The February cumulative update for Windows 11 in 2026, KB5077181 (builds 26100.7840 and 26200.7840), has led to new user reports regarding stuttering issues in games. As a temporary workaround, some users have found that disabling the Fullscreen Optimizations feature helps resolve the problem.

Update Details

The update, released on February 10, 2026, for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, raises the build number to 26100.7840 (24H2) or 26200.7840 (25H2). Users have already reported several bugs, including difficulties shutting down the system and network connectivity issues. In addition, gamers have started to complain about stuttering in games—a problem that had not been observed before this update.

Nature of the Problem

On the Windows Help forum, a Windows 11 Pro 25H2 user running build 26200.7840 described experiencing rhythmic stuttering in games immediately after installing update KB5077181. According to their description, the issue is not related to low frame rates or network lag, but rather appears as a new type of stutter that only began after the update.

Disabling Fullscreen Optimizations for a specific game eliminates the stuttering, even though this workaround was not previously necessary.

Current Situation

As of publication, Microsoft has not released any official information regarding reduced gaming performance caused by KB5077181. User reports do not point to a specific graphics card manufacturer, driver version, or particular game as a common factor in the emergence of this issue.

Temporary Solution

The most consistent temporary fix for stuttering appears to be disabling Fullscreen Optimizations for each affected game individually. While this method helps some users, it may impact the functionality of certain overlays, such as the on-screen volume control in fullscreen mode.

Recommendations for Users

Users who encounter this problem after installing KB5077181 are advised to submit a detailed report via the Microsoft Feedback Hub, including the build number, hardware used, and steps to reproduce the issue. This will help Windows engineers address the problem more quickly.

Context

Following the update issues discussed in January, any new gaming problems on Windows 11 attract attention—even if the cause may be a driver interaction, a conflict with a specific game, or a coincidence affecting only a limited number of systems.