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As Microsoft has announced, an expired certificate can cripple some of Windows 11’s built-in apps. However, an optional update provides a remedy. In addition, the updates that triggered this issue have already been withdrawn. The Snipping Tool still does not start.

Microsoft is withdrawing updates for built-in apps

As the manufacturer in the corresponding Support document explains, various built-in apps such as the Snipping Tool, the “First Steps” app, the touch keyboard, voice input and the emoji panel can be paralyzed by updates that import an expired certificate into Windows 11. For this reason, the relevant updates have already been withdrawn by Microsoft.

Starting on November 1, 2021, some users might be unable to open or use certain built-in Windows apps or parts of some built-in apps that have not installed KB5006746, released October 21, 2021.

This is caused by an issue with a Microsoft digital certificate, which expired October 31, 2021. Devices running in S mode are more likely to be affected.

The following or a subset of the following might be affected:

• Snipping tool
• Accounts page and landing page in the Settings app (S mode only)
• Touch Keyboard, Voice Typing, and Emoji Panel
• Input Method Editor user interface (IME UI)
• Getting started and tips

Workaround: Installation of KB5006746 released October 21, 2021 resolves the issues below. For instructions on how to do this, please see Update Windows.

Issues resolved with KB5006746:

• Touch Keyboard, Voice Typing and Emoji Panel
• Input Method Editor user interface (IME UI)
• Getting started and tips

Next steps: We are working on a resolution and will provide an update when more information is available.

Microsoft

Optional update partially corrects certificate

With the optional update KB5006746, which among other things also brought the fix for the L3 cache of Ryzen processors, the problems have already been largely resolved.

Users who have not yet installed this update should do so, otherwise the built-in apps mentioned will no longer start properly since October 31.

Snipping Tool and S-Mode still affected

The Snipping Tool still suffers from the problem on some systems and can no longer be started. In S mode, some pages in the new settings and user account management no longer work properly. The company is currently working on a solution, Microsoft concluded.

Further information on the problem with the expired certificate and the current state of affairs can be found in the associated thread on Microsoft’s own Support platform Answers.