Windows 11 24H2 Update Archives

Tech Optimizer

April 14, 2026

Fake Windows 11 24H2 Update Site Distributes Password-Stealing Malware

A recent discovery by Malwarebytes has identified a cyber threat involving a typosquatted domain that mimics official Microsoft support pages. This site uses authentic branding and KB-style reference numbers to deceive users into downloading what appears to be a legitimate cumulative update. The malware, once installed, operates stealthily, stealing passwords from browsers and active sessions, which allows attackers to bypass two-factor authentication. The stolen data is sent to external servers through encrypted channels. Initial scans showed zero detections by multiple antivirus engines due to the malware's obfuscated scripts. It also modifies system startup entries and creates disguised shortcuts for persistence. Microsoft has not yet released Windows 11 version 24H2 to general users, and updates should only be obtained through official channels to avoid potential threats.

Winsage

April 14, 2026

This fake Windows 11 24H2 update looks perfect, until it avoids antivirus and steals your passwords

Cybercriminals are using sophisticated tactics to deceive users, particularly with a counterfeit website posing as a legitimate Windows 11 update. This site operates under the domain microsoft-update[.]support and is designed to trick individuals into downloading malware that compromises sensitive information. The site is written in French and mimics a genuine cumulative update for Windows 11, version 24H2, featuring a convincing KB article number and a blue download button. The malware is packaged as a Windows update using the WiX Toolset 4.0.0.5512 and is labeled "WindowsUpdate 1.0.0.msi," with properties that suggest it is from Microsoft. At the time of analysis, VirusTotal showed no detections for the malware, which conceals its harmful code within an Electron shell, making it difficult to identify. Users are advised to download updates directly through the Windows Settings app or from Microsoft's official support hub.

Winsage

April 13, 2026

Stealthy Malware Campaign Uses Fake Windows Update Site To Infect PCs

A new malware campaign targets Windows users by using a fraudulent clone of a Microsoft website to steal sensitive information. Victims are directed to a typo-squatted web address that resembles an official site, where they are prompted to download a file named WindowsUpdate 1.0.0.msi. This file uses a legitimate open-source installer framework and incorporates Electron, JavaScript, and Python, making it difficult to detect; VirusTotal showed zero detections across 69 engines. The malware maintains persistence by modifying the Windows registry and placing a shortcut named Spotify.lnk in the startup folder. Currently, the campaign primarily targets French-speaking users, but similar tactics may spread to other regions. Users are advised to apply updates only through the Windows Update feature in the Settings menu.

Winsage

February 24, 2026

How to Disable Copilot in Windows 11 — Uninstall, Hide, and Stop It from Coming Back

Microsoft has integrated its AI assistant, Copilot, into various parts of Windows 11, including the taskbar, Edge, and Notepad. Users have expressed a desire to remove Copilot, leading to the creation of a guide detailing methods to disable it. Copilot can be uninstalled through Settings, but additional steps are required to remove it from Edge, Notepad, and Windows Search. Users can also prevent Copilot from reinstalling after updates by adjusting registry settings. The Copilot app is categorized as a standalone application in Windows 11 24H2, making it easier to uninstall compared to previous versions. Methods to disable Copilot include: 1. Uninstalling the app via Settings. 2. Hiding the icon from the taskbar. 3. Using Group Policy Editor (limited to Pro, Enterprise, Education). 4. Removing Copilot for all users using PowerShell. 5. Adjusting settings in Edge and Notepad to disable Copilot features. 6. Editing the registry to remove Copilot from Windows Search and Paint. 7. Remapping the physical Copilot key on newer laptops. 8. Disabling silent reinstallation of Copilot through registry edits. Disabling Copilot will not affect core Windows functionality but will remove AI-specific features such as the chatbot and writing assistance.

Winsage

November 22, 2025

Pretty much everything important on Windows 11 has broken, says Microsoft

Windows 11 has encountered significant issues, including failures in the Windows Recovery Environment and complications during the migration from Windows 10 to 11. The recent Windows 11 24H2 update has led to critical failures for users, affecting core shell components such as explorer.exe, shelhost.exe, StartMenuExperienceHost, and ImmersiveShell. Symptoms include application crashes when initializing XAML views, explorer running without a taskbar, failure of the Start menu to launch, silent failures of System Settings, and crashes of ShellHost.exe. Microsoft attributes these problems to applications dependent on XAML packages not registering in time after the update. Reports indicate a shift in user preference, with a Linux distribution for former Windows users achieving 780,000 downloads within a month, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with Windows.

Winsage

October 17, 2025

Microsoft lifts more safeguard holds blocking Windows 11 updates

Microsoft has lifted two compatibility holds that were blocking the installation of the Windows 11 24H2 update. The first hold, affecting systems with SenseShield Technology's sprotect.sys driver, was removed after an update from SenseShield fixed the compatibility issue. Users can expect the update within 48 hours. The second hold, related to certain wallpaper customization applications, was lifted on October 15, 2025, allowing eligible devices to proceed with the installation. Users may receive a warning about potential incompatibilities during the installation process. Microsoft also addressed other compatibility concerns by removing blocks for PCs with integrated cameras and Bluetooth headsets. The Windows 11 2025 Update (25H2) was released on September 10 and is available to eligible users, who will receive it automatically unless managed by IT departments.

Winsage

September 29, 2025

Microsoft finally fixes long-standing Windows 11 update bug

Microsoft is preparing for the annual Windows update, with the stable release of Windows 11 25H2 expected soon. More PCs are now eligible for the Windows 11 24H2 update after resolving compatibility issues with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers affecting Intel's 11th Gen Core processors. Previously, a compatibility hold was implemented to prevent blue screens of death (BSODs) during the upgrade. Users can now receive the Windows 11 24H2 update via Windows Update if they had the affected driver versions. However, some PCs may still not display the update due to other safeguard holds, and users can check for updates through the Settings app.

Winsage

September 24, 2025

It took a year, but Microsoft finally squashed this major Windows 11 24H2 bug

Microsoft released a patch on September 18, 2025, for Windows 11 24H2 that resolves a significant glitch preventing users from utilizing facial recognition through the integrated camera. This issue had been reported nearly a year prior and had blocked affected devices from receiving the Windows 11 24H2 update. With the fix, eligible devices can now install the update via the Windows Update channel, although it may take up to 48 hours for the update to become available. Microsoft is also addressing three remaining issues in Windows 11 24H2: problems with certain Digital TV and Blu-Ray/DVD applications, a blue or black screen error linked to the sprotect.sys driver, and incompatibility with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers. Meanwhile, Windows 11 25H2 is set to launch in October 2025, with a smaller installation package and a similar update process to previous versions.

Winsage

August 29, 2025

Microsoft says recent Windows update didn’t kill your SSD

Microsoft investigated reports of SSD and HDD failures following the August 2025 KB5063878 security update and found no direct link between the update and the drive failures. Users, particularly in Japan, reported issues with various hard drive models, including Corsair Force MP600, Maxio SSD, SanDisk Extreme Pro, and Kioxia Exceria Plus G4, during intensive write operations when drives were over 60% full. Some users regained access to their drives after a restart, while others did not. Phison, a NAND controller manufacturer, is collaborating with Microsoft to address the situation. Microsoft advised Windows 11 users with drives over 60% capacity to avoid downloading, copying, or writing large files until the issue is resolved.

Winsage

August 18, 2025

Microsoft Windows 11 24H2 Update May Cause SSD Failures

Microsoft released a Defender security update during the August 2025 Patch Tuesday, targeting the Lumma stealer and other malware, which included the Windows 11 24H2 cumulative package (KB5063878). Early installations faced an error code, 0x80240069. Testing revealed that some solid-state drives (SSDs) became inaccessible and displayed unreadable SMART telemetry after sustained sequential writes of about 50 GB. A Japanese tester, NichePCGamer, documented failures in 21 different drives during tests involving large file transfers, particularly when controller utilization exceeded 60%. Failures were noted in several Phison-based NVMe models and other drives, with symptoms often reappearing after a reboot. Users are advised to back up data and avoid lengthy transfers on systems updated to KB5063878 while investigations continue.