Windows 11 24H2 Update: How to Delay, Risks, and User Strategies

Here is a detailed, fact-based summary regarding the mandatory Windows 11 24H2 update, user outrage, the risks, and what you can (and can’t) do about it:

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Is the Windows 11 24H2 Update Really Unavoidable?​

Yes—for most consumers: Microsoft has now moved the Windows 11 24H2 update into a mandatory phase for eligible PCs running Home or Pro editions (not managed by an IT department). If your device is running 22H2 or 23H2, the update will install automatically, giving you only minimal options to stall its arrival. There’s no long-term way to prevent the upgrade on consumer devices; you can at most defer it for a short time (see below).

• Enterprise and centrally IT-managed devices are not being forced to update. If your machine is managed by a corporate IT department, this policy does not currently apply.

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How to Delay or Stall the Update​

• Pause Updates: You can pause all updates (including 24H2) for up to 5 weeks (Settings > Windows Update > Pause Updates). After the pause ends, the update becomes mandatory again.
• Group Policy Editor: Pro users can use advanced policies to delay version upgrades, but not forever. This option is unavailable in the Home edition.
• Registry Tweaks: Advanced users can try modifying registry settings to delay updates, but this is only a temporary and unsupported workaround.

Bottom line: There’s no permanent way to block this update for non-enterprise, eligible devices, as Microsoft intends to bring all users onto the latest branch for security and support reasons.

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Major Issues and User Backlash​

Many users—and the tech community—have expressed significant frustration and outright anger at this forced rollout:

• Widespread Bugs: Reports include frequent Blue Screens of Death, broken or missing mouse pointers, erratic internet connectivity, and fingerprint sensor failures. Some apps (such as Voicemeeter and AutoCAD) and certain gaming configurations have been seriously disrupted.
• Device-Specific Meltdowns: Asus models, Western Digital SSDs, and peripherals (USB, webcams, fingerprint readers) are often mentioned as affected.
• Workflows Broken: File Explorer malfunctions, clipboard history failures, and time zone bugs have interrupted productivity and daily usage for many.
• Update Pauses for Problem Devices: For some known-buggy hardware or software, Microsoft has temporarily paused rollouts while they work on fixes—but this is not guaranteed for everyone. Users are explicitly told not to force-install via manual tools if their device is affected.
• The Forced Approach: Unlike recent “optional” updates, there is no skip button once your device is targeted and outside the support window for older versions. This has caused major discontent among advanced users and professionals who value stability over new features.

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Why Is Microsoft Doing This?​

• Security: As support ends for older versions, unpatched systems become high-risk targets for cyber threats. Microsoft’s forced rollout ensures all users remain supported and secure.
• Uniformity: Standardizing devices to the latest build reduces complexity, fragmentation, and support costs for Microsoft.
• New Features: Some new system and AI-powered features (like Copilot+) and performance upgrades only exist in 24H2 and beyond.

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What Should You Do?​

• Pause the Update (short-term solution): Use Settings > Windows Update > Pause Updates to delay for up to 5 weeks.
• Backup Your Files! Before the update lands, back up your critical data in case you need to roll back or something breaks.
• Monitor Community Feedback: Stay active in forums and keep an eye on Microsoft’s known issues and hotfix announcements before installing.
• Rollback (if needed): If already updated and experiencing major issues, use Settings > System > Recovery > “Go Back” to revert—only possible within a limited window after updating.
• Wait for Patches: If your system is flagged or your critical software/hardware is not compatible, Microsoft will usually hold the update back until a fix is confirmed. Do NOT force-install in these cases.

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Final Advice​

• If you care about stability: Delay as long as possible, check if your hardware/software is on any known-issues lists, and await community reports of a stable patch.
• If you must upgrade: Back up everything, prepare for some troubleshooting, and keep an eye on official and community fixes for new issues that appear.

The bottom line: this Windows 11 24H2 rollout is contentious because it sacrifices user control for security and support. While some will appreciate improved security, many will face disruption—and waiting is a prudent strategy if you can afford it.

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References:
See forum discussion and step-by-step advice from real-world users:

• threads_350001-352000.json and threads_344001-346000.json for tech community and user reaction, workarounds, and Microsoft update policies.
• threads_348001-350000.json for device-specific issue breakdowns.

If you need step-by-step instructions to pause or delay, or want a summary of bugs for your specific setup, let me know!

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Source: Faharas News https://news.faharas.net/312938/microsoft-confirms-you-cannot-cancel/