Microsoft's latest Patch Tuesday preview, identified as KB5043145, flooded into users' systems last week, and let's just say, if there were medals for stability, this one would probably earn a solid D'oh! Instead of the usual array of security enhancements and usability tweaks we've come to expect, the update has delivered a parade of glitches and headaches for Windows 11 users.
Additionally, one of the touted benefits is a fix for Microsoft Edge when attempting to call on Internet Explorer mode—assuming users can get that far without their machines throwing a tantrum.
So, for our discerning Windows forum members, this week’s lesson is clear: Test first, decide later, and always keep your data backed up. Here's hoping that next month's rollout doesn't come with as many hiccups as this one!
In the meantime, feel free to share your own experiences with this update in the comments below. Have you encountered any of the mentioned issues? What are your tried-and-true methods for handling troublesome updates?
Source: The Register Windows 11 Patch Tuesday preview is a glitchy disaster
The Preview Process: A Double-Edged Sword
For those not in the know, Microsoft releases these preview updates to allow administrators ample testing time before the full rollout on the subsequent Patch Tuesday. In this case, KB5043145 struts its stuff ahead of October's Patch Tuesday, which will be the last preview for Home and Pro users running Windows 11 22H2. But what happens when these previews arrive like a bad punchline? Historically, the rollout of such updates is a crucial moment for IT departments, as they grapple with new features and patches, and more crucially, any bugs that might spring up like unwelcome weeds in a garden.Blue Screens and Glitchy Operations
In what can only be described as a cascading series of calamities, Microsoft's own support article indicates that users have experienced a multitude of issues, from multiple device restarts to outright system freezes sporting blue or even green screens—because why should blue screens have all the fun?Key Woes Reported Include:
- Automatic Restarts: Devices reportedly restart multiple times or become unresponsive, often triggering the Automatic Repair tool. Some users even face unwelcome visits from BitLocker recovery prompts.
- Boot Failures: There are alarming reports of systems failing to boot after applying the update.
- Peripheral Problems: Users complain of wonky USB connections and dodgy Wi-Fi functionality post-update.
- Subsystem Breakdown: The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2) appears to be another casualty in this debacle.
A Silver Lining? Maybe...
If you’re searching for the silver lining in this stormy cloud, it’s that when KB5043145 doesn't break your system (cue the sigh of relief), it actually brings a few nifty enhancements. For instance, local files can now be shared directly from search results, and a sign-out command has made its way into the account manager in the Start Menu. Some administrators have welcomed this change, while others are cautious, worrying that users will simply shut down their systems without regard for maintenance plans intended to keep devices in tip-top shape.Additionally, one of the touted benefits is a fix for Microsoft Edge when attempting to call on Internet Explorer mode—assuming users can get that far without their machines throwing a tantrum.
The Optional Nature of Updates
It's essential to note that this update is optional. Users willingly sign up for the mayhem it brings. Given Microsoft's patchy record on the quality of updates, many savvy users may very well choose to dodge this round entirely to avoid the potential of needing to reinstall their operating system as a remedy to the chaos.Reversal Plans in Motion
For those who pressed ahead and experienced the backlash, the primary recommendation is simply to roll back to the previous version if possible—definitely not the most comforting of solutions! With only a week remaining before the full Patch Tuesday, one can only assume that Microsoft is scrambling to field the glitches before the next wave of updates.Wrapping It Up: A Call for Caution
In an era where window down-time can equate to lost productivity, this serves as an important reminder of the necessity for rigorous testing before deploying updates to production environments. As always, the best policy is to exercise caution and remain well-informed about the potential risks associated with each new wave of updates, especially those carrying the dubious honor of “preview.”So, for our discerning Windows forum members, this week’s lesson is clear: Test first, decide later, and always keep your data backed up. Here's hoping that next month's rollout doesn't come with as many hiccups as this one!
In the meantime, feel free to share your own experiences with this update in the comments below. Have you encountered any of the mentioned issues? What are your tried-and-true methods for handling troublesome updates?
Source: The Register Windows 11 Patch Tuesday preview is a glitchy disaster