Microsoft adds another problem to the Windows 11 24H2 naughty list
Santa Satya pops one more issue into his sack just in time for Christmas
The trickle of known issues with Windows 11 24H2 has continued with a new one just in time for festive season: installed the operating system using removable media? There's a chance it might stop receiving security updates.
According to Microsoft's marketing for its flagship operating system: "Your Windows 11 PC brings layers and layers of security measures to help keep your digital life in safe hands - yours."
Unfortunately, for some users, what it does not bring are security updates. While Microsoft's marketing and compatibility requirements for Windows 11 might imply that the security situation is all tickety-boo, the reality for the operating system and much of the rest of the software world is that a relentless stream of updates is required to keep out the miscreants.
The issue occurs when media – such as CD and USB flash drives – are used to install Windows 11 24H2. If the media contains the October or November 2024 security updates, the system could be left in a state where it cannot accept further updates.
Microsoft's advice? "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 Windows 11, version 24H2, includes the December 2024 monthly security update (released December 10, 2024), or later."
The problem doesn't occur for devices where the security updates have come down via Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
To be fair, most users are unlikely to be affected by the issue. However, customers with carefully crafted installation media that meet the requirements for potential borkage will need to be aware of the problem, for which there is currently no remedy. Microsoft said, "We are working on a resolution and will provide more information when it is available."
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The problem is the latest in a lengthening list of known issues with Microsoft's Windows 11 operating system update. Several were added in December alone, of varying levels of severity, with the installation media problem arriving right on cue for the holidays.
We asked Microsoft's generative AI assistant why Windows 11 24H2 appears to be so buggy. It responded that new issues seem to keep popping up and acknowledged that the experience was "definitely frustrating for users" keen to try out the latest features of the operating system.
Perhaps the brains behind Windows 11 24H2 could use Copilot's suggestions for writing bug-free code – spoiler: do some testing – to ensure things are a bit more stable next time. ®