December Archives

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Microsoft Warns Millions Of Windows Users—Do Not Install This Update On Your PC

Microsoft has issued a warning for Windows users about the installation process for Windows 11 24H2, indicating that a mistake during installation could prevent devices from receiving future Windows security updates. Users installing Windows 11 24H2 with the October or November 2024 security updates via USB or external drives may disrupt Windows Update functionality, as the version is shipped without these specific patches. The issue occurs only when installation media includes these updates; devices receiving updates through the standard Windows Update process are not affected. Microsoft suggests using the Media Creation Tool to create new installation media if users encounter issues with cumulative updates after installing Windows 11 24H2. The company acknowledges that the situation affects only a small number of PCs, though the number of affected users may be higher than initially thought. Microsoft is working on a permanent solution and advises users to use the December 2024 security update to avoid complications with media-based installations.

AppWizard

December 28, 2024

Weekend PC Game Deals: Even more winter sales and daily freebies

The Epic Games Store is offering a free copy of Hot Wheels Unleashed, a racing game developed by Milestone, which features drifting mechanics and a customizable track builder. The giveaway ends at 8 AM PT on December 28. The Steam Winter Sale is ongoing, providing substantial discounts on thousands of titles. The GOG store is also running a winter sale, offering a free copy of The Dark Eye: Chains of Satinav along with other discounted games.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

This Windows 11 bug can stop your security updates — here’s how to avoid it

Windows 11, version 24H2 has a security issue affecting updates released between October 8 and November 12, which may prevent further security updates and leave devices vulnerable. The latest version released on December 10 allows users to create installation discs or USB keys to ensure ongoing security updates. Alternatively, users can update directly through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog for better security and performance. If currently using Windows 11 installed via disc or USB with the October or November updates, upgrading to version 24H2 is recommended. Windows 10 Home and Pro will reach end of life on October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will stop providing updates. Users are advised to upgrade to Windows 11 before this deadline.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Windows 11 Bug Won’t Let You Install Any New Security Updates; Here’s How To Fix It

Microsoft has alerted Windows 11 users to a bug that may hinder system updates, specifically affecting the downloading of future security updates during the installation of Windows 11 version 24H2 when using external media devices like CDs or USB flash drives. This issue is particularly relevant for professional users and tech enthusiasts. However, it does not impact users installing the October 2024 or November 2024 security updates through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog. The bug is limited to security updates released between October 8 and November 12, with a more recent version rolled out on December 10. Microsoft is working on a solution and recommends that affected users install Windows 11 version 24H2 alongside the December 2024 monthly security update as a temporary workaround. Additionally, Microsoft has identified other potential issues, such as some games using Auto HDR becoming unresponsive and difficulties launching Microsoft Outlook with Google Workspace Sync enabled. Microsoft is aware of these issues and is pursuing solutions.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

Unable to install security updates after freshly installing Windows 11? You’re not alone

A bug in the recent installation media for Windows 11 prevents users from installing the latest security updates if the media includes the October 2024 or November 2024 security patches. Microsoft has acknowledged that this issue occurs only when using installation media, such as CD and USB flash drives, created in the last few months with these updates. The problem does not affect devices that receive the updates via Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog. Users are advised to avoid installation media with the October or November 2024 patches and instead use media with the September 2024 or December 2024 patches. Some users have found success using the "Fix Windows Update" button in the Recovery section of Windows Settings, and the official Windows 11 ISO tool can create an installation image without the problematic patches.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Microsoft warns Windows 11 install media bug blocks future security updates

Microsoft has issued a caution regarding the installation of Windows 11 version 24H2 using physical media, specifically if the media contains security updates from October 8 to November 12, 2024. In such cases, the operating system may not accept future security updates. This issue does not affect systems receiving updates through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog, nor does it impact installations using the December 2024 security update. Microsoft recommends creating new installation media that includes the December 2024 security update to ensure future updates can be received. Users who have already installed version 24H2 with the October or November updates should apply the December 2024 security update to restore their system's ability to accept future updates. Microsoft is working on a permanent solution to this issue. Users have also reported challenges with the Disk Cleanup tool and speaker volume spikes since the launch of version 24H2. Maintaining an updated version of Windows 11 is essential for security, stability, and performance, as updates address vulnerabilities and fix bugs.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Microsoft flags Windows 11 24H2 install media issue

Users who installed Windows 11 24H2 via removable media may not receive security updates if the installation media contains the October or November 2024 security updates. Microsoft advises using installation media that includes the December 2024 monthly security update or later to avoid this issue. Devices receiving updates through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog are not affected. Microsoft is working on a resolution for the installation media problem, which is one of several known issues with the Windows 11 update.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 KB5044284 / KB5046617 can’t install new updates

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue affecting users of Windows 11 version 24H2 who installed the OS using external media like CDs or USB drives. Users may be unable to install security updates released during the October 2024 (KB5044284) and November 2024 (KB5046617) Patch Tuesdays if they used external media for installation. This issue does not affect installations via Windows Update or the Update Catalog. The problem arises when the installation media includes the October or November security updates. Microsoft recommends avoiding installations with these updates and instead using media that includes the December 2024 monthly security update or later. Microsoft is investigating the issue and will provide further updates.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 24H2 installation issues, newer updates fail for some PCs

Windows 11 24H2 is a stable update compared to its predecessors, but users may face a significant bug that prevents new cumulative updates from installing if they used an updated ISO during installation. The issue arises when using a USB drive or other media to install Windows 11 24H2 with the October or November 2024 security updates, which can disrupt Windows Update. Problems can occur when using third-party tools to create a custom installation or modifying installation media, leading to conflicts with Windows Update. Microsoft does not provide additional ISO files with integrated newer updates, and users who customize their installation media may be unable to apply future updates. Microsoft has acknowledged that this issue affects a small number of PCs and recommends using the Media Creation Tool to create new installation media and reinstall the operating system as a workaround. A fix is expected to be addressed in January.

Winsage

December 27, 2024

Windows 11 KB5048685 Update causes Wi-Fi and Start Menu to stop working

The KB5048685 Update for Windows 11 23H2, released on December 10, has caused issues for users, including freezing of the Start Menu and Wi-Fi connectivity problems. The Start Menu may become unresponsive, displaying a white backdrop in dark mode, affecting users of both Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2. A workaround involves modifying the Windows Registry. Additionally, some users with AMD processors have reported installation failures with error code 0x80070002. Solutions suggested include checking the Windows Update service and using recovery options in settings. Personal experiences with the update vary, with some users not encountering issues, while others have faced significant problems.