Stability Concerns Arise from Microsoft’s Latest Update
Last week, Microsoft released its Patch Tuesday preview, designated as KB5043145, which has quickly become a source of frustration for many users due to significant stability issues. These previews are intended to allow administrators ample time to test updates prior to their full deployment on the upcoming Patch Tuesday, which this month will mark the final preview update for Home and Pro users of Windows 11 22H2.
According to Microsoft’s support article regarding KB5043145, the update has been plagued by a series of “known issues.” Users have reported that following the installation, their devices may restart multiple times or become unresponsive, often displaying blue or green screens. In some instances, devices automatically trigger the Automatic Repair tool after repeated restart attempts, with BitLocker recovery being activated in certain cases.
The feedback forum has become a repository of user complaints, detailing a range of glitches. Issues with USB and Wi-Fi connectivity have been frequently mentioned, alongside reports of computers failing to boot post-update installation. Additionally, some users have noted that the Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 ceases to function properly after applying the update.
Despite these challenges, KB5043145 does offer some beneficial enhancements. For instance, users can now share local files directly from search results, and a sign-out command has been added to the account manager within the Start Menu. While some administrators have welcomed this change, others express concern that it may lead end users to inadvertently power down their computers, complicating maintenance efforts scheduled outside of regular hours.
Moreover, the update aims to resolve an issue with Microsoft Edge that prevented it from responding to requests for Internet Explorer mode—assuming, of course, that the update can be successfully installed. As an optional preview, users must choose to install KB5043145, and given Microsoft’s recent history with quality control, there is a tangible risk that some computers may require a complete reinstall.
For administrators who have already installed the update and are facing difficulties, the current recourse is to roll back the update where possible. With just over a week remaining until the next Patch Tuesday, it is anticipated that Microsoft is diligently working to address these issues.
For readers of Reg who are still utilizing older versions of Windows 11, the chaotic cycle of monthly updates will soon come to an end, with only one more Patch Tuesday on the horizon. For those on the latest version, the ongoing complications stemming from this latest update underscore the critical importance of thorough testing before any update is introduced into production environments.
