Windows 11 Update KB5048685 Issues: Wi-Fi and Start Menu Malfunctions

Problems Arising from Windows 11 KB5048685 Update

The release of the KB5048685 Update on December 10 has stirred concerns among Windows 11 users, particularly those on version 23H2. Originally designed to address over 70 security vulnerabilities, this cumulative update has paradoxically introduced its own set of complications.

Start Menu Hiccups & Wi-Fi Connectivity Issues

Following the installation of KB5048685, many users have reported freezing and unresponsive behavior when trying to access the Start Menu. Notably, similar problems were observed in those who upgraded to KB5048667 for Windows 11 24H2. A troubling symptom is that even with dark mode activated, the Start Menu may present a glaring white backdrop.

As Microsoft has yet to officially acknowledge these problems, insights from Citrix’s support site indicate that the Start Menu may become non-responsive in Windows 22H2 and 23H2 systems post-update. For Citrix VDA users, a workaround suggested involves modifying the Windows Registry — a step that should be approached with caution.

Implementing the Workaround

Navigate to: HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\CtxUvi
Locate the value name: UviProcessExcludes
Set the type as REG_SZ and append StartMenuExper;
Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

For further assistance, you can explore another community-driven workaround, or check out user experiences via discussions on Reddit regarding similar issues stemming from the cumulative update.

Wi-Fi Malfunctions and Installation Failures

In addition to Start Menu troubles, the KB5048685 Update has been flagged for causing Wi-Fi connectivity issues. A user-driven report on Microsoft’s Answers community highlights the difficulty some users faced in installing the update itself. AMD processor users, in particular, have reported receiving the 0x80070002 error when attempting the installation. If your computer repeatedly prompts for reboot without completing the installation, it’s advisable to check the status of the Windows Update service via Services.msc.

Some users have successfully resolved their issues through the recovery settings in the system. Navigate to: Settings > System > Recovery > Fix problems using Windows Update — this may help restore functionality.

Windows 11 KB5048685 may cause the Start Menu and Wi-Fi to fail

Assessing the Reach of the Issues

While these setbacks don’t appear to impact the majority of Windows 11 users, it’s crucial to assess your situation. For example, personal experiences post-update have varied widely; the author did not encounter reported issues upon installing KB5048685 shortly after release. If you’re still on Windows 11 23H2, consider maintaining your current version with tools like the InControl app to avoid these problems.

Join the Discussion

Have you experienced any glitches or setbacks with the KB5048685 update? We’d love to hear about your experience!

Additional Insights

1. What should I do if my Start Menu is unresponsive after the KB5048685 update?

If your Start Menu is not responding, consider navigating to the Windows Registry and applying the suggested workaround discussed in various support forums. Remember, any modifications to the registry carry inherent risks, so proceed carefully.

2. How can I resolve Wi-Fi issues after the update?

For Wi-Fi issues arising post-update, inspect the Windows Update service via Services.msc to ensure it is operating correctly. If problems persist, use the recovery options in Settings under the Windows Update section to find possible fixes.

3. Are all users affected by the problems caused by KB5048685?

Not all users are affected by the KB5048685 issues, as experiences vary widely. If you are among the few without problems, it may be wise to monitor updates from Microsoft or precautions to maintain system stability.

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