Windows 10 KB5051974 update is now available, and there are quite a few noteworthy changes. First, it fixes DAC audio bugs where USB devices will not produce sound. Second, it added a web-based new Outlook by default. This patch is available via Windows Update, but Microsoft has posted direct download links for KB5051974 offline installers (.msu).
KB5051974 is a pretty nice release as far as the fixes are concerned. It finally patches the DAC audio bug, so you can now once again use your headphones. In our tests, Windows Latest observed that DAC audio devices, which showed an error code 10 in the Device Manager, now work again.
Users thought it was a device-specific issue and that maybe the DAC had some hardware issues, but our forum threads and Microsoft Feedback hinted at a widespread problem. Later, Microsoft acknowledged the issue after we reported it multiple times.
Now, you can use your DAC devices without an issue. Microsoft introduced the fix with the January 2025 optional update, but if you didn’t install it, don’t worry. That’s because today’s release focuses on the problems introduced by the January 2025 security patch, which caused quite an uproar amongst users with DAC devices and webcams.
DAC audio glitch is also patched in Windows 11 KB5051987 (24H2).
Download Links for Windows 10 KB5051974
Windows 10 KB5051974 Direct Download Links: 64-bit and 32-bit (x86).
Today’s update will show up as “2025-02 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 22H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5051974)“ when you check for updates.
If you have manually blocked the update or something is wrong with the update components, there’s an alternative. You can use the offline installer (.msu) file we’ve shared above.
What’s new in Windows 10 Build 19045.5487
KB5051974 upgrades your PC to Windows 10 Build 19045.5487 and contains mostly fixes, with one small exception.
The new Outlook app is here to stay and will automatically install on your PC as a part of this update.
As shown in the above screenshot, the Windows 10 February 2025 update automatically installed Outlook (new).
You can remove it via the Settings app, PowerShell, or any package manager like Winget, but it’s the only official mail app option you have now. Another means to use email is Outlook Classic, which is paid, and the old Mail and Calendar are out of the picture now.
Microsoft told Windows Latest that the Mail & Calendar app is now being retired, and you won’t be able to send or receive mail. However, the final nail in Mail and Calendar apps is being rolled out in stages, so the apps may still work for some users.
This is a server-side change, so you cannot skip it. KB5051974 is the last major step in killing off the modern mail client.
Here are a few other issues that will be gone after you install Windows 10 KB5051974:
- Snipping Tool’s shortcut conflicted with the Narrator app, and both the app and the corresponding Capture service ceased to function.
- Virtual memory was depleted due to the update problems, resulting in app crashes.
- NFC readers at POS kiosks failed to read the Universal Unique Identifiers (UUID) and thwarted wireless payments.
- The spooler service initialization caused the printer functionalities to stop working.
And that’s it for February 2025 Patch Tuesday (KB5051974) on Windows 10.
Microsoft is not aware of any major issues with Windows 10 February 2025 Patch Tuesday updates, but we’re testing the update on several configurations, and we’ll update the post if we come across undocumented bugs.
Also, remember that Windows 10 support is set to end on October 14, 2025, and Microsoft has no plans to extend it unless you’re willing to pay $30 for one year of security updates, but if you don’t, you’ll need to consider moving to Windows 11.
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