Microsoft has issued a critical advisory regarding an installation bug in Windows 11, version 24H2, that prevents affected devices from receiving future security updates. This issue arises when the operating system is installed using physical media, such as CDs or USB flash drives, including security updates released between October 8 and November 12, 2024.
According to Microsoft, “When using media to install Windows 11, version 24H2, the device might remain in a state where it cannot accept further Windows security updates.”
The company clarified that the issue only affects devices when the installation media incorporates the October or November 2024 security updates. Devices that receive updates directly through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog are unaffected, and installations that use the latest December 2024 update avoid this problem altogether.
Microsoft is actively working on a permanent solution. In the meantime, the company strongly advises users to create installation media using the December 2024 security update, which was made available on December 10. This step ensures that devices can receive future updates and mitigates potential security risks.
As Bleeping Computer reports, this installation bug adds to a growing list of issues plaguing Windows 11 24h2, the latest major feature update to enhance security, usability, and performance. Released earlier in 2024, version 24h2 has encountered several technical hurdles:
- Audio issues: Compatibility problems with Dirac devices and USB DAC sound systems have caused disruptions for users.
- Email sync failures: Users relying on outdated Google Workspace Sync tools experienced difficulties launching Outlook.
- Gaming glitches: Auto HDR functionality has caused game freezes, incorrect colour rendering, and performance problems. Notably, popular Ubisoft titles, including Assassian’s Creed, Star Wars Outlaws, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, have been affected by crashes and audio glitches.
- Scanner malfunctions: USB scans utilising the eSCL protocol have faced operational issues.
- Hardware blocks: Temporary installation blocks were applied to specific Asus hardware and other configurations that posed compatibility challenges.
“To prevent issues, do not install Windows 11, version 24H2 which installs the October 2024 or November 2024 security updates. Instead, ensure that media used to install, version 24h2, includes the December 2024 monthly security update (released December 10, 2024), or later,” concludes Microsoft.
In November 2024, Microsoft announced that it is taking steps such as releasing a new Quick Machine Recovery tool, overhauling Kernel Mode, implementing Administrator Protection, and hot Windows patches to prevent future CrowdStrike-like outages.
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