Media Creation Tool Archives

Winsage

February 10, 2025

Windows 11: Microsoft sets status of issue to resolved without providing a solution

In late December 2024, Microsoft acknowledged an issue affecting the installation of updates on certain Windows 11 devices, specifically those set up using installation media containing the October or November 2024 security updates. The affected devices are those running Windows 11, version 24H2, installed via media that included these updates. Microsoft proposed a workaround involving the reinstallation of Windows 11 using updated installation media that includes the December 2024 security updates or later. As of February 6, 2025, Microsoft marked the issue as resolved, but did not provide a definitive solution for impacted users, leaving them with concerns about data loss and limited options for restoring update functionality.

Winsage

February 7, 2025

Microsoft says Windows 11 KB5044284/KB5046617 still can’t install new updates via USB/CD

In December, Microsoft acknowledged a known issue affecting users installing security updates on Windows 11 version 24H2, particularly those using CDs or USB drives. Users faced difficulties with the October 2024 (KB5044284) and November 2024 (KB5046617) Patch Tuesdays, including those using the Media Creation Tool. Installations via Windows Update or the Update Catalog were unaffected. Microsoft suggested a workaround: avoid installing the October and November patches. The issue has since been marked as "resolved," with the workaround now stated as the official resolution: do not install Windows 11, version 24H2 with the October or November updates. Instead, use media that includes the December 2024 security update or later. If a device cannot receive further updates due to this issue, it can be fixed by reinstalling Windows 11, version 24H2 with the appropriate media. Microsoft also introduced a new PowerShell script for updated Windows 11, 10, and Server boot media.

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.

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

Microsoft Warns Windows Users—Do Not Update Your PC This Way

Microsoft has issued an advisory for Windows users regarding potential issues when updating to Windows 11 version 24H2 using external media. If users create installation media that includes the October or November 2024 security updates, their devices may end up in a state where they cannot accept further Windows security updates. This problem does not affect devices that receive updates through the standard Windows Update process. The issue is reported to impact only a small number of users, and Microsoft recommends using the Media Creation Tool to create new media and reinstall the operating system if users encounter update problems.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

Microsoft blocks Windows 11 24H2 update on more PCs due to new gaming issues

Many users view Windows 11 as a reimagined version of Windows 10, but it includes exclusive features for gamers. Microsoft has restricted access to the latest Windows 11 update due to complications with the Auto HDR feature, which enhances visuals by converting SDR content to HDR. A bug in Auto HDR has caused games to display incorrect colors or freeze. Microsoft has not specified which devices or games are affected and has implemented a compatibility hold on devices using Auto HDR, preventing them from installing Windows 11 version 24H2. Users are advised to disable Auto HDR to proceed with the update. Additionally, there have been other gaming-related issues with Windows 11 version 24H2, including crashes in games using Easy Anti-Cheat and responsiveness issues in titles like Asphalt 8, along with compatibility challenges with certain Ubisoft games.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Windows 11 24H2 upgrades blocked on some PCs due to audio issues

Microsoft has implemented a safeguard hold on the Windows 11 24H2 upgrade for systems using Dirac audio enhancement software due to compatibility issues that disrupt sound output. The problem is associated with the cridspapo.dll software component, which affects integrated speakers, Bluetooth speakers, and headsets, rendering them non-functional after the upgrade. Users are advised not to manually upgrade their devices until Dirac releases a fix for their audio driver. The safeguard hold will remain until the issue is resolved. Affected users can check for safeguard holds in Windows Update settings. Additionally, Microsoft has introduced another upgrade block for Windows 11 24H2 concerning systems with Auto HDR due to compatibility issues causing game freezes.

Winsage

December 19, 2024

Microsoft Stops Updates For Millions Of Windows Users—Here’s What You Do Now

Windows users are experiencing issues with the Windows 11 24H2 update due to a compatibility problem with the AutoHDR feature, which causes incorrect color display in games and applications. Microsoft has acknowledged this issue and implemented a compatibility hold, preventing devices with Auto HDR enabled from receiving the update. Users can resolve the issue by disabling Auto HDR in the settings. Microsoft is working on a fix and advises against manually updating to version 24H2 until the problem is resolved.

Winsage

December 12, 2024

Microsoft lifts Windows 11 24H2 block on PCs with USB scanners

Microsoft has removed a compatibility barrier for upgrades to Windows 11 24H2 after resolving a bug affecting USB connections for certain scanners. The issue was identified as a failure of some devices to transition from eSCL to USB mode. Microsoft implemented a safeguard hold and advised users not to manually update until the issue was resolved. Affected devices included standalone scanners, multi-function printers, fax machines, modems, and other eSCL network devices. The problem was addressed with the release of the KB5048667 cumulative update, which applies to all editions of Windows 11, version 24H2. Users may experience a delay of up to 48 hours after installing the update before receiving the Windows 11, version 24H2 upgrade. Additionally, Microsoft has imposed a safeguard hold on devices with incompatible Intel Smart Sound Technology audio drivers and has blocked upgrades on systems with outdated Google Workspace Sync installations.