July 2024 security update Archives

Winsage

August 19, 2024

The Windows BitLocker recovery bug is fixed, according to Microsoft

Microsoft addressed a bug affecting users of Windows 10, Windows 11, and various versions of Windows Server that emerged after the July 2024 security update. The issue caused certain devices to boot into BitLocker recovery mode instead of the standard login screen, prompting users to enter a recovery key to access their data. The bug primarily impacted HP and Lenovo laptops in corporate environments that received firmware updates during the July Patch Tuesday release. BitLocker, an encryption feature, triggered recovery mode due to deviations in the boot process, often related to firmware updates. Users can manage their Device Encryption status in Windows Settings, and can retrieve their BitLocker recovery key from their Microsoft account if prompted. Disabling encryption should be a last resort, as maintaining a backup of the recovery key helps mitigate data loss risks while ensuring device security.

Winsage

August 15, 2024

Microsoft fixes security bug that kept booting PCs into recovery mode

Microsoft addressed a security issue that caused certain Windows PCs to boot into BitLocker recovery mode after the installation of the July 2024 security update released on July 9, 2024. This issue particularly affected users with Device Encryption enabled. The affected Windows versions include Windows 11 (versions 23H2, 22H2, 21H2) and Windows 10 (versions 22H2, 21H2), as well as several Windows Server versions (2022, 2019, 2016, 2012 R2, 2012, 2008 R2, 2008). Microsoft has released a fix and recommends users install the latest update. Users can retrieve their BitLocker recovery key by logging into the BitLocker recovery screen portal with their Microsoft account.

Winsage

August 14, 2024

Microsoft squashes Windows BitLocker recovery bug

Microsoft addressed an issue that caused many Windows PCs to unexpectedly enter BitLocker recovery mode, affecting nearly all supported versions of Windows 11, Windows 10, and various editions of Windows Server since 2008, following the July 2024 Windows security update. Users were more likely to encounter this issue if they had the Device Encryption option enabled. The problem was resolved with the August 13 update, and Microsoft recommended installing the latest updates for important improvements and issue resolutions. BitLocker is a technology for encrypting user storage, and its prominence increased after a July 2024 CrowdStrike update led to many devices experiencing a persistent blue screen boot loop. The July 2024 security update inadvertently triggered BitLocker recovery for some devices. Additionally, BitLocker has been exploited by cybercriminals in ransomware attacks, and users typically should not see the recovery mode unless prompted by hardware updates.

Winsage

August 12, 2024

New Windows 10 And 11 Blue Screen Of Death Warning Issued

A new vulnerability, designated CVE-2024-6768, has been identified in Windows, affecting all versions of Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server 2022. This flaw is related to the common log file system Windows driver and results from improper validation of input data, leading to a blue screen of death. The vulnerability allows a user with no privileges to crash the system using a specially crafted file, even if the system is fully updated. Microsoft was first notified of this issue in December 2023 but claimed it could not reproduce the vulnerability, despite Fortra's ability to replicate it. No workaround or mitigation has been found, and there is skepticism about Microsoft's likelihood of providing a fix. The timeline of the vulnerability includes multiple reports and evidence provided by Fortra, culminating in the planned publication of the CVE on August 12, 2024.

Winsage

August 12, 2024

Worried about the Windows BitLocker recovery bug? 6 things you need to know

Five years ago, Microsoft committed to improving its update process and introduced a "release health dashboard" to inform users about known issues with updates. The July 2024 security update has been flagged for a known issue affecting Windows 10, Windows 11, and various Windows Server versions, where some users may boot into BitLocker recovery mode instead of the login screen. This situation is atypical for Windows updates, and the cause is not specified, though users with Device Encryption enabled may be more likely to encounter it. Microsoft has not disclosed the prevalence of this issue, but reports from network administrators indicate it has affected HP and Lenovo laptops on corporate networks that received firmware updates during the July 2024 Patch Tuesday. BitLocker, a security feature that encrypts the drive, may prompt recovery mode due to changes in the boot process, such as firmware upgrades. Device Encryption is available on modern PCs with Windows 11, while BitLocker is for business customers on Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. Users can check if Device Encryption is enabled in Settings and retrieve their recovery key from their Microsoft account if prompted. Disabling device encryption is an option for those concerned about potential lockouts, but it is generally unnecessary if a backup of the recovery key is stored safely.

Winsage

July 25, 2024

Microsoft Confirms New Blue Screen Warning For Windows 10 And 11 Users

Users of Windows 10, 11, and Server who recently applied the July Patch Tuesday security update may encounter a blue screen asking for a BitLocker encryption recovery key, rather than the usual blue screen of death. Microsoft is investigating the issue and has provided a workaround to enter the recovery key to boot up the device normally. The affected Windows platforms include various versions of Windows 10, 11, and Server.

Winsage

July 25, 2024

How to fix the July 2024 Windows update’s reboot loop

- Windows users who have encrypted their PCs with BitLocker may face issues after installing a July OS update. - Microsoft advises affected users to follow the standard BitLocker recovery procedure to resolve the problem. - The problematic update for Windows 10 is known as OS Build 19045.4651 KB5040427, while for Windows 11 it is listed as KB5040442. - A previous Windows update caused similar issues a month ago, and CrowdStrike's faulty security update also caused problems for Windows PCs. - Microsoft is transitioning to a new update release method called the checkpoint cumulative update system to save time and bandwidth, but concerns have been raised about its effectiveness.

Winsage

July 24, 2024

Windows July security updates send PCs into BitLocker recovery

Windows devices may boot into BitLocker recovery mode after installing the July 2024 security updates. Impacted users will need to input their BitLocker recovery key to unlock the drive and proceed with normal booting. Microsoft is actively investigating the issue and plans to provide updates as more details emerge.

Winsage

July 21, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 promises smaller monthly updates with new features

Cumulative checkpoint updates for Windows 11 will help reduce the size of monthly updates by only downloading what is needed, making it easier for users to install updates and reducing the burden on Microsoft.

Winsage

July 10, 2024

KB5040435 July security update arrives on Windows 11 24H2 PCs

The KB5040435 update for Windows 11 24H2 brings improvements from the last month's optional update, including fixes for issues with Windows Defender Application Control, Desktop Window Manager, Unified Write Filter, and Input Method Editor. However, it also breaks Roblox download and installation via Microsoft Store on ARM PCs.