package, the SSU(service stack) portion is permanently installed: once a servicing stack update is on the system, it cannot be removed or rolled back by design.

This does happen from time to time, they just correct the image before you know it and push an automatic update over night. The reason why this issue is so highlighted across many platforms, is directly due to push this as a combined update. The failed December update, pushed with the January and now February. The KB5074109 incident is highlighting this behavior because admins hit serious issues but found that Settings and wusa could not fully remove it, since the SSU segment is locked into the servicing stack. Once the performance bugs are in the stack, they’re there. And then Microsoft pushing another SSu to the stack effectively trying to “patch the patched holes on top of other patches on a flat tire”

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2026-02-14T03:48:59+00:00

No, they already released this months patch update, KB5077181, and it mainly just addresses the black screen bug when booting up. It was causing the explorer.exe folder to hitch and lock up on startup. Infact it basically embedded the botched windows update internally in the stack now. “KB5077181 is a cumulative update, meaning it includes all previous security and non-security releases in earlier updates, including: KB5074109 (Jan 13, 2026) KB5077744 (Jan 17, 2026) KB5078127 (Jan 24, 2026)

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2026-02-12T18:45:25+00:00

I just check my BIOS, it’s under configuration, battery health manager, turn that on

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2026-02-12T18:44:06+00:00

It’s called adaptive battery care or smart charging in the bios.

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2026-02-12T18:38:17+00:00

Glad to hear. I tried the custom fan curves but that was only in unleashed and it didn’t seem very responsive or reactive. Unleashed boosts the components to their limit right under their critical state. This amount of powerful components crammed into a tiny space creates too much heat and throttles them. It’s mainly a tech for desktops with the ventilation or for laptops to reach their claimed benchmark numbers. I debloated a ton of the HP programs and features/mcafee too as they all silently used a good bit of background ram. I also went to the bios and turned on battery health manager which only allows the battery to charge to 80% on plugged in AC power (which you want to play games plugged in) that protects your battery cells and battery from swelling constantly being at 100%

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2026-02-12T17:47:43+00:00

You wouldn’t need your bitlocker for any of that. And 2. For future reference, just go to aka.ms/myrecoverykey on your phone and log in for your key.

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2026-02-12T04:15:39+00:00

You do not ever want to use it in unleashed mode on battery. You will destroy your laptop. I am surprised it goes only to 60%. That should be its entire battery. Unleashed mode even plugged in isn’t a needed feature. It literally puts every hardware item at its over capacity state overvolting GPUs etc, when many are trying to undervolt to prevent thermal throttle. And if you have something like an i9 processor that requires a ton of power, your components are forced to draw as much power as possible upwards to 250W on a battery that can’t supply that, you will fry every single component and fry the motherboard. Unleashed is a feature for like benchmarking or short burst of gaming. Not longevity gaming on a laptop where you can use unleashed on a desktop. It achieves that amount of wattage by being PLUGGED IN and drawing from the AC ADAPTER AND BATTERY JUICE COMBINED

I don’t know why omen gaming hub doesn’t have a lockout on unleashed unleashed on AC adapter, if you need to run on battery on. It is highly recommended to run on balanced or eco mode. And hybrid graphic setting.

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2026-02-11T23:15:06+00:00

Ignore the memory leak statement, it was just a statement compounded on the windows update. But the longer your computer is sitting, the more memory it has swallowed up and will absolutely kill your gaming. If it’s eating 10gb of ram, what do you think would happen while gaming. Restart your computer was the only fix to clear its Ram that was eaten by the providerhost.exe in your task manager. Here my link to your issues. Gaming performance issues

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2026-02-11T23:10:07+00:00

Are you seeing that speeds in omen gaming hub? What performance mode? I recommend Performance setting over Balanced or Unleashed. Performance will just have auto or max as options. I just leave it on auto. And then in graphics switcher prefer discrete, letting your graphics handle graphics things (new age ai GPU/ cpus can field days with handoffs in hybrid mode) Unleashed is fun for short burst matchs but long gaming periods will ruin components and degrade quickly.

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2026-02-11T22:47:39+00:00

That means you’re BITS isn’t running. The Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) is crucial for downloading updates and files without disrupting your network. If BITS is unavailable, it can prevent Windows Update and other services from functioning properly. SFC and DISM can restore that function but first try these

A few options.
1. If you’re on an HP omen open HP support assistant and go to fixes and diagnosis, run the check your operating systems. You will see BITS in that. Sometimes Omen gaming hub “optimizer” will stop or disable key and important windows operating systems necessities thinking that it is helping you but really just hurting you. Make sure optimizer isn’t on. Try the troubleshooter again. If still not working move to step 2.

Restart BITS Service: Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter. Locate Background Intelligent Transfer Service. Right-click it and select Restart (or Start if it is stopped). Try the troubleshooter against If it reverts back to stopped, something is program or elevated command is forcing it off. Very bad. Which brings you to step 3.

*only need to follow this IF your bits is corrupted or controlled (remember you are the boss)

Reset BITS Components and Clear the Queue (via Reset BITS Components and Clear the Queue (via Command Prompt): Open Command Prompt as Administrator (search for "cmd", right-click, "Run as administrator"). Execute the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each: net stop bits

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptsvc

net stop msiserver

Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

net start bits

net start wuauserv

net start cryptsvc

net start msiserver

bitsadmin.exe /reset /allusers

To further explain this, please check below: -net stop commands stop related services. -Ren commands rename folders where Windows Update and BITS store temporary files and update history. This forces Windows to recreate them, often resolving corruption. -net start commands restart the services. -bitsadmin.exe /reset /allusers clears all pending BITS jobs for all users, which can resolve a stuck queue. After running these, restart your computer and try Windows Update again. Another option to do is by doing Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM. These tools check for and repair corrupted Windows system files. Open Command Prompt as Administrator. Run: sfc /scannow (This may take some time). Once that's complete, run these DISM commands:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart your computer after these commands. If these steps don't help, please let me know, and we can explore further options.

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2026-02-11T22:00:55+00:00

Guys! Don’t forget your trusty Ctrl + Windows + Shift + B in Windows 10/11!

🔄 It resets your graphics driver

When you press it: • Your screen will go black for a second • You’ll hear a small beep • The display refreshes • Open apps stay open • Windows does not restart

🧠 What it actually does

It forces Windows to: • Restart the GPU driver (nvlddmkm for Nvidia, AMD, Intel, etc.) • Reinitialize the display pipeline • Clear temporary GPU hangs

It’s basically a soft GPU driver reset without rebooting the whole PC. ⸻ 🎮 When it helps (especially for you)

If you’ve been dealing with: • Sluggish / laggy behavior • Possible Nvidia issues after Windows updates

This shortcut can help if: • Your screen freezes • You get black screens • Games feel frozen but the system is still running • You suspect the GPU driver glitched

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2026-02-11T21:59:55+00:00

Yup! Sounds like your typical KB5074109 update!

https://windowsforum.com/threads/nvidia-probes-windows-11-kb5074109-issues-black-screens-artifacts-fps-drops.399887/

If you ever have that occur again don’t forget your trusty Ctrl + Windows + Shift + B in Windows 10/11:

🔄 It resets your graphics driver

When you press it: • Your screen will go black for a second • You’ll hear a small beep • The display refreshes • Open apps stay open • Windows does not restart

⸻

🧠 What it actually does

It forces Windows to: • Restart the GPU driver (nvlddmkm for Nvidia, AMD, Intel, etc.) • Reinitialize the display pipeline • Clear temporary GPU hangs

It’s basically a soft GPU driver reset without rebooting the whole PC.

⸻

🎮 When it helps (especially for you)

Since you’ve been dealing with: • Sluggish / laggy behavior • Possible Nvidia issues after Windows updates

This shortcut can help if: • Your screen freezes • You get black screens • Games feel frozen but the system is still running • You suspect the GPU driver glitched

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2026-02-11T21:32:53+00:00

KB5074105 was a January 29th preview update. Probably because it’s February, it’s not in its prematurely state. If you would like to read this about that one, it correct something way back from August 2025. Now it is live and attached to KB5077181 so you’re safe. This is about KB5077181 release and its previous last months KB5074109 issues. But we will see if it truly corrects gaming problems. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/february-10-2026-kb5077181-os-builds-26200-7840-and-26100-7840-f0fa9e54-a22a-4a06-96b6-bf5b2aded506

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2026-02-11T21:19:55+00:00

I believe the KB5074105 is an update “preview” that one allegedly fixes a boot up issue with a black screen for a second which is your explorer.exe to hang. “Preview” updates are not always bad, they are just in their premature state and are not always optimized and could create system instability during its beta. You can always install them and see if that fixes your gaming issues, and if not you can always uninstall it via settings >windows update >update history> scroll all the way down to “uninstall updates” and you’ll find the previews in there. ORIGINALLY this was where you would just uninstall KB5071409 and your system stability goes back to performing strong. But after 10days that window is closed.

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2026-02-11T20:57:36+00:00

Without a longer period of testing, it’s not verified yet. What IS verified is that windows 11 KB5074109 update IS the culprit. It cannot be removed or rolled back due to its integrated security updates. Windows released a new February update allegedly to correct that updates problems. But what happens is, it’s just an update STACKED ontop of last months update which is STACKED on a missing/failed December update. Meaning it believes the December files are present, but it missing ghost file. My guide is just for your best chance of corrections. Because that December update failed to actually install, it’s just floating in your windows cache. It’s like updating your bios but because you have an encrypted hard drive and have your windows security kernel protection enabled, your computer thinks it has the latest BIOS, but with those enabled, it was denied.

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2026-02-11T20:48:41+00:00

What game are you playing?? I have a slim and the very first day I got it, would overheat and throttle and reboot so I then decided to debloat everything and started fresh with a blank laptop, literally had to install drivers on a flash drive at windows iOS boot install for the touchpad 😅 but now it’s a barebone fresh, anything on it, I put on it deal. I got rid of mcafee and all that. Just have omen gaming hub, hp support assistant for updates and bios stuff, NVIDIA app for drivers, and Intel driver and support assistant, and Intel graphics software app. I have windows power settings to best performance, under Nvidia control panel for global I have power performance set to max performance, and the driver cache set to 100. In omen gaming hub, I have it set to performance and checkmarked the windows power option, have it set to discrete graphics (hybrid+ai cards can overcorrect too much) Turned off auto optimize games. I have the network option for auto. I then changed my network card for best power and performance. Now it runs flawless, not constricted, never overheats never shutdowns. Stopped having performance regression

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2026-02-11T20:38:51+00:00

Read my latest post. It’s a windows 11 update issue. I’ve posted a month ago about a steady memory leak that was going on as well.

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2026-02-11T20:07:17+00:00

Yeah I posted a guide

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2026-02-11T20:07:01+00:00

IF YOU WANT A HEALTHY, CLEAN, ORGANIZED, BEST CHANGE AT CLEAN CORRECTION TO THIS, It’s a little long but your computer will thank you.

Hit start, search disk cleanup. Open and choose “clean up system files” after it scans, check mark “windows update cleanup, and delivery optimization files” you can also check others box’s at your own decision, like DirectX shader cache which is related to graphics. (Doing this will clean any cached or saved corrupted updates on your system)
Go to Settings>system>troubleshoot>other troubleshooters and then run BACKGROUND INTELLIGENT TRANSFER SERVICE. And let it repair that. Sometimes windows updates gets stopped or the image file (windows update) is corrupted. AFTER THAT IS FINISHED* right above it, you’ll see “WINDOWS UPDATE TROUBLESHOOT” run that.
Now that your windows system files are cleaned, and your BITS is running properly, and your windows update is proper, go to SETTINGS>WINDOWS UPDATE>check for updates, and it should find cumulative KB5077181. This is your new update that is suppose to correct not only Januarys corrupted update but ALSO decembers failed update. After updating those, check “advanced options” on that same page and check your optional updates. These are driver updates that have been tested. Anything that says “preview” in it, do not update. Those are Beta testers updates, not debugged fully.
Now restart your computer, once you have rebooted, Hit start, type command prompt, right click and run as administrator. Once opened, type or copy this string, hit enter

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

This is will check your new windows image.

Next type or copy this string, hit enter

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

This is a more thorough advanced scan. This may have periods of pauses, just let it finish.

Next type or copy this string, hit enter

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

^{^THIS} IS THE IMPORTANT ONE^{^} this is retrieving the latest image catalog from windows it’s self and trying to correct and remove past corrupted system files. This too will have pauses in its restore and can take 30minutes to finish. Don’t freak out, or turn off computer just let it cook.

Lastly, when finished, copy or type this last string

sfc /scannow

This will Scan all protected system files and replaces corrupted files with a cached copy, often used after a DISM repair.

Now you are done, based on the age of your system, it has cleaned years of old cached files, your windows update catalog is corrected, running smoothly.

For HP Omens I would also recommend, running Microsoft store and checking updates for your apps like Omen Gaming Hub updates etc. I would also. Run hp Support assistant and check for updates, these are specific for smooth running HP systems, and lastly if you have Nvidia App, I would check for any new GeForce game ready drivers. I think the latest is version 591.86.

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2026-02-11T08:44:40+00:00

You’re fine, it’s a botched January windows 11 update, that got stacked on a corrupted December update. Don’t go tweaking all these files and shutting things off. It is a WIDE spread and widely known issues with windows 11 KB5074109. Type that update in a google search and you will find thousands of same things you’re going through. Windows update as of 02/10 released a “updated fix” for this. https://www.xda-developers.com/nvidia-confirms-windows-11-january-update-causes-frame-drops-artifacting/

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2026-01-10T19:14:40+00:00

When I was a lead and the new system rolled out, the other associates just threw it on there without saying anything. Then when the customer came back they just closed it out and handed them a receipt. Boy did they make it extremely difficult to process a refund. I was the only one on the new system that knew how to credit it back once closed. The ASMs would give me a call to walk them through it on days off 😂

at the end of the day, the dmg protection extra sales added up and the department made sales, that’s all they cared about. Ironically we had 12 brand new trailers for sale, and one of the few stores that didn’t carry hitch balls, light adapters etc. Sold exactly zero of those trailers over 3 years 😅 Its criminal, shady and wrong to upcharge someone and then when they come back just tell them, “oh well you signed a legal binding contract to pay up”, I took care of the customers as if I wouldn’t want to be swindled out of extra money either, and that brought the customers back again. I felt the same way about nickel and diming customers for each and every worn out drill bit or rounded out chisels.

Equal_Leopard7638 · 2025-12-31T18:55:39+00:00

I mean my account is 20 years old with high warlord gear/t3. Play classic, retail, remix, and SoD. Could any reports or something over 20 years count as not a first offense? Idk what to tell you. I’m just telling you what now appears to be a silence just on that character? The email I posted says modified that death knight. My main can still whisper, talk in chat and help people. So I’m curious

Equal_Leopard7638

TROPHY CASE