Microsoft’s rollout of the Windows 11 24H2 update, which commenced on October 1, has encountered a series of challenges that have prompted the company to pause the update for various PC models. The update has been marred by a range of bugs, some minor and others significantly disruptive, leading to a growing list of issues that users have reported.
Issues Plaguing the Update
Among the notable problems affecting the 2024 update are:
- A System File Checker bug
- A cache file deletion glitch
- Conflicts with the Easy Anti-Cheat online gaming application
- Instances of the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)
- Disappearing mouse pointers
- Internet connectivity issues
- Fingerprint sensor malfunctions
- A broken clipboard history
As Microsoft grapples with these issues, the decision to halt the update for affected PCs appears to be a necessary step to mitigate further complications.
Specific Glitches and Their Impact
A recent glitch discovered on certain Asus models, specifically the X415KA and X515KA, has resulted in the BSOD during the update process. Consequently, Microsoft has paused the rollout for these devices while collaborating with Asus to find a resolution.
Additionally, users of the audio program Voicemeeter may experience blue screens post-update due to incompatibilities with the new memory manager in Windows 11 24H2. This has led to another pause in the update for PCs utilizing this application.
Another issue arises for users with integrated cameras; enabling object or face detection features can lead to unresponsiveness in applications reliant on the camera, including Windows Hello facial recognition and the Camera app.
Further Complications and User Experiences
The update has also been paused for systems running version 3.7 or lower of the Safe Exam Browser, as the application may fail to load after installation. This bug, identified in September, remains unresolved as Microsoft works closely with the developers of the browser.
Moreover, conflicts with the Easy Anti-Cheat application have affected PCs equipped with Intel’s Alder Lake+ processors, resulting in memory management errors and system freezes. This issue has been on Microsoft’s radar since September, alongside other bugs such as fingerprint sensor glitches and compatibility problems with various drivers and applications.
Personal Observations from the Update
In my own experience with the 2024 update on a test Windows 11 machine, I encountered several bugs, including failures in a calendar and contact syncing program, difficulties with Intel driver installations, and inconsistent performance with Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Connection. These challenges compelled me to revert to the previous version of Windows 11 for continued functionality.
The sheer volume of bugs associated with this update is striking. While the number may not exceed those seen in prior years, the overall stability of the update has raised concerns. Historically, I would install annual updates promptly, but the current iteration’s instability has led me to delay its installation across my devices.
Advice for Users
For those who have not yet experienced the update pause, Windows 11 24H2 may appear automatically as an available update or can be manually downloaded from Microsoft’s website. However, it may be prudent to avoid this update until the majority of these issues have been addressed.
If you have already installed the update and wish to revert to the previous version, navigate to Settings, select System, and then Recovery. From there, you can click the Go Back button and follow the prompts to restore your PC to its earlier state.
