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Secure Desktop Becomes Invisible and Unresponsive When Running SuperNova After Installing KB5120998

Users may be unable to interact with Windows security prompts, UAC dialogs, or update installers on Windows 11 25H2 until Secure Desktop is dismissed

Overview

Some users running Dolphin SuperNova on Windows 11 25H2 may experience an issue where the Secure Desktop briefly appears before disappearing and being replaced by the original desktop screen. Although the Secure Desktop is no longer visible, it remains active in the background, preventing interaction with the desktop until it is dismissed.

This issue has been reproduced during SuperNova upgrades, Windows security prompts, and when accessing Windows security options via CTRL + ALT + DELETE.

Affected Configurations

  • Operating System: Windows 11 25H2 (Build 26200.9457)
  • Windows Update: KB5120998 installed.
  • SuperNova version: Version 25 and onward.

Symptoms

When a Secure Desktop prompt is triggered:

  • The Secure Desktop appears briefly.
  • The original desktop is then displayed instead.
  • A SuperNova focus highlight may remain where the Secure Desktop dialog originally appeared.
  • Mouse and keyboard interaction become unavailable.
  • The system appears frozen despite remaining responsive.
  • Pressing Escape dismisses the invisible Secure Desktop and restores normal operation.

Scenarios Where the Issue May Occur

The issue has been observed when:

  • Updating SuperNova.
  • Launching the installer during a SuperNova update.
  • Displaying a User Account Control (UAC) prompt.
  • Accessing the Windows Security screen using CTRL + ALT + DELETE.

Cause

Investigation has identified Windows Update KB5120998 as the trigger for this behaviour on affected Windows 11 25H2 systems.

Workaround

Until a permanent fix becomes available, uninstalling KB5120998 restores normal Secure Desktop functionality.

To uninstall the update:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Windows Update.
  3. Choose Update History.
  4. Select Uninstall Updates.
  5. Locate KB5120998.
  6. Click Uninstall and restart the computer.

Important: Removing Windows updates may also remove Microsoft security and reliability fixes. Users should follow their organisation's update policies before uninstalling KB5120998.

If the issue occurs and the Secure Desktop is no longer visible, pressing Escape will typically dismiss the hidden Secure Desktop and return control of the system to the user.

Status

Dolphin has successfully reproduced this issue and confirmed a correlation with KB5120998 on Windows 11 25H2 systems. The Development Team is actively investigating the problem and working on a permanent fix to restore correct Secure Desktop behaviour when SuperNova is running.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

This article was last updated 29/09/2026.