Recently, Microsoft released a new security update, KB5073724 for Windows 10 version 22H2, which includes security improvements and fixes for bugs, including those introduced by previous updates. But it seems the latest update, KB5073724, caused a strange issue by removing components of Windows itself. Several users reported in online forums and on Reddit that updating to Windows 10 version 19045.6809 by installing KB5073724 ruined the computer, it’s very slow, or some apps are missing.
Notepad.exe has been missing since I install KB5073724 Windows 10 version 19045.6809, it is not in my Recycle Bin, nor is it in System32.
Contents
Missing Notepad on Windows 10
With the latest Windows 10 version, 22H2, Microsoft has made Notepad, MS Paint, and WordPad optional components. If your device is affected by installing KB5073724 and the disappearance of these apps, here is how to get them back.
Add from the optional Features
- Right-click on the Windows 10 start menu, select settings,
- Navigate to Apps, then select App & Features,
- Next, on the right, click the optional features link.
- From here, you can opt to reinstall any of the apps you need, to add/install an optional feature (Notepad or Paint), or click add a feature.
- Then search for the feature, checkmark on it, and click the install button.
- That’s it, this way you can install Notepad, MS Paint, or MS Word as well.
Check for corrupted system files
Still need help. May the corrupted system file cause the issue? Let’s run the System File Checker utility, which helps detect and replace corrupted system files with the correct ones.
- Open the command prompt as administrator,
- Click yes if UAC (User Account Control) asks for permission.
- On the command prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press the Enter key on the keyboard
Let the scanning process complete 100%. Once done, restart your PC and check whether this resolves the issue of apps not opening or missing on Windows 10.
Uninstall Windows 10 KB5073724
You can also uninstall Windows 10 KB5073724 and see if that helps. You can uninstall any Windows 10 update by following the steps below.
- Open settings using the Windows key + I
- Navigate to Update & Security then Windows Update.
- Here, click on View Update History
- Next, click the ‘Uninstall update’ option, then in the Control Panel select KB5073724 to highlight it, and click ‘Uninstall.’
- Once done, restart your system when asked.
You can also remove Windows update KB5073724using Command Prompt.
- Open the command prompt as administrator,
- Type command wusa /uninstall /KB5073724/quiet /promptrestart and press enter key,
- Once done, save everything and restart your device.
Also read:
