New out-of-band update resolves repeated installation of November hotpatch KB5068966, ensuring smoother update experience for Windows 11 25H2 users.
Microsoft Releases Emergency Update to Fix Hotpatch Glitch
Microsoft has released KB5072753, an out-of-band (OOB) update designed to fix a Windows 11 update loop caused by the November 2025 KB5068966 hotpatch. The glitch led to affected devices repeatedly reinstalling the same update, creating confusion in update logs—though without impacting system performance.
The issue, detailed in Microsoft’s advisory and the Microsoft 365 Message Center, affected devices running Windows 11, version 25H2.
What Went Wrong: A Silent Install Loop
After installing KB5068966, devices would re-download and reinstall the same update every time Windows Update scanned for new patches. The problem didn’t harm system functionality but left behind misleading entries in the update history, raising unnecessary concern for IT administrators and users tracking patch status.
KB5072753: The Solution
On Thursday, Microsoft released KB5072753, which supersedes the flawed hotpatch and incorporates the original security and performance fixes from KB5068966.
“You do not need to apply any previous updates before installing this update,” Microsoft confirmed, encouraging users to skip the old patch entirely and apply this OOB update instead.
Key points:
- KB5072753 addresses the reinstallation loop
- It includes all improvements from KB5068966
- No prior updates are required before installation
- It’s available now via Windows Update for all Windows 11 25H2 systems
Microsoft’s Broader Patch Management Struggles
This update follows a series of patching hiccups affecting both Windows 11 and Windows 10 users in November 2025.
Earlier this week, an emergency update for Windows 10 was issued to fix installation failures with November’s extended security updates (ESUs), which were failing with error code 0x800f0922.
Just a week prior, Microsoft resolved a bug that caused false end-of-support warnings after the October 2025 updates, misleading users whose systems were still under active support contracts.
What You Should Do
If you’re managing Windows 11 25H2 devices and haven’t yet deployed KB5068966, Microsoft recommends applying KB5072753 directly. For those who already installed the earlier update, installing KB5072753 will eliminate the reinstallation loop and streamline update behavior going forward.
