Microsoft Weekly: Windows 11 24H2 Bugs, Customization Tools & 2025 Outlook

As we wave goodbye to 2024, Microsoft Weekly takes us through the tech highlights of the final week regarding the latest updates, known issues, and juicy developments awaiting Windows enthusiasts in the coming year. Let’s delve into the techie treasures (and woes) that Microsoft packed—or rather, stumbled upon—this holiday season.

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A Buggy End to 2024 for Windows 11 24H2​

Microsoft closed out the year contending with a growing roster of bugs in Windows 11 version 24H2. If you’ve downloaded this update using media created between October 8 and November 12, 2024, brace yourself: your installation might be a ticking timebomb. Reports surface that these installations are entering a “non-serviceable state,” effectively rendering them unable to receive security updates. This means, should a zero-day vulnerability crop up, your device might be helpless to defend itself.
The Fix: If you're planning a clean install of Windows 11 24H2, make sure your installation media has received the latest December 2024 updates. This is a crucial step that could prevent the heartache of starting over from scratch.
But wait, there’s more! Scattered user reports have pointed fingers at December updates for Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2, which are reportedly causing:

• Start Menu Failures: Launching apps or even opening the Start menu itself might fail sporadically.
• Wi-Fi Instabilities: Users have voiced frustration over random disconnects and dropped signals post-update.
• Update Hang-ups: Some are getting stuck in endless installation or reboot loops while trying to apply these updates.

This isn’t the first time updates have caused more problems than they’ve solved, but for Microsoft, it’s a reminder that extensive testing is an absolute must for updates—especially as 2024 ends on a high-security demand note.

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Turning Back Time: StartAllBack and Customization Tools Revive Classic UI​

Annoyed with the sluggish design of the modern Start menu or Taskbar? You're not alone. Windows 11 loyalists—though grudging in their loyalty—have found solace in tools like StartAllBack, which just reached version 3.9. This lightweight utility strengthens nostalgia by:

• Reviving the Taskbar’s Old School Charm: Introducing new layout options that reflect the more concise designs of yesteryear.
• File Explorer Tweaks: Bringing back classic drive grouping—a handy feature for juggling external storage solutions seamlessly.

While Windows 11 has its strengths, many would argue its controversial departure from prior UI norms has left the user experience fragmented. If Windows 12 doesn’t deliver, users might increasingly rely on tools like these for a semblance of control over their operating system.

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Updates & PowerToys v2.0: A New Year’s Gift for Power Users​

Bored during the holiday break? Microsoft sneaked in pleasant news with its announcement of PowerToys Run 2.0, coming in early 2025.
PowerToys Run, the fast application/command launcher, aims to level up with:

• A Redesigned Interface: Streamlined to access apps and settings faster.
• More Extensions & Features: For power users, this means better productivity across the board.
• Performance Overhaul: One-click simplicity finally gets the horsepower to match its premise.

Stay tuned as PowerToys continues to solidify its place in the productivity arsenal for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Meanwhile, WritingTools, a freely available app mimicking Apple's "Intelligence" suite, got a standout December update. Enhancements include summarization features and an upgraded default LLM (large language model)—a boost Windows users writing reports or generating summaries will love.

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Nvidia's Hotfix and Driver Delight​

Gamers, rejoice (or perhaps breathe a sigh of relief). Nvidia rolled out a hotfix driver targeting issues like intermittent stuttering in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. It’s one of those bumps lazy winter gaming sessions didn’t need, but luckily the fix landed just in time. Want smoother gameplay? It might be time to hit "update" in your GeForce Experience app.

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Top Bugs, No Fixes—Holiday Insider Silence​

If you’re part of the Windows Insider Program, don’t expect anything new this week. The holiday season has Microsoft taking a breather. That said, it’ll be interesting to see what builds hit the dev and beta channels in January 2025. Could next year's early updates be a "make-or-break" moment for Windows 11 and the upcoming Windows 12 rumors?

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Looking Ahead: The Move From OpenAI and 2025 Security Overhauls​

Though mostly holiday quiet, there’s some meatier tech news cropping up for the new year:

1. Copilot Independence: After leaning heavily on OpenAI for features like ChatGPT integrations and Bing AI, Microsoft announced plans to deploy in-house AI models for products including Copilot. While this signifies a bid for autonomy, the transition is likely to be gradual and challenges its partnership balance with OpenAI.
2. Revamped PST Support in Outlook: Coming in 2025 for Windows and Mac, this addition modernizes how large-scale organizations handle old-school email archives.
3. Security Patches (But More Reliance?): With bugs in Windows 11 security backfiring, Microsoft spun its narrative around Autonomous General Intelligence (AGI), but gaps in basic patches show that customers need to look sharper at whether emerging AI advancements actually bridge usability flaws.

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Closing Thoughts: The Final Stretch Before 2025​

It’s been a wild ride through 2024, marked by ambitious developments, unavoidable missteps, and a slew of last-minute bug drama. As Windows 11 matures and speculation about Windows 12 builds steam, one thing remains clear: the stakes for Microsoft have never been higher.
The lesson for us users? Stay vigilant, test updates cautiously (backups are your best friend), and keep an eye on toolkits like StartAllBack or PowerToys for a productive—and bug-free—computing year.
Got stuck updating your Windows, or have lingering questions about 24H2 issues? Hit the forums on WindowsForum.com—the community’s got troubleshooting tips and plenty of voices to commiserate with.
Happy New Year from the WindowsForum.com editorial team! Stay secure, stay savvy, and here’s to conquering tech in 2025.

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Source: Neowin Microsoft Weekly: more Windows 11 24H2 bugs as 2024 ends