Microsoft Confirms Fix for Windows 11 Lock Screen Password Disappearance

A Windows 11 update resolves the issue where the password icon vanished from the lock screen.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:23am

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Microsoft has released a cumulative Windows 11 update, KB5074105, that fixes a bug where the password icon disappeared from the lock screen after installing a previous non-security preview update, KB5064081. The update also addresses other issues, including an Internet Small Computer System Interface storage networking protocol boot failure and Windows Boot Manager hangs.

Why it matters

The disappearance of the password icon from the Windows 11 lock screen caused significant confusion and inconvenience for users, undermining the ease of use that is a key selling point of the operating system. This update restores the expected functionality and resolves a frustrating experience for Windows 11 users.

The details

After Microsoft released the KB5064081 update for Windows 11 in August 2025, some users reported that the password icon had vanished from the lock screen. While the password placeholder was still there, users had to hover over the space where the icon should appear to make the button reappear. Microsoft eventually acknowledged the issue in November 2025. The new KB5074105 update, which is an optional cumulative update, fixes this bug and addresses 32 other reported changes, including issues with an Internet Small Computer System Interface storage networking protocol boot failure and Windows Boot Manager hangs.

  • Microsoft released the problematic KB5064081 update for Windows 11 on August 29, 2025.
  • Microsoft acknowledged the password icon disappearance issue in November 2025.
  • Microsoft has now released the KB5074105 update to fix the password icon issue and other problems.

The players

Microsoft

The multinational technology company that develops and sells the Windows operating system.

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What they’re saying

“The good news for anyone impacted by this, frankly, ridiculous disappearing password issues (doesn't Microsoft test anything anymore?) is that Microsoft has now confirmed the bug has been squished.”

— Davey Winder, Author (Forbes)

What’s next

Users who need to resolve the password problem or any of the other 32 reported changes in KB5074105 should open Start|Settings Update & Security|Windows Update and select the link to download and install the optional update.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of thorough testing and quality assurance for software updates, especially for core operating system features like the lock screen. While Microsoft is moving towards a passwordless future, this episode underscores the need to ensure a smooth transition for users during the process.