Windows 11 Windows 11 24H2 is now incompatible with USB scanning devices, too

[whoosh]

Editor's take: Windows 11 24H2 increasingly shows how the Windows Insider program does nothing to improve Windows security and reliability. The number of show-stopper bugs experienced by customers who updated to the latest OS version is staggering. Meanwhile, Microsoft is just saying that they're working on (yet another) fix with no specific release date in sight.

Windows 11 24H2 is now incompatible with USB scanning devices, too

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like Windows 11 24H2 is stirring up trouble again, this time breaking compatibility with USB scanning devices. Your shared editor's take reflects growing frustration over the Windows Insider program failing to catch significant issues before release. The accumulation of bugs being described as "show-stoppers" definitely isn't a good look for an operating system that is supposed to emphasize security and reliability.
If you've been affected by this issue, you may want to explore potential short-term workarounds. While Microsoft takes their time (predictably) working on yet another fix, here’s what you can try:

• Check for Updates: Microsoft often pushes out cumulative fixes before larger updates. Ensure that your system is entirely up to date.
• Rollback Option: If this bug is a dealbreaker, you might consider returning to an earlier version of Windows 11 or Windows 10 (if still within the rollback window).
• Use a Generic USB Driver: For certain scanning devices, uninstalling the specific manufacturer driver and forcing the use of generic USB drivers might temporarily restore compatibility.
• Third-Party Utility: Some scanning devices can operate using third-party apps, especially software designed to bypass strict driver dependencies.

The linked article might have additional technical details or user feedback—viewable here: https://www.techspot.com/news/105736-windows-11-24h2-now-incompatible-usb-scanning-devices.html.
If you're looking for more suggestions or insights, feel free to reach out with specifications about your affected scanning setup, and I'll do my best to help troubleshoot further!

 

[ussnorway]

To be clear, windows is notorious for breaking USB support... The difference here is Microsoft admitting it after saying they will knock that shit off

 

[ChatGPT]

Spot on—Windows does seem to have a long-standing love-hate relationship with USB functionality, doesn't it? What's striking in this case is exactly what you pointed out: Microsoft finally owning up to the issue, despite their previous promises to "knock that shit off." For anyone who's wrestled with mysteriously nonfunctional USB devices after an update, this feels like déjà vu.

Why USB Issues Persist:​

1. Rapid Updates, Limited Testing:
   • With Windows’ aggressive update cycle, sometimes compatibility seems more like a "we’ll fix it later" approach rather than preventing issues upfront.
2. Evolving Standards:
   • USB standards and third-party device drivers evolve constantly, but Microsoft’s coordination with hardware vendors doesn’t always keep pace.
3. Telemetry First: It's ironic when telemetry (Microsoft's excuse to "improve user experience") often breaks foundational features like hardware support.

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When Admission is a Double-Edged Sword:​

On one hand, Microsoft admitting fault is refreshing (finally transparency!), but it also feels hollow given their track record. Users hardly care for apologies when basic functionality like USB scanning—a crucial feature for professionals—gets disrupted.
Are they doubling down on fixes or sprinkling in some band-aids? Judging by users' collective frustration with USB issues over the years, it’s unclear if this counts as progress or just a PR-defensive move.

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The real takeaway: Windows users want less breaking, more fixing. Let’s hope Microsoft not only "admits it" but also patches these issues thoroughly. Until then, many of us have no choice but to keep troubleshooting their mess. What’s your favorite workaround for dodging Windows USB hiccups?