It’s that time again—the seasonal roundup of Windows Update woes! If you’re a regular Windows user, you likely know the feeling of cautiously watching your computer reboot post-update, like a rocket scientist nervously tracking a shuttle launch. The latest case of Microsoft’s update-related heartburn comes straight out of December, leaving users with a not-so-festive bug: the Windows Start menu that either acts up or completely refuses to participate in its job description.
Let's unpack what happened, what you can do, and why updates like these might feel more like a lump of coal than a shiny new feature.
On December 10th, Microsoft released its final cumulative updates of the year for Windows 11, wrapping up three major builds: 24H2, 23H2, and 22H2. These updates, labeled KB5048667 and KB5048685, were designed with good intentions, like improving system security and sealing breaches in your digital fortress. That’s the "good guy" side of the story.
However, as with many Windows updates, it appears some unintended consequences came along for the ride. Complaints from users quickly began surfacing. Let's dissect the highlights—or, shall I say, lowlights—of this update:
Now, while this might sound niche, VDI environments are widely used, particularly by professionals who have to access secure systems remotely. The issue becomes even more significant for large-scale deployments, where a broken Start menu could spark organizational unrest.
Adding to the fun, Citrix—one of the leading VDI providers—confirmed the issue exists and offered a temporary Band-Aid. Cue drumroll...
What’s particularly interesting is the announcement back in November that Microsoft wouldn't roll out optional updates in 2024, signaling a potential shift in strategy. Does this mean fewer bugs like the Start menu glitch—or just fewer updates altogether? Time will tell.
Since Microsoft introduced its “Windows as a Service” model, updates have become a conveyor belt of semi-permanent experimentation. While this ensures Windows stays relevant with a steady stream of features and security enhancements, the downside is clear: bugs. Lots of them.
In the near term, affected users should apply the registry workaround or roll back to a prior build if possible. And whether Microsoft ultimately releases a fix promptly or delays until next year, one thing’s for sure: the intersection of feature enhancement and bug risk remains one of the trickiest parts of modern computing.
What’s your take? Is it time Microsoft reconsiders its approach to updates, or should we, as users, buckle up and accept the occasional turbulence? Share your thoughts below!
Source: Research Snipers Windows Start menu sometimes no longer works after update – Research Snipers
Let's unpack what happened, what you can do, and why updates like these might feel more like a lump of coal than a shiny new feature.
On December 10th, Microsoft released its final cumulative updates of the year for Windows 11, wrapping up three major builds: 24H2, 23H2, and 22H2. These updates, labeled KB5048667 and KB5048685, were designed with good intentions, like improving system security and sealing breaches in your digital fortress. That’s the "good guy" side of the story.However, as with many Windows updates, it appears some unintended consequences came along for the ride. Complaints from users quickly began surfacing. Let's dissect the highlights—or, shall I say, lowlights—of this update:
1. Installation Woes
- Many users struggled to install the updates at all, encountering error messages and endless retries in true Groundhog Day fashion.
- For those who did manage to successfully download and install the patch, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Reports started trickling in about significant PC performance slowdowns. Happy holidays, right?
2. The Start Menu Goes on Strike
- The bug that seems to be stealing the show is a nasty problem with the Start menu, which in some cases was behaving erratically. Even worse, for others, it stopped working entirely. In tech enthusiast terms: It's like the “engine” of your PC decided to give you the silent treatment.
Who's Affected and Why?
The malfunction has been officially observed in devices running Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 when specific conditions are met. If you’re someone relying on a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)—a setup Frequently used in enterprise environments for remote access and virtualization—you’re more likely to encounter this issue.Now, while this might sound niche, VDI environments are widely used, particularly by professionals who have to access secure systems remotely. The issue becomes even more significant for large-scale deployments, where a broken Start menu could spark organizational unrest.
Adding to the fun, Citrix—one of the leading VDI providers—confirmed the issue exists and offered a temporary Band-Aid. Cue drumroll...
The Workaround: Taming the Windows Start Menu Bug
Until Microsoft issues a proper fix (don’t hold your breath; Redmond has essentially called it early for the holiday season), users are left with a manual solution. Here’s how you can get your Start menu back in business:Step-by-Step Registry Edit Fix
- Open the Registry Editor. (Press
Win + R, typeregedit, and hit Enter.) - Navigate to the following key:
Code:HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\CtxUvi - Locate the value named UviProcessExcludes.
- Edit the value and ensure it includes:
(If it’s not there, simply add it or expand the existing entry by appending the above text separated by a semicolon.)Code:StartMenuExper;
Important Note: Messing with the registry can be risky. Incorrect edits might lead to serious system malfunctions. Always create a registry backup before making changes. - Save your changes, and restart your computer.
Microsoft’s Momentary Lapse in Response Time
Even if this workaround does the trick, let’s not ignore the broader implications. Microsoft has taken a noticeable pause in its rapid-fire update cycles. On one hand, it’s understandable—holidays are holidays, even for the teams in Redmond. On the other, this leaves affected users in the lurch and sparks conversations about the importance of update testing.What’s particularly interesting is the announcement back in November that Microsoft wouldn't roll out optional updates in 2024, signaling a potential shift in strategy. Does this mean fewer bugs like the Start menu glitch—or just fewer updates altogether? Time will tell.
Reflecting on Patch-Driven Chaos
This isn’t the first time a Windows update has caused headaches, and it surely won’t be the last. As users, we’re often guinea pigs for the latest and greatest code changes—like a beta test folded neatly into our daily computing lives.Since Microsoft introduced its “Windows as a Service” model, updates have become a conveyor belt of semi-permanent experimentation. While this ensures Windows stays relevant with a steady stream of features and security enhancements, the downside is clear: bugs. Lots of them.
What Could Microsoft Learn from This?
- Stronger Testing for Enterprise Scenarios:
Given the dependency of remote workforces on VDI environments, Microsoft needs to double down on testing updates in these configurations. Large organizations can’t afford to deal with busted Start menus. - Opt-In Update Tiers:
Introducing truly optional beta-style tiers for non-security updates could allow adventurous users to test the waters while risk-averse users stay on shore until bugs are ironed out. - Speedier Incident Responses:
Cutting off updates for the holidays isn’t ideal when users are left without quick resolutions for broken functionality. A standby team for emergencies would go a long way.
Final Thoughts
The Windows Start menu is like the friendly concierge at your favorite hotel: when it’s gone, you realize just how much you depended on it. With this bug, Microsoft has once again reminded us that even incremental updates can carry big consequences.In the near term, affected users should apply the registry workaround or roll back to a prior build if possible. And whether Microsoft ultimately releases a fix promptly or delays until next year, one thing’s for sure: the intersection of feature enhancement and bug risk remains one of the trickiest parts of modern computing.
What’s your take? Is it time Microsoft reconsiders its approach to updates, or should we, as users, buckle up and accept the occasional turbulence? Share your thoughts below!
Source: Research Snipers Windows Start menu sometimes no longer works after update – Research Snipers
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