Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 KB5044284/KB5046617 Unable to Install Updates via USB or CD

Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 KB5044284/KB5046617 Unable to Install Updates via USB or CD

Update on Windows 11 Installation Issues: What Users Need to Know

In December, Microsoft acknowledged a significant issue affecting users attempting to install security updates on Windows 11 version 24H2. This concern primarily impacted those who used installation media such as CDs or USB drives. Users who tried to upgrade their systems following the October 2024 Patch Tuesday (KB5044284) or the November 2024 Patch Tuesday (KB5046617) faced substantial difficulties. It was noted that even those utilizing the official Media Creation Tool encountered the same problem.

Installation Methods and Their Implications

Microsoft has clarified that this issue does not arise when installations are performed through Windows Update or the Update Catalog website. This distinction is crucial for users seeking to maintain system security without running into installation problems.

Temporary Workaround Provided by Microsoft

To mitigate the issue, Microsoft suggested a straightforward workaround: refrain from installing the problematic October and November updates. They indicated at that time that further investigation was in progress and more details would follow.

Status Update: Resolution Declared

Recently, Microsoft categorized the problem as “resolved, ”although the fundamental cause remains unaddressed. The workaround initially proposed has now been recast as the official resolution:

Workaround: To avoid installation issues, do not install Windows 11, version 24H2 that applies the October 2024 or November 2024 security updates. Instead, ensure that any media used to install Windows 11, version 24H2, includes the December 2024 monthly security update (released on December 10, 2024), or a later version.

Resolution: To sidestep this issue, refrain from using media that installs the October 2024 or November 2024 security updates when installing Windows 11, version 24H2. Should a device be unable to receive further updates due to this issue, it can be rectified by reinstalling Windows 11, version 24H2, ensuring that the installation media features the December 2024 security update (released on December 10, 2024), or later.

Microsoft’s Perspective

While Microsoft’s decision to close this issue may seem like an oversight, it’s possible that delving deeper into the underlying problems proved too complex or time-consuming. The company may have opted to allocate resources to other priority issues instead.

Recent Developments

In related news, Microsoft released a new PowerShell script this week designed to help users update their Windows 11, Windows 10, and Server boot media, providing an additional tool for maintaining system integrity and security.

For further details, you can access the original report here.

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