Reports are emerging regarding the Windows 11 December 2024 Update, specifically affecting versions 24H2 and 23H2, with users experiencing significant issues. Among the most notable problems is the Start menu becoming unresponsive, a situation that has prompted a deeper investigation into the update’s impact.
Start Menu Troubles
According to feedback from users, the Start menu not only ceases to function but also exhibits peculiar behavior when combined with certain themes. One user highlighted a post on the Feedback Hub indicating that after installing the December 2024 patch for Windows 11 24H2, the Start menu’s search feature displayed primarily in white against a dark theme, a stark contrast that many found jarring.
Compounding the issue, users have reported that the Start menu becomes entirely unresponsive, particularly in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) sessions. Citrix has acknowledged this behavior as a known issue, and efforts are underway to address it. For those affected, a temporary solution involves modifying the registry:
- Navigate to HKLMSYSTEMCurrentControlSetservicesCtxUvi
Here, users should add StartMenuExper; to the UviProcessExcludes value and subsequently reboot Windows 11. It is advisable to back up the registry before making any changes.
Additional Bugs and Performance Issues
Interestingly, the troubles are not confined to enterprise users utilizing Citrix software. A separate issue has been identified that affects users without such software, leading to similar Start menu unresponsiveness. Investigations suggest this may be linked to an outdated .dll package, specifically MSVCP140APP.dll, which is part of the Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00 package.
When Windows 11 detects an older version of this package, it can lead to the crashing of StartMenuExperienceHost.exe, resulting in the Start menu becoming non-functional. A recommended fix involves manually installing the latest version of Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00, ideally through the “Microsoft Store Generation Project.” Alternatively, users can uninstall older versions using PowerShell commands such as:
Get-AppXPackage -Name Microsoft.VCLibs.140.00 -AllUsers | Remove-AppxPackageFurthermore, users of Windows 11 23H2 have reported additional issues post-update. For instance, one user noted that the “Safely remove hardware and eject media” icon erroneously displayed the “Realtec USB GbE Family Controller” as a device to eject, a change that was not present prior to the update. Others have experienced network connectivity interruptions, with TCP resets causing further frustration.
There have also been isolated reports of display issues, with one user describing their screen as dull and yellowish after installing the update on a Dell XPS 9700 with a UHD screen. This phenomenon may be linked to HDR settings, as previously discussed in user forums.
As users navigate these challenges, the community is encouraged to share their experiences with the Windows 11 December 2024 updates, fostering a collaborative effort to identify and rectify these emerging issues.
