November's Patch Tuesday has brought an unexpected gift for Windows 11 Users and Windows Server 2025 administrators: fixes for a couple of frustrating bugs that have been causing headaches since the last major updates. In the midst of the usual parade of security patches, Microsoft addressed some "quality improvements" — most notably, the Task Manager and a long-standing processor count issue.
Dave Plummer, the original creator of Task Manager, described it as a "fairly severe bug." His retrospective view humorously hinted at the role of automated testing, speculating whether it would adequately address such a nuance — after all, who really checks the count shown on that status bar under usual circumstances? It's a valid point, and Plummer’s candor reflects a broader reality in software development: complexity sometimes outsmarts the best-laid testing plans.
The issue led to a rather unceremonious temporary workaround: throttling the number of logical processors available per server. A frustrating compromise for sysadmins, to say the least. Fortunately, the latest patch appears to set things right, allowing users to fully exploit their hardware without resorting to unnecessary limitations.
For Windows Server users, the issue management has been less tangled. While there have been grievances, such as unexpected upgrades from Windows Server 2019 or 2022 to 2025, Microsoft has worked towards mitigation. This particular upgrade issue raised eyebrows in the tech community, with some experts speculating that Microsoft disabled the upgrade for now, only to restore it at a later date, maintaining a level of uncertainty around server migrations.
In this rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying abreast of these updates is essential for both individual users and corporate administrators alike. It facilitates a seamless, efficient computing experience while reducing potential disruptions caused by these pesky bugs.
As the month of November rolls on, Windows users can take a moment to appreciate the diligent efforts being made to constantly refine their operating experience, evident through iterations like these patches. Stay updated, stay informed, and may your Task Manager always display the counts you expect!
Source: The Register Microsoft slips Task Manager and processor count fixes into Patch Tuesday
The Task Manager Bug: A Tale of Countless Frustrations
First up on the repair list is the notorious Task Manager bug. This glitch reared its ugly head for users of Windows 11 24H2 and made it seem as though all processes were vanishing into thin air — at least in terms of what the Task Manager reported. Users selecting the "Group by Type" option on the Processes page would encounter a maddening sight: an empty count of zero for Apps, Background Processes, and Windows Processes, even when there were indeed applications humming along in the background.Dave Plummer, the original creator of Task Manager, described it as a "fairly severe bug." His retrospective view humorously hinted at the role of automated testing, speculating whether it would adequately address such a nuance — after all, who really checks the count shown on that status bar under usual circumstances? It's a valid point, and Plummer’s candor reflects a broader reality in software development: complexity sometimes outsmarts the best-laid testing plans.
Fixing the Processor Count Predicament
Alongside the Task Manager fix, the update also mends a critical flaw affecting Windows Server 2025 users, particularly those operating machines with 256 or more logical processors. Administrators reported issues ranging from painfully long installation delays (up to 40 minutes!) to catastrophic failures resulting in blue screens of death—definitely not a vibe you want from your server environment.The issue led to a rather unceremonious temporary workaround: throttling the number of logical processors available per server. A frustrating compromise for sysadmins, to say the least. Fortunately, the latest patch appears to set things right, allowing users to fully exploit their hardware without resorting to unnecessary limitations.
Ongoing Improvements in Patch Management
Microsoft's November Patch Tuesday is part of an ongoing campaign to tackle an expanding list of known issues related to Windows 11 24H2. Many users have witnessed safeguards being implemented to prevent installations until such problems are rectified. For instance, a fingerprint sensor issue that plagued some devices was addressed by the end of October, although Microsoft continued to enforce its safeguard until early November.For Windows Server users, the issue management has been less tangled. While there have been grievances, such as unexpected upgrades from Windows Server 2019 or 2022 to 2025, Microsoft has worked towards mitigation. This particular upgrade issue raised eyebrows in the tech community, with some experts speculating that Microsoft disabled the upgrade for now, only to restore it at a later date, maintaining a level of uncertainty around server migrations.
Putting It All Together: The Importance of Patch Tuesday
So what’s the takeaway? Patch Tuesday remains a critical interaction point between Microsoft and its user base, blending the routine of utility with surprises—sometimes delightful, sometimes dreadful. The fact that Microsoft addressed significant bugs alongside conventional security updates illustrates a commitment to user experience, not merely a box-ticking exercise.In this rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying abreast of these updates is essential for both individual users and corporate administrators alike. It facilitates a seamless, efficient computing experience while reducing potential disruptions caused by these pesky bugs.
As the month of November rolls on, Windows users can take a moment to appreciate the diligent efforts being made to constantly refine their operating experience, evident through iterations like these patches. Stay updated, stay informed, and may your Task Manager always display the counts you expect!
Source: The Register Microsoft slips Task Manager and processor count fixes into Patch Tuesday