If you’re running Windows 11 on your PC, brace yourself. Microsoft is taking the wheel on software updates once again. Whether you're comfortably cruising on the 23H2 or 22H2 versions of Windows 11, the inevitable 24H2 update is rolling out—and for eligible PCs, there’s no escape. But here’s the rub: is the new update smooth enough to justify the forced adoption, or is this a case of buggy software dressed as progress?
Let’s dig into the nitty-gritty details of what’s happening here and why you should (or shouldn’t) be worried.
If you’re wondering, “Can’t I just pause the update?” the answer is yes—but only for a short while. The final countdown is ticking, and once support runs out for 23H2 and 22H2, the update will be unavoidable.
Here’s the kicker: this forced rollout doesn’t include enterprise-managed systems (lucky office folks), but independent users are in Microsoft’s direct line of sight.
If you’re one of those people hoping to stick to 22H2 or 23H2, remember that Microsoft will eventually end support for those versions. Once updates dry up, staying on older builds becomes a major security risk.
Settings > Windows Update > Pause Updates
Choose a time frame (1 to 5 weeks), but keep in mind that this only delays the inevitable.
Our advice? If you can hold off, wait until more of the bugs are patched. Keep checking Microsoft’s Known Issues page to see what’s resolved. But if you’re the type who embraces new updates and features immediately, just make sure to have a solid backup plan in place.
At the end of the day, love it or loathe it, the auto-update train is one you can’t really hop off. The real question is: how long do you want to hang out at the station before boarding? Share your thoughts and plans in the comments below! Let’s talk Windows!
Source: ZDNET https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-is-forcing-windows-11-24h2-update-on-all-eligible-pcs-but-is-it-stable-enough/
Let’s dig into the nitty-gritty details of what’s happening here and why you should (or shouldn’t) be worried.
The Big Announcement: What’s Changing?
Microsoft announced that it is transitioning the Windows 11 24H2 update into a new phase of its rollout. Unlike optional feature updates, this one will start installing automatically for all eligible PCs running Home or Pro editions of previous Windows 11 versions, including 22H2 and 23H2. Translation? Microsoft isn’t leaving much room for you to resist this one.If you’re wondering, “Can’t I just pause the update?” the answer is yes—but only for a short while. The final countdown is ticking, and once support runs out for 23H2 and 22H2, the update will be unavoidable.
Here’s the kicker: this forced rollout doesn’t include enterprise-managed systems (lucky office folks), but independent users are in Microsoft’s direct line of sight.
The Buggy Backstory: Is 24H2 a Smooth Ride?
Now, let’s talk stability—or, more accurately, the lack thereof. Major software updates often come with a few glitches, but 24H2 seems to have gone into full chaos mode.The Current Bug Landscape
According to Microsoft’s Known Issues page for this update, there are still unresolved issues as of January 2025. Out of the 13 reported problems:- Confirmed Issues: Issues that Microsoft has replicated in testing but hasn’t fixed yet.
- Mitigated Issues: Problems that Microsoft claims to have workarounds for, but no definitive patches.
- Problems with certain USB-connected devices, such as scanners.
- Conflicts with specific Ubisoft games (ouch for gamers).
- Occasional device crashes due to memory management errors.
An Update History Riddled with Patches
In fairness, Microsoft has been working on patches:- October 2024: Released fixes for some bugs, though these updates also managed to introduce new ones.
- November 2024: Aimed to smooth things out, resolving select glitches.
- December 2024: Focused on USB-device-related fixes but left many lingering problems untouched.
What’s the User Response?
Given the state of this update, many tech enthusiasts and casual users alike have advised others to avoid switching to 24H2 until it stabilizes. However, now that Microsoft is nudging people toward this rollout, getting "skipped" is no longer an option for most users.If you’re one of those people hoping to stick to 22H2 or 23H2, remember that Microsoft will eventually end support for those versions. Once updates dry up, staying on older builds becomes a major security risk.
What Can You Do About It?
Alright, so if Microsoft is set on making 24H2 unavoidable, how can you ease the transition or at least buy yourself some time?1. Use the Pause Updates Feature
You can pause updates temporarily, but this option is more of a Band-Aid than a cure. Navigate to:Settings > Windows Update > Pause Updates
Choose a time frame (1 to 5 weeks), but keep in mind that this only delays the inevitable.
2. Manually Install Updates
If you’re a control freak (and who isn’t when it comes to OS updates?), you can jump ahead in the queue by manually installing the update. Let’s call it the "rip off the Band-Aid" approach:- Go to Settings > Windows Update and look for the 24H2 option.
- Click Download and install and brace yourself for reboot heaven.
3. Monitor Known Issues
Stay updated on the latest bugs and their status through Microsoft’s https://support.microsoft.com/ page. This will give you a clearer picture of whether the update is worth risking yet.4. Take Backup Precautions
If you’re taking the plunge into 24H2, please back up your important files beforehand. Use OneDrive, an external hard drive, or any reliable cloud option. In the worst case, you can roll back to an earlier OS state via recovery options.Why Does Microsoft Keep Pushing Auto Updates Anyway?
At its core, this forced rollout strategy is about:- Uniformity: Microsoft wants to standardize Windows versions across devices for easier patching and feature rollouts.
- Security: Outdated versions (like 22H2) become high priority for hackers as they lack immediate patches once support ends. By pushing everyone to 24H2 (or beyond eventually), Microsoft can close vulnerability gaps.
Final Judgement: Should You be Worried?
If you’re running Windows 11, buckle up—the 24H2 update is coming for your PC whether you want it or not. While all major updates have their hiccups, 24H2’s current stability issues make it a risky proposition for now.Our advice? If you can hold off, wait until more of the bugs are patched. Keep checking Microsoft’s Known Issues page to see what’s resolved. But if you’re the type who embraces new updates and features immediately, just make sure to have a solid backup plan in place.
At the end of the day, love it or loathe it, the auto-update train is one you can’t really hop off. The real question is: how long do you want to hang out at the station before boarding? Share your thoughts and plans in the comments below! Let’s talk Windows!
Source: ZDNET https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-is-forcing-windows-11-24h2-update-on-all-eligible-pcs-but-is-it-stable-enough/
