By Mayank Parmar
Publication Date: 2026-02-03 00:57:00
Nvidia has confirmed that it’s aware of Windows 11 gaming issues after the January 2026 Update (KB5074109) and is looking into them despite the fact that “it started after a Windows Update.”
This year’s first Windows Update (KB5074109) was supposed to be a “minor” release with only security fixes. However, it’s causing a wide range of issues, including a bug that causes a black screen before the desktop finally appears. We’re also seeing reports of artifacts (rectangles) or graphic glitches in games such as Forza Horizon.
In our tests, Windows Latest observed that the mandatory January Update causes a black screen before the desktop finally loads or resets the desktop wallpaper. Some of you might also have a black screen before you can play a game, but the issue does not affect everyone.
A forum thread on Nvidia.com has several users complaining about a wide range of issues, including black screens and artifacts after recent Windows Updates. While some initially thought it was due to the Nvidia drivers, which were also released in January 2026, the root cause is the January 2026 Patch (KB5074109).
“I’m noticing weird visual shadow artifacts on the Forza Horizon 5 map when I was on 591.74 and now trying 591.86 and still kinda showing it,” one user wrote in a forum post.
“Tested and I can confirm, you might not notice it on light games, but fire up some intensive games, and you’ll see. Definitely lost 10 to 20 fps, and…
