Windows 11 24H2 Archives

Winsage

May 20, 2025

Microsoft open sources Windows Subsystem for Linux

Microsoft has announced the open-sourcing of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which has evolved since its introduction in 2016. WSL was initially designed to enable Windows to run ELF executables natively through a compatibility layer. Compatibility challenges led to the development of WSL2, introduced to testers in 2019. By 2021, Microsoft decided to remove WSL code from the Windows ecosystem to align with the rapid updates of the Linux community. As of 2024, Microsoft has transitioned to a new WSL package, moving away from the original WSL component bundled with Windows. Nearly all previously closed code for WSL is now available on GitHub at Microsoft/WSL, allowing developers to contribute to its evolution. However, the kernel-side driver lxcore.sys and other related components remain part of Windows and are not open-sourced. Microsoft has acknowledged the community's role in shaping WSL but has not clarified the project's future management or the establishment of a steering committee.

Winsage

May 18, 2025

Microsoft shares official guide for fixing every Windows 11/10 update download/install error

Microsoft has updated its official support article for Windows Update troubleshooting following the launch of Windows 11 24H2. The update includes new recommendations for resolving update-related challenges, such as using the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter and clearing the Windows Update cache. To use the Windows Update Troubleshooter, users should: 1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security. 2. Choose Troubleshoot from the left-hand menu, then click on Additional troubleshooters. 3. Select Windows Update under the Get up and running section and click Run the troubleshooter. 4. Follow the on-screen instructions. To clear the Windows Update cache, users should: 1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. 2. Locate the Windows Update service, right-click it, and select Stop. 3. Navigate to C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution and delete all files and folders within this directory. 4. Return to the Services window, right-click Windows Update, and select Start. Microsoft has also provided a list of common update-related error codes and their explanations, including: - 0x800705b4: Update took too long to install or was interrupted. - 0x80240034: Update process is stuck due to an incomplete update or connection issue. - 0x800f0922 or 0x8007000E: Unable to install the update due to insufficient disk space. - 0x800F081F, 0x80073712, or 0x80246007: Corrupted or missing system files or incomplete download. - 0x80070020: Another program or process is blocking the Windows update process. Additional error codes specific to Windows 11 include: - 0x8007000d: Issue with Windows Update files or corruption in the update cache. - 0xC1900101: Incompatible driver causing the update to fail. - 0x80070005: Access Denied error or insufficient permissions to install updates.

Winsage

May 17, 2025

9 Months Later, Microsoft Finally Fixes Linux Dual-Booting Bug

In August 2024, a security update aimed at improving Secure Boot disrupted dual-booting of Windows and Linux due to a vulnerability in the GRUB bootloader. This allowed malicious actors to bypass Secure Boot protections. Microsoft released a patch, KB5058385, on May 13, 2025, to resolve the issue by enhancing the Secure Boot Advanced Targeting (SBAT) system's ability to recognize legitimate Linux bootloaders, preventing them from being blocked. The patch is applicable to various versions of Windows, including Windows 11 (multiple versions) and Windows Server (multiple versions). The update will be automatically applied through Windows Update for affected installations.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Windows 11 starts giving custom advice based on your PC hardware

A new hardware assessment feature for Windows 11 has entered the testing phase for Windows Insiders and will soon be available to all Windows 11 24H2 users. This feature can be found in the Settings app under a dedicated FAQ section on the About page. It includes expandable questions related to system performance, such as RAM capacity and GPU requirements for gaming and video editing. Users will receive tailored answers based on their specific hardware configurations, helping them determine if their setup is adequate for various tasks.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Windows 11’s May update brings a heap of new features

Microsoft's latest update for Windows 11, KB5058411, includes enhancements and security fixes. Key features include AI integration in Windows Search for natural language queries, direct access to Microsoft 365 content in File Explorer (subscription required), improved performance for file opening and ZIP unpacking, and aesthetic updates to the interface. The update also removes the blue background for desktop shortcuts based on user feedback and implements various bug fixes. The update will download and install automatically for Windows 11 24H2 users, with an option for manual installation through Windows Update.

Winsage

May 14, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Windows Upgrade Choice—You Must Now Decide

Microsoft has released a mandatory update for Windows 11, identified as “KB5058411,” which includes essential security fixes and introduces a new feature called Recall. Recall uses artificial intelligence to capture snapshots of the user's screen at regular intervals, creating a photographic memory of digital interactions. Users will be prompted to enable Recall during the installation of the May 2025 Windows 11 24H2 update, and opting in for the first time simplifies future re-enabling. However, enabling Recall raises privacy concerns, as it records activities and communications from secure messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Signal, potentially exposing sensitive information. A user reported that someone was able to access his entire PC history, including deleted messages, highlighting the vulnerabilities associated with the feature. Users are advised to carefully consider the implications of opting into Recall.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Windows 11 upgrade block lifted after Safe Exam Browser fix

Microsoft has lifted an upgrade block that prevented certain users of the Safe Exam Browser from installing the Windows 11 2024 Update due to compatibility concerns. The block was initially implemented in September to protect users from issues with Safe Exam Browser version 3.7 or earlier. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Safe Exam Browser version 3.8 or later before proceeding with the Windows 11 24H2 update. If users still encounter the safeguard hold after 48 hours of updating, they should contact Safe Exam Browser Support. The Windows 11 24H2 feature update is now available for all compatible PCs, except those under safeguard holds. Microsoft has resolved issues that previously blocked the update for some users and has removed other compatibility holds for specific devices and applications. However, some upgrade blocks remain due to incompatible hardware and software. Windows 11 24H2 began its rollout in May 2024 for enterprise testing, with a broader release in October.

Winsage

May 7, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 may now automatically install itself, whether you want it or not

Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 version 24H2 has officially entered the final phase of its gradual rollout, making it available to all users. This automatic installation applies to individual users of Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2, excluding managed organizations or enterprises. Devices blocked due to known bugs are exempt from the update. Users can choose when to restart their devices or postpone the update, and they can also pause updates for one to five weeks. Users can manually check for the update by navigating to Settings and selecting Windows Update. Since its release, Windows 11 24H2 has faced various bugs and compatibility issues, leading to some updates being blocked and creating a cycle of fixes and new problems. As Windows 10 approaches its end of support in October, the need for stability in Windows 11 is becoming increasingly important.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 now ‘broadly available’ – with a new problem

Microsoft has released Windows 11 24H2, but users are facing a known issue with Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) applications, specifically related to the "App attach" feature. This feature allows applications to be dynamically attached to user sessions within AVD, operating within containers rather than being installed locally. Users may encounter an error message stating, "Element not found" when launching App attach applications. Microsoft recommends using VHDX images instead of CimFS images for packaging files, as the issue has not been reported in earlier versions of the operating system. A fix for the current version is expected by June 2025. The update for Windows 11 24H2 will be automatically received by devices running Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2, with users able to select the restart time or postpone the update.

Winsage

May 6, 2025

Microsoft pushes fix for Windows 11 update 0x80240069 errors

Microsoft has resolved an issue that affected the delivery of Windows 11 24H2 feature updates via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) after the installation of the April 2025 security updates. Users reported upgrade problems, specifically encountering error code 0x80240069 during attempts to update from Windows 11 23H2 or 22H2. The update complications primarily impact enterprise environments using WSUS, while home users are less likely to experience these issues. Microsoft is rolling out a fix through Known Issue Rollback (KIR) for enterprise-managed devices, requiring IT administrators to implement the KIR Group Policy on affected endpoints. Additionally, Microsoft is addressing a separate issue where some PCs were upgraded to Windows 11 despite Intune policies preventing such upgrades.