The Ups and Downs of Update KB5043145
Microsoft's recent release of the Windows 11 KB5043145 update has sent shockwaves through the tech community, sparking reports of significant issues including boot loops and crashes manifesting as dreaded blue and green screens. Yes, loveable blues that once were merely a badge of Windows error pride have now turned sinister, wreaking havoc on users’ systems. The situation is strikingly familiar to problems users faced with the July 2024 Security Updates, prompting a collective groan across forums and social media.What Happened?
Released as an optional update just last week, KB5043145 was expected to tame minor bugs and bring a few changes to the user interface, including the restoration of the sign-out option in the Start Menu. In a sign of hopeful responsiveness, Microsoft seemingly took user feedback into account by shifting this option from its former hidden location under the three-dot menu. However, it appears that while they were busy listening to fans, they may have inadvertently opened a Pandora's box of new issues.Reports from the Digital Trenches
A wave of discontent flooded the Windows 11 subreddit, with numerous users lamenting that their systems failed to boot post-update. Notably, ASUS laptop users appear to be disproportionately affected, although the issue is not exclusively an ASUS affair. Microsoft's Release Health portal corroborates these concerns, detailing that computers running Windows 11 OS Build 22621.4249, associated with the KB5043145 update, are suffering from restart loops and crashes. Users troubleshooting these problems often find themselves redirected to the Automatic Repair tool or a distressing BitLocker recovery screen.USB Woes and Other Glitches
In an ironic twist of fate, some users reported that the update affected their USB ports, braking the functionality of connected peripherals like keyboards and mice. A user even noted that the issue vanished upon uninstalling the update—talk about a quick fix! Additionally, some users stated that their Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2) stopped functioning after this ill-fated install.Navigating the Labyrinth of Optional Updates
It's essential to note that KB5043145 is categorized as an optional update, available only to users who have set their system to "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available." This means many can dodge the bullet of installation. But for those who have taken the plunge, remember that sometimes it pays off to keep that update-setting checkbox unchecked.What’s Next?
Looking ahead, Microsoft is diligently investigating these issues and has vowed to release a patch to rectify the chaos, which came just in time before the eagerly awaited Windows 11 24H2 feature update later this month. This new update is anticipated to highlight some enticing features—yet as this situation clearly shows, the allure of fresh functionalities sometimes comes with strings (or in this case, strings of bugs).The Bottom Line
So, fellow Windows enthusiasts, have you succumbed to the updates? If you’re navigating through disturbances like blue screens or non-responsive USB devices, it may be wise to consider uninstalling the KB5043145 update until Microsoft rolls out a definitive fix. Have any of you bravely installed this update without complaints? Join the conversation and share your experiences in the comments below, as we all tread the treacherous waters of the Windows update ecosystem together.Source: gHacks Technology News Windows 11 KB5043145 update is causing crashes with a blue or green screen