Microsoft has recently made the decision to postpone the rollout of its Windows 11 24H2 update across various devices, citing a series of incompatibility issues that have arisen. The company’s engineering team is diligently working on solutions, but users are advised against attempting to force the update at this time.
The latest update has drawn attention for the challenges it poses, which can vary significantly based on individual hardware and software configurations. Users may encounter a range of issues, including bugs, crashes, performance degradation, freezes, and even the dreaded blue screens of death (BSOD). In light of these complications, Microsoft has implemented Safeguard holds to prevent devices with known issues from receiving the new feature update until the underlying problems are addressed.
For those who find their updates blocked, a simple click on the “Learn More” option under the update tab will provide insights into the reasons behind the hold. Microsoft strongly advises against manual installations or using media creation tools to bypass these restrictions. Instead, users should patiently await the resolution of these issues, as updates will be applied automatically once they are fixed.
Currently, several known bugs have been identified, along with potential remedies:
- Asus: The X415KA and X515KA laptop models are experiencing blue screens post-update. Consequently, Microsoft has paused updates for these devices until either a firmware or system fix is released by Asus.
- Voicemeeter: This audio management application has encountered compatibility issues with the 24H2 update, leading to blue screens. Users can either remove the app or await an update. Alternatively, the Steel Series GG app offers basic functionality that may suffice in the interim.
- Safe Exam: Older versions of this educational browser are affected, but a straightforward update should rectify the issue.
- Easy Anti-Cheat: Users with Intel Alder Lake processors and vPro technology may face blue screens, particularly if the EAC drivers are outdated. Updating games and drivers could provide a solution, although this isn’t the first instance of such complications.
- Fingerprint sensors: Certain devices with biometric logins may become unresponsive after being locked, necessitating the use of Windows facial recognition or a PIN to regain access. While not critical, it can be a source of frustration. A firmware or system update is expected to resolve this.
- Wallpaper customisation apps: These applications can lead to missing wallpapers and features, alongside potential crashes and error messages. Users are advised to update their apps and await fixes.
- Intel Smart Sound Technology: This driver can cause blue screens if issues arise, but fortunately, only older driver versions are affected. Updating to the latest version should alleviate the problem.
- Asphalt 8 (Airborne): The popular racing game has been reported to freeze with the latest Windows update. Users who may have forgotten they installed the game can simply uninstall it to proceed with the update, while others will need to wait for a fix.
Z890 motherboards
In a further complication, reports from El Chapuzas Informatico indicate that new Z890 motherboards are experiencing conflicts with the update. Specifically, issues between dedicated and integrated GPUs are causing crashes and unexpected reboots. This problem is not limited to a single brand, as both MSI and Gigabyte models have been affected.
To resolve this, users may need to access their BIOS settings and disable integrated graphics, assuming a discrete graphics card is installed. While this workaround is manageable—given that integrated GPUs are primarily useful for troubleshooting—it still adds an extra layer of inconvenience for users.
As the industry awaits fixes from hardware vendors, the broad spectrum of affected devices raises questions about accountability, with many pointing fingers at Microsoft. This situation does little to bolster the reputation of Windows 11, which is already facing scrutiny. Looking ahead, there is hope that the operating system will see improvements by 2025, coinciding with the end of updates for Windows 10.
