Windows 11 Update Issues: Gaming Glitches, Security Vulnerabilities & Performance Drops

Windows 11 Update Turbulence: Gaming Glitches, Security Alerts & Performance Woes​

Microsoft’s latest round of Windows 11 updates is stirring up a storm among gamers, IT professionals, and everyday users alike. From game-breaking bugs and potential cybersecurity risks to perplexing CPU performance drops and unexpected hardware support clarifications, here’s a deep-dive into what’s shaking up the Windows ecosystem right now.

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Gaming Glitch: Black Ops 6 Stumbles with KB5052093​

Windows 11 users have recently encountered a major hiccup: the optional February preview update KB5052093 appears to be wreaking havoc with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Gamers on Reddit and tech outlets have reported that the game fails to launch properly on Battle.net, sometimes hanging with a blue spinning circle that leaves players frustrated and in no mood for a match.
Key points:

• Preview Update Risks: The KB5052093 patch – a preview update for Windows 11 24H2 – seems to be conflicting with the game's functionality. While preview updates often contain bugs, this particular glitch could spell widespread trouble if it isn’t resolved before the March rollout.
• User Workaround: The only immediate remedy appears to be uninstalling the update, a reminder of the risks associated with early adoption of optional patches.
• Installation Glitches Resolved: On a brighter note, Microsoft has fixed a related issue in which the same update was failing to install altogether—production users had seen error codes (0x800f0983 and 0x800f0993) and stalled installations.

For gamers, this serves as both a cautionary tale and a prompt to ensure that preview updates are carefully managed. If you depend on stability for gaming sessions, you might want to delay optional patches until Microsoft can guarantee a smoother experience.

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Cybersecurity Alert: CISA Flags Actively Exploited Vulnerabilities​

While gamers battle update woes, cybersecurity experts are sounding the alarm over actively exploited vulnerabilities in both Windows and Cisco systems. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added two significant flaws to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog—heightening the urgency for patching, especially within federal networks.
Security vulnerabilities in focus:

• Cisco VPN Vulnerabilities:
• CVE-2023-20118 allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on a range of Cisco VPN routers. Although this flaw requires valid administrative credentials, it becomes more dangerous when chained with an authentication bypass (CVE-2023-20025) that provides root access.
• Windows Win32k Elevation Flaw:
• CVE-2018-8639 is a long-standing Win32k elevation of privilege issue. Local attackers exploiting this flaw can run arbitrary code in kernel mode, manipulate data, or create unauthorized accounts. This risk affects a broad range of Windows platforms, from Windows 7 to recent Windows Server versions.

Federal agencies are under a strict deadline to protect their systems against these vulnerabilities, with guidance in place until March 23 as per Binding Operational Directive (BOD) 22-01. The situation underscores the perpetual balancing act between rolling out new features and ensuring rock-solid security. Windows users—especially in enterprise settings—should make checking and applying these patches an immediate priority.

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Performance Pains: Intel Core Ultra 9 285K Under Siege​

Not all bugs and vulnerabilities cut a swath across every user’s system. In a different corner of the Windows update universe, a new performance glitch is affecting enthusiasts with the latest hardware configurations. Reports indicate that the newest Windows 11 security and AI updates (notably KB5050094 and KB5051987) are throttling the performance of Intel’s Core Ultra 9 285K desktop processors.
What’s happening:

• Clock Rate Throttling: When certain apps are minimized or lose focus, the CPU’s clock speed dramatically drops. This results in significant performance degradation, making it difficult to maintain the full power potential of these cutting-edge processors.
• Selective Impact: The issue seems to be isolated to the new Intel Core Ultra 9 285K chips. Users with older Intel models, such as the Core i9-12900K, or those with AMD Ryzen counterparts, haven’t seen similar impacts.
• Workarounds in Play: Some users are resorting to beta BIOS updates or tweaking power settings as a temporary measure. However, until Microsoft issues a proper fix, patience remains a premium commodity for those who thrive on high-end hardware performance.

For professionals and gamers alike, this serves as a reminder that even the latest technology can fall prey to software hiccups. Keeping abreast of firmware updates and tweaking system settings might be necessary steps for navigating the current landscape.

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Compatibility Clarified: Windows 11 Works on Older Intel CPUs​

Contrary to recent rumors that Windows 11 might leave behind users with older hardware, Microsoft has reaffirmed its support for even the most time-honored Intel CPUs. A refreshed support document now clearly states that Windows 11 24H2 remains compatible with older processors—resolving uncertainties and saving many from premature hardware upgrades.
Highlights include:

• Clear Documentation: Microsoft’s updated CPU requirements for Windows 11 24H2 now definitively include older Intel CPUs, even those initially thought to be phased out.
• For Equipment Manufacturers: Although the document is mostly intended for OEMs and system vendors, it serves as a strong reassurance for end users who have invested in older yet reliable hardware.
• A Word of Caution: While it’s possible to bypass some requirements to force-install on non-compatible teams, this isn’t recommended for the long term, as potential stability and support issues can arise.

This clarification not only helps consumers avoid unnecessary anxiety but also reinforces Microsoft’s commitment to backward compatibility—a crucial factor for many long-time Windows users.

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Under the Hood: Insider Builds Bring Task Manager and Emoji Enhancements​

Microsoft’s continuous push to enhance Windows 11 isn’t stopping at game fixes and security patches. For Windows insiders, a fresh batch of builds is rolling out, promising to iron out long-standing quirks in some of the core user experiences.
What’s new:

• Task Manager Overhaul:
• In upcoming Insider builds (for example, Build 26120.3360 in the Beta Channel and Build 27802 in Canary), Task Manager’s CPU metrics are being standardized. Previously, disparate calculations across the Processes, Performance, and Users tabs led to confusion. Now, the figures will line up across the board—and for those curious souls, an optional column dubbed “CPU Utility” (hidden by default) lets you compare the old readings with the new industry-standard metrics.
• Easier Emoji Access:
• The Windows 11 experience is set to get a touch more expressive. A new emoji panel, accessible via an upcoming system tray icon, will simplify the process of inserting emojis, GIFs, and special characters. This small yet impactful change could redefine how users interact with their PCs day-to-day.
• Lock Screen Widget Enhancements:
• In regions like the European Economic Area (EEA), insiders are already seeing customization improvements with lock screen widgets. This feature will let users control displays like weather, sports, and traffic updates. Additionally, IT administrators will soon have a group policy option to disable these widgets selectively.

These updates not only streamline system monitoring but also enhance the overall usability of Windows 11—transforming what was once a source of head-scratching confusion into a more intuitive experience.

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Conclusion: Navigating the Update Landscape​

The current wave of news underscores the complex ecosystem of Windows 11 updates. A single set of patches now impacts gamers’ experiences, exposes cybersecurity vulnerabilities, muddles CPU performance metrics, and challenges preconceptions about hardware compatibility—all while Microsoft continues to roll out feature improvements for insiders.
Key Takeaways:

• For Gamers: Caution is advised when testing preview updates like KB5052093, especially if stable performance is mission-critical during gaming sessions.
• For Security-Minded Users: Act swiftly to patch known vulnerabilities, particularly those flagged by CISA, to mitigate elevated risks on both Windows and Cisco systems.
• For Hardware Enthusiasts: Keep an eye out for firmware and BIOS updates if you’ve invested in the latest Intel Core Ultra processors, while also enjoying the reassurance of extended hardware support.
• For Windows Insiders: Embrace the exciting enhancements in Task Manager and new accessibility features—but as always, test these beta builds in non-production environments.

As Microsoft continues to balance innovation with system reliability, staying informed—and exercising caution—remains the best defense against the ever-evolving challenges of software updates. Whether you’re a gamer, IT pro, or data security advocate, these developments underscore the importance of keeping your systems updated and maintaining a keen eye on patch notes.
Stay tuned to WindowsForum.com for further updates and expert analyses on all things Windows 11 and beyond.

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Source 1: https://www.tweaktown.com/news/103642/play-call-of-duty-black-ops-6-windows-11s-latest-patch-reportedly-has-game-breaking-bug/index.html
Source 2: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/cisa-tags-windows-and-cisco-vulnerabilities-as-actively-exploited/
Source 3: https://www.channelnews.com.au/latest-windows-11-ai-security-update-slowing-some-intel-processors/
Source 4: https://www.ruetir.com/2025/03/04/microsoft-denies-rumors-windows-11-24h2-yes-it-works-on-ancient-intel-cpus/
Source 5: https://www.inkl.com/news/windows-11-will-soon-fix-the-most-confusing-part-of-task-manager/