Topic: Windows 11 Update 24H2 – Again
Don Trauger – Kennett
Back in the December 2024 issue of the Guide & Digest I railed against Microsoft issuing an update that was, to put it mildly, flawed. With nearly a dozen bugs that affected different Windows 11 computers in different ways, it was impossible for users to make corrections or mitigate the issues.
Now Microsoft is slowly distributing the update again for better or worse. This started around January 20, 2025. At present they have listed 13 issues with only one resolved. Unless my mind has seriously deteriorated since December, I find that the number of issues listed are equal or possibly higher than in December. Way to go Microsoft!
To be honest some of the issues reflect compatibility problems. Before Windows Update will install this update, it will perform a compatibility check. If you have a certain brand or model of a computer that may be negatively affected by this update, you will not receive the update. Well, I guess that’s an improvement. A number of the issues are only involved in situations where it may affect only 1 in 100 computers. I hope it isn’t yours.
Is there anything you can do? Yes, there is. In Settings go to Windows Update and click Pause Updates for as long a period as you can. The ideal time to do this is just before the second Tuesday of the month. On the second Tuesday Microsoft issues a new batch of updates with potential for more problems. The more time you can buy, the better the reliability will be regarding this update.
I don’t think there is anything compelling with this update although it will offer some new features. It will take at least an hour to install this update as it is composed of a complete system software swap. You will not lose any of your programs or data. Make sure your laptop is plugged into its battery charger. If you receive a notification that Windows has updates to install, save your data in any open programs and shut them down but leave your computer powered on and on the Desktop screen. You can then proceed to commence the updates
Good luck!