Windows 11 24H2 Update: Task Manager Bug & Fix Guide for KB5044384

Microsoft's Windows 11, particularly its latest update version 24H2, is currently at the center of a perplexing bug that has left users scratching their heads. In a bizarre twist to the Task Manager, many users report that the application is misreporting the number of apps running on their PCs. Instead of accurate figures, Task Manager displays “0” for apps, background processes, and Windows processes—a spectacle that seems like a magician’s vanishing act, but unfortunately, it’s all too real.

The Culprit: KB5044384 Update​

The root of this confusion lies within the KB5044384 update, also known as the non-security preview update for October 2024. This faulty update has led to the Task Manager's "Processes" page showcasing incorrect data. The issue appears particularly when users opt for the “Group by Type” view, which enables them to organize running applications neatly. However, this seemingly helpful feature has turned into a foe, as enabling it triggers the misrepresentation of running apps. If you've ever felt the frustration of trying to troubleshoot your system with a faulty readout, you're not alone! This bug can undoubtedly frustrate those in the middle of multitasking.

A Temporary Fix: Uninstalling the Update​

Until Microsoft rolls out a comprehensive fix, which they assure will come in the next few weeks, users can temporarily remedy the situation by uninstalling the KB5044384 update. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Windows Update > Update history.
3. Click on Uninstall updates.
4. Locate the KB5044384 update and select Uninstall.

This uninstall method provides a momentary reprieve from the frustrations brought on by the faulty update, but it does leave your system lacking the new features or fixes that came along with that update.

The Bigger Picture: Issues Galore​

The bug is hardly an isolated incident. Users of the Windows 11 24H2 update have reported a string of other issues. Some common complaints include:

• System File Checker errors: An essential tool for maintaining system integrity is malfunctioning.
• Cache file deletion glitches: Leading to potential data loss or slow performance.
• Intermittent blue screens: Those dreaded reminders that something is amiss behind the scenes.
• Disappearing mouse pointers: Just a little too much magic going on there.
• Internet connection issues: Rendering online activities frustratingly unpredictable.
• Fingerprint sensor failures: Compromising security and ease of access.
• Broken clipboard history: A noticeable hitch when trying to copy and paste.
• Network sharing difficulties: Severing connections that users may rely on for productivity.

By introducing the patch KB5044384 meant to fix some of these pre-existing issues, Microsoft inadvertently opened a can of new problems. As users look for reliable updates, it’s clear that the journey continues to be rocky.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead​

As Windows users, navigating these turbulent waters can be challenging. The misreporting of active applications may seem like a small glitch, but it’s emblematic of broader frustrations with updates that introduce new issues rather than fixing old ones.
While Microsoft promises to deliver a fix soon, keep an ear to the ground for updates that might help ease your Windows 11 experience. Until then, shouldn't we all just double-check Task Manager before proclaiming, “Oops! I only have one app running!”?
Feel free to share your experiences or any other peculiar bugs you've encountered in the forum, or even solutions you've stumbled upon. After all, in the world of technology, sharing knowledge is as crucial as any update!
Source: NewsBytes Windows 11 bug causing confusion over number of apps running