Windows 10 users, getting the latest update may ‘break’ your PC

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The latest Patch update for Windows 10, released in July 2025, has quietly broken a surprisingly important feature: emoji search. While most users installed the KB5062554 patch for routine security fixes, many are now reporting that the emoji panel no longer responds to keyword searches. Microsoft has yet to issue an official response.

Microsoft’s latest cumulative update for Windows 10, labelled KB5062554, rolled out as part of the July 2025 Patch Tuesday cycle. While the patch focused on general security improvements and minor bug fixes, it also introduced a new problem — the emoji search tool has stopped functioning properly for many users.

The emoji panel still launches when users press Win + . (dot), and clicking emojis manually still works. However, typing keywords like "heart", "smile", or "coffee" now returns a ‘nothing found’ message — even though these emojis still exist. The issue has been widely reported on Reddit and Microsoft’s support forums. Users confirmed that uninstalling the KB5062554 patch restores search functionality, while reinstalling it reintroduces the problem.

While it may seem like a minor glitch, emoji search plays a crucial role in everyday messaging — whether it's work chats, casual conversations, or social posts. Without the search bar, users are forced to scroll through dozens of emojis to find the right one, adding unnecessary friction to simple communication.

Over time, this delay can be frustrating, especially for users who rely heavily on emojis throughout the day. What used to take a second now requires several manual steps — all because a routine update broke a silent but important function.

What Microsoft said

At the time of writing, Microsoft has not acknowledged the bug or issued a fix. With support for Windows 10 ending in October 2025, users are increasingly concerned that minor issues like these may not get the attention they deserve.

The company’s focus has clearly shifted to Windows 11, and this lack of response is seen by some as a sign of declining maintenance quality as the OS approaches end-of-life.

How to Get Emoji Search Working Again

For now, the only workaround is to uninstall the KB5062554 update or restore your system to a pre-July state. Users facing this issue should avoid reinstalling the update until Microsoft releases a proper patch.

While inconvenient, this is currently the only known solution. There is no ETA on an official fix.

This bug may be a small glimpse into what lies ahead for Windows 10 users. As Microsoft winds down support, issues like this may become more frequent — and less likely to be resolved quickly. For the millions still using Windows 10, it’s a reminder to scrutinise every new update, however minor it may appear.