Microsoft continues to grapple with the challenges of maintaining stability in Windows 11 24H2, which has faced a series of complications since its launch last October. Each update intended to rectify existing issues seems to inadvertently introduce new ones, leaving users in a state of frustration.
The latest update, KB5050094, released on January 28, was anticipated as a significant step towards resolving both longstanding and recent bugs. While it did address several issues, including improvements for USB headphones, webcams, DAC audio, Bluetooth devices, and AutoHDR gaming, it also opened the door to a fresh wave of glitches.
The latest bugs
Reports from users highlight a range of new problems following the installation of KB5050094. Among the most notable is a persistent loading cursor that appears every 30 seconds, suggesting that the system is struggling to process tasks. This update was also meant to fix a bug causing the cursor to disappear when editing text fields, yet this issue appears to have worsened instead.
File Explorer has not escaped unscathed either; users have reported instances where it freezes or becomes unresponsive entirely. One user expressed their inability to utilize Windows Explorer on both desktop and laptop devices after applying the update.
Additional complaints include audio devices disappearing during the use of applications like Kodi, and instances where Windows loops endlessly while attempting to install the same update. Hyper-V users have noted disruptions during Remote Desktop sessions, and there are sporadic reports of increased idle RAM usage and elevated CPU and GPU temperatures.
Other potential problems
A deeper dive into Microsoft’s Feedback Hub reveals a plethora of other issues associated with KB5050094. Users have described applications becoming unresponsive, necessitating a reboot to regain functionality. Others have encountered freezing upon waking from sleep mode, requiring a restart to resolve the situation.
One user succinctly summarized their experience, stating, “Installing Windows 11 24H2 preview update KB5050094 makes my computer unusable.” They detailed significant performance lags, particularly during login, where the desktop took minutes to appear after entering credentials. This experience was echoed across multiple devices with the same update installed, leading to a consensus that uninstalling the update restored normal functionality.
Why are people running into so many problems with this latest update?
The ongoing issues with KB5050094 reflect a broader trend of instability surrounding Windows 11 24H2 updates. As a preview update, it serves as a precursor to the upcoming Patch Tuesday rollout, intended for testing by Windows administrators. This status implies that the update may not be fully polished, resulting in a higher likelihood of instability compared to standard automatic updates.
Looking ahead, users are hopeful that Microsoft will address the myriad of bugs introduced by KB5050094 in time for the next Patch Tuesday on February 11. If unresolved, these issues could potentially affect a larger segment of the Windows 11 user base.
