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Microsoft verified an odd warning for Windows PC updates. Simple mistakes can leave your PC “in a state where it cannot accept further Windows security updates.” Bad news, especially since it will be confusing if it happens.
On Christmas Day, Windows Latest reported that installing Windows 11 24H2 with the October 2024 or November 2024 security upgrades on a USB or HDD could break the Windows Update. Windows 11 24H2 launches without October or November security fixes.
Microsoft states in its documentation that “when using media to install Windows 11, version 24H2, the device might remain in a state where it cannot accept further Windows security updates.” Only when the media includes the October or November 2024 security upgrades (issued between October 8 and November 12, 2024) during installation does this happen.
This only happens while installing Windows 11, version 24H2, on CD or USB flash devices. Devices using the October 2024 or November 2024 Windows Update security upgrades do not have this problem.
Still, a strange way to spend Christmas Day brushing up on late security patches and freezing fixes. Windows Latest discusses how users can generate an external media copy of Windows 11 to install updates.
Microsoft struggles with Windows 11. As hundreds of millions of consumers vote with their PCs to keep with Windows 10, the figures remain in its favor. Contradictory media sources claim the business is either relaxing or not relaxing its hardware hurdle for Windows 10 to Windows 11.
Initially, few people were expected to be affected. “The company is aware of these reports and that they only affect a very small number of PCs,” Microsoft told Windows Latest. If Windows 11 24H2 prevents cumulative updates, what can you do? Download the Media Creation tool, create a new media file, then reinstall the OS.”
However, 48 hours after the initial article, it has created a buzz, suggesting either more customers were harmed or that Microsoft’s Windows 11 narrative has worsened. According to Bleeping Computer, Microsoft is developing a permanent solution. The installation media issue is one of many issues affecting 24H2, Microsoft’s most significant feature upgrade, published earlier this year to improve security, usability, and performance.
These update and upgrade issues have proliferated in recent weeks. Update lists exclude specific PC brands or PCs with specified applications because software clashes cause crashes or worse. The going has been rough. Windows users face two severe security issues. First, eroding faith in or delaying Windows 11 PC updates, and maybe more importantly, offering Windows 10 customers more reasons to wait out.
So there’s hope for this issue. A second Redditor confirmed the fix. We’ve seen major troubles since 24H2, but we don’t know where they’re coming from. Option 43 is used; I hope this is it. I wish to award you! Thank you for sharing!”
Like previous difficulties, this is uneven. Hundreds of millions of users upgrading means even a small proportion impacted is a significant number of people, and those people can be loud and take to forums and social media to voice their point, which gets picked up and amplified, creating a perception issue.
Windows 11, which will terminate support in October, is crucial in 2025. Users can now pay Microsoft $30 for 12-month security support, but hundreds of millions of holdouts refuse to budge, and many flunk the hardware test. Overall, Microsoft wants this resolved swiftly. Bleeping Computer says, “Microsoft is currently working on a permanent fix” and suggests media-based Windows 11 24H2 installs utilize the December 2024 security update, released on December 10, to prevent updating issues.
Reference: Microsoft Warns Windows Users—Do Not Use External Media To Update Your PC
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