After an extensive period of beta testing, Microsoft has unveiled its much-anticipated 2024 update for Windows 11, officially designated as Windows 11 24H2. This latest iteration promises enhancements to the Copilot AI, a refreshed File Explorer, and improvements in performance and stability. Users can expect to see this update appearing in their Windows Update screens, or they can access it via Microsoft’s Download Windows 11 page, where options for installation through the Installation Assistant, media creation, or ISO files are available.
However, before users rush to install the new version, it may be prudent to pause for thought. The update has been accompanied by a range of bugs that could hinder the user experience. While no single issue is particularly catastrophic, the cumulative effect of these glitches may warrant a delay in upgrading until Microsoft addresses them.
1. System File Checker Bug
The Windows System File Checker (SFC), designed to scan for and repair corrupted system files, is currently experiencing a bug that results in a loop of false positives. Users running the command sfc /scannow may find that the tool repeatedly indicates it has found and fixed corrupt files, even when that is not the case. This issue stems from the SFC misidentifying certain WebView2-related files as corrupted, rendering the tool ineffective until a fix is implemented.
2. Cache File Deletion Glitch
Another issue users may encounter is an 8.63GB update cache that appears resistant to deletion through standard methods. Although attempts to remove the cache may show no change in available disk space, Microsoft has confirmed this is a reporting bug. Utilizing the “Windows Update Cleanup” option in Disk Cleanup does effectively remove the cache, despite the misleading space reporting.
3. Conflict with Easy Anti-Cheat Online Gaming App
For gamers, a notable conflict has arisen with the Easy Anti-Cheat software, which is included with some online games to prevent cheating. Users may experience the infamous Blue Screen of Death, particularly on devices equipped with Intel’s Alder Lake+ processors and vPro platform. Microsoft is collaborating with the Easy Anti-Cheat developer to rectify this issue.
4. Blue Screens in Other Instances
Beyond the Easy Anti-Cheat conflict, other scenarios can lead to blue screens. Compatibility issues have been identified with certain drivers for Intel Smart Sound Technology on Intel 11th Gen Core processors. Additionally, there are reports of blue screens occurring on systems using specific Western Digital SSDs.
5. Disappearing Mouse Pointer
A bug affecting the mouse pointer in Chromium-based applications, such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, has also been reported. This glitch causes the cursor to vanish when interacting with text input fields, although a workaround is available for those affected.
6. Internet Connection Issues
Some users have noted erratic internet connectivity following the update. While connections via Ethernet or Wi-Fi may appear functional, users often find themselves unable to obtain a valid IP address, leaving them without internet access. Attempts to resolve this through driver updates or network resets have proven ineffective.
7. Fingerprint Sensor Glitch
Another concern involves fingerprint sensors on certain devices becoming unresponsive post-update. Users attempting to unlock their devices with a fingerprint scan may find themselves needing to resort to alternative sign-in methods.
8. Broken Clipboard History
The clipboard history feature, which allows users to store and sync copied items across devices, has been disrupted for some users. Reports indicate that the clipboard history appears empty despite items being copied, a bug that was flagged during testing but seemingly not addressed in the final update.
These examples highlight just a portion of the challenges faced by users of the Windows 11 2024 update. Microsoft has acknowledged several other issues on its Known Issues and Notifications page. Personal experiences with the update have revealed additional bugs, including failures in driver installations and connectivity problems with Microsoft’s Remote Desktop Connection.
While encountering issues during a major update is not uncommon, the extent of these glitches can be frustrating for users relying on Windows for professional tasks. Although the number of bugs may not significantly exceed those seen in previous updates, the potential impact on daily operations suggests that users might be wise to delay the upgrade until most of these issues are resolved.
