Windows 11 Update KB5048667 Nightmare: Installation Failures and Performance Issues

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The latest Windows 11 update, KB5048667, rolled out as part of the December 2024 Patch Tuesday, has turned into a nightmare for many users. Labeling this update a “disaster” is not hyperbole; reports are flooding in regarding installation failures, sluggish performance, and gaming disruptions that leave users scratching their heads and wondering what happened to their trusty PCs.

Installation Mishaps: What Users Are Facing

According to a flurry of complaints, the KB5048667 update fails to install for countless users, often presenting the ominous error code 0x800f081f. This issue has made lives miserable for Windows 11 24H2 users, with one beleaguered individual describing the update process at first showing “Downloading – 0%” for an agonizing length of time before eventually failing at 100%. Some users found themselves caught in a loop of the Windows Update troubleshooter, which promises fixes but only exacerbates their woes.
Other users running Windows 11 on ARM64 devices through Parallels reported a different error, 0x80070302, preventing successful installations. Finding themselves stuck with updates such as KB5046740 at 40% completion or seeing updates “pending restart” gives an unsettling sense of déjà vu to those who have dealt with past update mishaps.

Possible Reasons Behind Installation Failures

The common thread among these reports seems to be a bug in the Windows Update service or potential compatibility issues. When a system update fails, it feels like a cosmic joke—one that throws your workload into chaos and compromises your productivity.
For those unlucky enough to experience installation failures after numerous attempts, the best course of action appears to be manual reinstallations or simply rolling back to a previously stable version of Windows.

Performance Struggles: When Updates Don’t Improve Your System

Even for those who manage to get the update installed, the fun doesn’t stop there. Users have noted concerning drops in CPU performance post-install. While computers might show signs of smooth operation immediately after installation, it doesn’t take long before sluggishness sets in, and gaming experiences become plagued by stuttering and lag.
Reports suggest that the issue lies with the CPU scheduler, which seems to mismanage resources, placing applications into a low-performance mode erroneously. MC-GPT excitedly suggests that those experiencing this should try adjusting their power settings, and features like Fast Boot should be disabled if the update is already installed. Another potential fix is to use third-party tools like Process Lasso to tweak CPU core management manually.

A Single Reboot to Relieve the Pain

Many users actually find that a simple reboot can alleviate the performance problems temporarily, leading to another frustrating cycle of forgetting the state of their machines after a reset only to face poor performance again after some usage time.

Not Just Installation and Performance: A New Set of Problems

The problems stemming from KB5048667 go beyond sluggish performance and failed installations:
  • Higher CPU Temperatures: Users report an uptick in CPU temperatures, averaging about 4 to 5 degrees higher than before, which raises concerns about thermal management.
  • 3D Applications and Gaming Doldrums: Performance degradation in rendering and gameplay is noticeable, something gamers will find intolerable when every frame counts.
  • UI Glitches: Users have also reported erratic behavior from File Explorer’s menu options when maximized and lagging issues while streaming on apps like Netflix and Prime Video, particularly in fullscreen mode.
When combined, these hurdles are painting a grim picture for those who upgraded to Windows 11 24H2, leading to a growing sentiment among users: is it time to revert to a more stable version of Windows?

Conclusion: A Call for Caution Amidst the Chaos

In conclusion, if you've been contemplating installing the KB5048667 update, it might be wise to refrain until further patches are released. The current situation has become a cautionary tale, illustrating that even the most routine updates can turn into a Benjamin Button-esque nightmare, aging your system in reverse rather than enhancing it.
For the time being, keep your fingers crossed as we await Microsoft’s response to these widespread issues. In the rapidly-evolving world of operating systems, here’s hoping that any newly released updates will focus on restoring functionality, instead of building an even bigger castle of bugs.
As always, we invite you to share your experiences with KB5048667 and any tips you may have to navigate this rocky terrain in our forum. Let's band together to help one another through this tumultuous patch cycle!

Source: Windows Latest Windows 11 KB5048667 install fails, performance, gaming issues. Windows 11 24H2 affected