After months of anticipation and extensive beta testing, Microsoft has officially rolled out its significant 2024 update for Windows 11, dubbed Windows 11 24H2, on October 1. This latest iteration promises enhancements to the Copilot AI, a refreshed File Explorer, improved performance, and greater stability. Users may notice the update appearing in their Windows Update screen, allowing for a straightforward installation process. Alternatively, it can be downloaded from Microsoft’s dedicated page, where options for the Installation Assistant, installation media, or ISO file are available.
However, before diving headfirst into this new version, users are advised to proceed with caution. Reports indicate that the update is not without its share of bugs, which could hinder the user experience significantly. In response to these issues, Microsoft has temporarily halted the rollout for certain problematic PCs, particularly those at risk of encountering blue screens and other complications. While not all users are affected, the presence of these glitches suggests that it may be wise to hold off on upgrading until Microsoft addresses these concerns.
1. System File Checker Bug
The Windows System File Checker (SFC), a tool designed to scan for and repair corrupted system files, is experiencing a notable glitch in the 2024 update. Users running the command sfc /scannow may find themselves caught in a loop of false positives, with the tool repeatedly indicating that it has found and fixed corrupted files. 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 involves an 8.63GB update cache that users cannot delete through standard methods. Despite attempts to clear this cache, users report no change in available disk space. Microsoft has acknowledged this as a reporting bug, clarifying that utilizing the “Windows Update Cleanup” option in Disk Cleanup will indeed remove the cache, even if the tool inaccurately displays the available space.
3. Conflict with Easy Anti-Cheat Online Gaming App
For gamers, the update presents a potential conflict with the Easy Anti-Cheat application, which is designed to prevent cheating in online games. Users with Intel’s Alder Lake+ processors may experience the notorious Blue Screen of Death due to this incompatibility. Microsoft is actively collaborating with the developers of Easy Anti-Cheat to resolve this issue.
4. Blue Screens in Other Instances
Beyond the Easy Anti-Cheat conflict, other drivers, particularly those related to Intel Smart Sound Technology on 11th Gen Core processors, may also lead to blue screens. Reports indicate that certain Western Digital SSDs and specific motherboards from MSI and Asus are also experiencing similar issues, further complicating the update’s rollout.
5. Disappearing Mouse Pointer
A peculiar bug affecting Chromium-based applications such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge causes the mouse pointer to vanish when interacting with text input fields. While this glitch is frustrating, there are workarounds available for users until a permanent fix is released.
6. Internet Connection Issues
Some users have reported erratic internet connectivity post-update, with devices failing to receive valid IP addresses despite being connected via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Attempts to rectify the issue through driver updates or network resets have proven ineffective, although using a static IP address has resolved the problem for some.
7. Fingerprint Sensor Glitch
Fingerprint sensors on a limited number of devices may become unresponsive after the update, complicating the login process. Users may find themselves unable to unlock their devices using fingerprint authentication, necessitating alternative sign-in methods.
8. Broken Clipboard History
The clipboard history feature, a valuable tool for many users, appears to be malfunctioning for some, with reports indicating that it insists the clipboard is empty despite copied items being present. This issue, flagged by Windows Insider testers, has yet to be adequately addressed by Microsoft.
9. Network Sharing Doesn’t Work
Another network-related issue stemming from the 24H2 update prevents devices from appearing in the network list, hindering file and printer sharing capabilities. This problem may be linked to the Function Discovery Resource Publication service, with some users finding success by adjusting its startup settings.
These glitches represent just a fraction of the challenges accompanying the Windows 11 2024 update. As Microsoft continues to identify and address these issues, users may find it prudent to delay their upgrade until a more stable version is available. The current landscape suggests that the number of bugs in this update exceeds those seen in previous annual updates, prompting a cautious approach for those reliant on Windows for their daily tasks.
