We only recommend performing these steps if you are experiencing authentication issues with PlayDRM in a Windows 11 version "24H2" operating environment.
For further details, please refer to [ Regarding PlayDRM Authentication Trouble ].
If you are experiencing the above symptoms, there is a good possibility that uninstalling Windows Update "KB5046740" will resolve the issue at hand, allowing you to authenticate and run PlayDRM protected products.
* Please rest assure that, as Window Update "KB5046740" is not a security related update, uninstalling it should have no effect on the security of your system.
[January 24th, 2025 Update]
It has been confirmed that installing the Windows Update "KB5050009," which was released January 14th 2025, will cause PlayDRM authentication to cease functioning normally.
"KB5050009" is an important Windows Update for the security of the operating system. We thus advise that users exercise caution, and make the decision to uninstall based on their own research, judgement, and with self-responsibility.
If you wish to uninstall Windows Update "KB5050009," we have provided troubleshooting steps below.
- Uninstall Windows Update "KB5050009."
* Please refer to the help page [ How to uninstall a Windows Update ].
Replace the text "KB5046740" with "KB5050009" and follow the same steps. - Restart your device and attempt to run the authentication file. (It is often named "startup.exe")
- After completing authentication, you can then reinstall Windows Update "KB5050009."
- Finally, attempt to run the same authentication file to start the software. (It is often named "startup.exe")
* How to Uninstall Windows Update "KB5046740"
- Right click the Windows "start" button (Windows icon) at the bottom left of the screen.
- Select "Settings" from the menu which is displayed.
- On the "Home" screen of "Settings", click "Windows Update".
- Under "More options" on the "Windows Update" screen, click "Update history".
- Scroll down to the "Related settings" section on the "Update history" screen.
- Click "Uninstall updates" under the "Related settings section"
- The "Uninstall updates" screen will be displayed.
Find "Microsoft Windows (KB5046740)" in the list of updates, and click "Uninstall" to remove it.
- A dialogue asking if you wish to uninstall will be displayed. Click "Uninstall".
- When the uninstall is complete, a dialogue will be displayed to notify you. Close the window by clicking the top right "X".
* Depending on the Windows Update that you uninstall, you may be prompted to restart your device for the changes to take effect. If you encounter such a dialogue, please follow the instructions displayed.
Even if you are not prompted to do so, please restart your device anyway.
Once you have successfully uninstalled the Windows Update "KB5046740" and restarted your device, please try to authenticate the PlayDRM protected software once again by running the startup.exe (or equivalent) authentication file.