Windows 11 KB5055523 install fails, Windows Hello not working (April 2025 Update issues)

Some users are encountering issues installing Windows 11's KB5055523 update, facing errors such as 0x80070306, 0x800f0905, and 0x800704ec, according to verified reports collected by Windows Latest. There are also growing complaints about the update stalling at 20% or 70%, but an even more widespread problem involves Windows Hello becoming non-functional post-installation.

KB5055523 cannot be skipped—it’s a required security update that automatically downloads and installs. This patch has drawn attention not only for breaking features but also for creating an unexpected inetpub folder on systems, a change Microsoft initially failed to document. While the folder itself is harmless, other side effects are proving disruptive.

One major issue involves the "2025-04 Cumulative Update (KB5055523)" failing with error code 0x800704ec. Logs from Windows Update indicate a .dll-related corruption. Running sfc /scannow can detect and repair system file damage, yet the update still fails to install in many cases.

A Feedback Hub user reported that while KB5055523 downloads successfully, the installation process fails at 100%. Although Microsoft hasn't publicly responded to individual reports, the company has acknowledged it's investigating the issue—indicating awareness of the ongoing installation problems.

Errors 0x80070306 and 0x800f0905 during the April 2025 Update installation currently have no official fixes.

Based on experience supporting Windows 11 environments in enterprise settings, using the offline .msu installer from the Microsoft Update Catalog often resolves update failures when standard Windows Update fails without clear cause.

If the Update Catalog method also fails, consider using Microsoft’s Update Assistant tool to refresh your system—this method preserves your files and apps while reinstating system integrity.

KB5055523 causes Windows Hello to stop working entirely

The KB5055523 update disrupts Windows Hello functionality for users who rely on built-in privacy features that disable the visible-light camera while keeping the infrared (IR) sensor active. For instance, certain Lenovo laptops include a physical switch to block the camera lens, while some HP models use a function key to disable the RGB camera.

This design allows the IR sensor to remain operational for facial recognition while preventing the color camera from being accessed—ideal for privacy-conscious users. However, after installing KB5055523, many users can no longer log in via Windows Hello face authentication when the RGB camera is disabled.

Prior to this update, it was possible to cover or disable the main webcam lens and still use Windows Hello through the IR sensor. KB5055523 breaks this capability.

“I’ve tested this across multiple clean installations. We’re using the Logitech Brio 4K webcam with the latest drivers and firmware, fully compatible with Windows Hello,” shared one affected user.

Windows Latest successfully reproduced the issue on an HP Spectre. While sign-in via fingerprint or 4-digit PIN remained functional, the inability to use facial recognition degraded the user experience—undermining Microsoft’s own “Welcome to Windows” promise.

Another user reported: “After installing KB5055523, Windows Hello says ‘Couldn’t recognize you’ at login. I don’t use a camera cover, and I’ve reset Windows Hello several times. During setup, the camera preview flickers—looks like the IR illumination is being picked up by the color sensor, which interferes with facial recognition.”

How to fix Windows Hello problems after the April 2025 Update

In certain cases, disabling the RGB camera in Device Manager can restore Windows Hello functionality, though this workaround doesn’t work for everyone:

1. Open Device Manager, then expand the “Cameras” section. You should see two entries: one for the IR camera and one for the RGB (color) camera.
2. Right-click the RGB camera (named things like Integrated Camera, HD Camera, or WebCam) and select Disable.
3. Do not disable the IR camera. Then go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Windows Hello Face and reconfigure facial recognition.

For some users, this restores Windows Hello functionality.

One user confirmed that after disabling the color camera and relying solely on the IR sensor, facial recognition worked perfectly under KB5055523. However, others continue to experience login failures.

If the workaround fails, your options are limited: uninstall the update via Settings > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall updates, and then pause future updates to prevent reinstallation.

Microsoft has updated its support documentation, confirming awareness of certain Windows Hello failures after KB5055523, including error messages like:

• Something happened, and your PIN isn’t available. Click to set up your PIN again
• Sorry, something went wrong with face setup

However, these appear to be separate from the IR/RGB camera conflict described above. For those specific errors, reconfiguring Windows Hello may resolve the issue. Otherwise, the only reliable fix remains removing the update—despite it containing critical security patches—or discontinuing use of Windows Hello, as Microsoft inadvertently broke its functionality with this release.

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