Microsoft is currently addressing a significant issue affecting users of Windows devices, wherein some systems are being prompted to upgrade to Windows 11, despite existing Intune policies that should prevent such upgrades. This situation has persisted since April 12, attributed to what the company has termed a “latent code issue.”
In a recent update to the Microsoft 365 admin center (IT10561350), the tech giant announced that a targeted code fix is in the process of being deployed to mitigate further disruptions across other systems. In the interim, Microsoft advises users to pause Windows feature updates via Intune Windows Update client policies until the resolution is fully rolled out to all impacted desktop devices.
Furthermore, the company has cautioned that users who have inadvertently upgraded their systems to Windows 11 will need to manually revert to their previous Windows version. “While we work to address the issue, admins in impacted organizations may be able to circumvent impact by pausing Windows Feature Updates until the code fix has been developed, tested, and deployed,” Microsoft stated. They also emphasized that devices already upgraded erroneously will require manual rollback.
Although Microsoft has not disclosed the extent of this issue’s impact, it has been classified as an advisory, indicating a service issue that is likely limited in scope.
Unexpected Windows Server 2025 upgrades
This recent incident is not an isolated occurrence. In November 2024, Microsoft faced similar scrutiny when it was revealed that certain Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022 devices were upgraded to Windows Server 2025 without prior notification or user consent. Following numerous reports from Windows administrators about unexpected overnight upgrades to a version for which they lacked the necessary licenses, Microsoft acknowledged the problem.
While the situation has since been addressed, the company has not provided clear guidance on how Windows admins can revert these automatic upgrades, aside from restoring systems from backups. When inquiries were made by BleepingComputer regarding this matter, Microsoft did not respond.
Additionally, Microsoft resolved a separate issue where administrators encountered prompts to upgrade to Windows Server 2025 on the Windows Update page. The company clarified that this notification was intended solely for those seeking to perform an in-place upgrade.
