Microsoft’s latest feature update for Windows 11 24H2, has brought a variety of issues to light just days after its rollout. This update, eagerly anticipated for its new features and improvements, is unfortunately causing frustrations, particularly among gamers and users with specific hardware configurations. Let’s explore the key problems users are facing and what steps Microsoft and affected users are taking to address them.
Gaming-Related Issues: Crashes and Blue Screens
One of the most significant issues with the Windows 11 24H2 update affects PC gamers, particularly those playing Asphalt 8 or using outdated versions of the Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) software, which is crucial for online multiplayer games like Fortnite and Apex Legends. Users running older versions of EAC are encountering a critical “MEMORY_MANAGEMENT” Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error, while Asphalt 8 players are facing frequent crashes. Due to these problems, Microsoft has placed a compatibility hold on systems running these applications, preventing them from updating to Windows 11 24H2 via the built-in Windows Update tool.
The issue stems from older versions of the EAC software, and players are being advised to update their games, hoping that the latest patches will include a compatible version of EAC. Until then, affected users will not be able to install the update unless they attempt workarounds such as manual installation, which might still trigger warnings and potential failures.
Non-Gaming Problems: Driver Issues and Peripherals
Beyond gaming, there are several other problems of Windows 11 24H2 affecting general users. Devices using Intel’s Smart Sound Technology (SST) driver, for instance, are experiencing erratic behavior with audio drivers, leading to sound disruptions. Some users have also reported problems with fingerprint sensors becoming unresponsive, as well as conflicts with certain third-party apps that customize desktop wallpapers. These issues further complicate the user experience, forcing many to revert to previous versions or wait for bug fixes.
Moreover, installation errors have also been a recurring issue, with some users facing problems related to insufficient storage space or driver incompatibilities. For example, error codes like 0x80070002 and 0xC1900101 are linked to missing setup files or problematic drivers, respectively. In response, Microsoft has advised users to uninstall incompatible applications and drivers before attempting the update again.
How Microsoft is Responding
Microsoft is working to resolve these issues, though the company admits that addressing compatibility challenges with Windows updates is a daunting task. With over 400 million devices running Windows 11 and countless hardware configurations, problems are inevitable. Microsoft is already collaborating with game developers and hardware manufacturers to roll out patches, but the timeline for fixes remains uncertain.
Despite these issues, the phased rollout approach Microsoft has taken for Windows 11 24H2 update should help limit the number of affected users while allowing the company to address problems before they escalate. For users who are unable to install the update due to compatibility holds, patience will be key as they wait for further announcements regarding patches or workarounds.
Tips for Affected Users
If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned issues, here are some recommendations:
- Check for Game Updates: Gamers encountering problems with EAC or Asphalt 8 should check for game updates regularly. A patch might include the necessary fixes for compatibility with Windows 11 24H2 update.
- Free Up Storage: Ensure your system has at least 20GB of free storage before attempting the update, as a lack of space is a common cause of installation errors.
- Update Drivers: If your device is experiencing issues with drivers, consider updating them to the latest version provided by the manufacturer. Uninstalling incompatible drivers before reinstalling the update may also resolve the issue.
- Rollback to Previous Version: If the update has already been installed and is causing critical issues, rolling back to a previous version of Windows 11 might be the quickest solution until a fix is released.
Outlook for Windows 11 24H2
While Windows 11 24H2 update introduces promising features such as improved file handling and AI-powered enhancements, its bumpy start has left many users frustrated. Still, as more patches are rolled out, the overall user experience is expected to improve. Microsoft has acknowledged the issues and is working to address them, but it remains to be seen how quickly the company can fully resolve these problems.
For now, affected users should remain vigilant for updates, and those looking to upgrade should ensure their systems are fully prepared for the installation to avoid any unnecessary complications.
