Windows 11 24H2 Update: Major Bugs to Consider Before Updating

In a not-so-surprising twist for Windows enthusiasts, Microsoft has unleashed its much-anticipated 2024 update—referred to as Windows 11 24H2—with a lineup of features that many would be excited about. This update promises improved performance, refined AI capabilities, and a spruced-up File Explorer. However, lurking beneath this sleek veneer is a menagerie of bugs that could turn your digital experience into a rather frustrating affair. Let’s dive into the eight major reasons you might want to think twice before clicking that update button.

1. System File Checker Bug​

The System File Checker (SFC) is like the trusty mechanic of your Windows system, tirelessly scanning for corrupt files and repairing any that need fixing. Unfortunately, in this update, SFC seems to have taken a wrong turn—getting stuck in a loop of false positives. Users running the sfc /scannow command reported that it would repeatedly flag certain WebView2-related files as corrupted, effectively making the tool nearly useless until Microsoft rectifies the issue.

2. Cache File Deletion Glitch​

Nothing is more annoying than storage space that seems permanently occupied. Users have noticed that after updating, an 8.63GB cache is left behind with no straightforward way to delete it. Although Microsoft has acknowledged this reporting bug—stating that using “Windows Update Cleanup” in the Disk Cleanup tool does actually free up the space—it’s still perplexing when your system says you have clutter that you can't visibly dispose of.

3. Conflict with Easy Anti-Cheat​

If you’re into gaming, beware! The update has a serious conflict with Easy Anti-Cheat, a software used by several online games to combat cheating. The watchdog's misbehavior can lead to the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), particularly impacting users with Intel’s Alder Lake+ processors. Microsoft is currently working on a fix, but until then, gaming could be risky business.

4. Blue Screens in Other Instances​

Those BSODs aren’t just limited to gaming; other hardware incompatibilities with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers can lie in wait, ready to crash your party. Users running certain Intel processors could find themselves in hot water as conflicts with Western Digital SSDs also contribute to instability post-update. A patch is forthcoming, but the waiting game can be a real headache.

5. Disappearing Mouse Pointer​

Imagine clicking around your favorite Chromium-based browsers only to find your mouse pointer vanishes into thin air when typing in text fields. This quirky glitch has been reported following the Windows 11 24H2 update, though a workaround exists for those who refuse to let their cursor play hide-and-seek.

6. Internet Connection Issues​

One of the more worrying complaints stems from users losing their internet connectivity altogether. Reports indicate issues with obtaining a valid IP address, leaving users twiddling their thumbs and unable to connect either through Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Attempting driver updates and various reset methods haven’t yielded success for many, making this a significant nuisance.

7. Fingerprint Sensor Glitch​

For those who cherish speed and security, an unresponsive fingerprint sensor post-update could leave you high and dry. Experiments with unlocking devices have shown inconsistent failures, obliging users to revert to passwords or PINs each time. A lack of finger-snapping reliability is far from ideal in the fast-paced world of tech.

8. Broken Clipboard History​

Lastly, a feature beloved by many—the clipboard history—takes a hit. Though Microsoft introduced this nifty tool years ago, the update has rendered it semi-functional for some users, with complaints regarding the clipboard insisting it’s empty despite having multiple copied items. The feature, effectively rendered obsolete for many, begs questions about the quality control of updates heading to the public.

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Recommendation​

Given these myriad bugs, it's prudent for Windows 11 users to stand firm for a spell, resisting the urge to dive into the latest 2024 update just yet. While some might argue that every major update comes with its share of hiccups, the frustration these new glitches can cause—especially in a work setting—should not be underestimated. As Microsoft works to patch these bugs, existing users may want to hang tight and continue enjoying the stability of their current version.
For those brave enough to proceed, keeping an eye on future patch notes and updates will be crucial to navigating this landscape of bugs and potential fixes. Until then, let’s hope for a smoother experience with future iterations!
Source: ZDNet 8 reasons to avoid the latest Windows 11 update (hint: they're all bugs)