Microsoft Alerts Windows 11 Users About Potential Issues

Overview of Microsoft Windows 11 24H2 Update Issue

Microsoft has issued an alert indicating that users who installed Windows 11 24H2 through CD or USB media may be at risk of missing critical security updates.
This issue impacts only those who installed the 24H2 version using bootable media that contained the October or November 2024 security patches.
A recommended solution is to reinstall Windows 11 24H2, ensuring that the installation media includes the December 2024 security updates.

In early February, Microsoft warned a segment of Windows 11 users about a potential security vulnerability. Specifically, it concerns those who performed a version 24H2 update via a bootable USB drive or optical disc. Microsoft clarified that affected users could remediate the issue by reinstalling Windows 11 24H2, ensuring that the installation incorporates the December 2024 security updates instead of earlier patch files from October or November 2024.

Initially launched in October 2021, Windows 11 represents the latest evolution of Microsoft’s operating systems, succeeding Windows 10. As support for Windows 10 will come to an end in October 2025, many users have opted to transition to Windows 11 to take advantage of ongoing support and new features. However, the user experience has varied, particularly among PC gamers who faced performance challenges with some titles, including those from the Assassin’s Creed series, due to the 24H2 update. This version of Windows 11 was rolled out three years after the operating system’s initial public launch.

The transition to Windows 11 has not been seamless for every user. Recent reports from the Windows Release Health website highlighted that users who installed the 24H2 update through the Media Creation Tool along with bootable USB drives or CDs could face challenges in receiving future security updates. It’s important to note that this situation only affects installations that used media with the October or November 2024 updates. Users who perform installations with updates from December 2024 or later are not affected. To address this issue, Microsoft recommends a reinstallation of Windows 11 24H2, utilizing a media drive that comes with the December 2024 security update or any subsequent updates. During the reinstallation process, users have the choice to retain their files or opt for a fresh installation.

Understanding Windows 11 24H2 Security Update Challenges

This situation isn’t the first instance where Microsoft has faced backlash from users. Previous major updates to Windows 11 led to decreased performance in numerous games. Fortunately, the current issue does not impact users who install system updates through the Settings app or the Microsoft Update Catalog website, which includes those who downloaded the problematic October and November 2024 security patches.

As Windows 11 marks over three years of availability, various devices, including the Meta Quest 3 VR headset, have confirmed compatibility with the operating system. With ongoing development, the additional features planned for 2025 remain to be seen, potentially shaping the future of this pivotal OS.

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