Skip to main content

Microsoft is forced to halt the Windows 11 24H2 update on some PCs

The Surface Pro 11 on a white table in front of a window.
Luke Larsen / Digital Trends

Microsoft’s recent Windows 11 24H2 update is off to a bumpy start. According to a report by Bleeping Computer, users are facing compatibility issues across various hardware and software configurations, prompting the company to temporarily block the update for some devices.

The affected systems include specific Asus laptop models and configurations involving software like Voicemeeter, Safe Exam Browser, and older versions of Easy Anti-Cheat, commonly used in gaming.

Recommended Videos

Additionally, compatibility issues have arisen for devices with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers, integrated cameras, fingerprint readers, and customization tools, like wallpaper apps.

PCs that rely on audio processing through Voicemeeter or who use fingerprint recognition for secure access are particularly advised to delay updating until Microsoft releases patches or relevant driver updates. Microsoft has emphasized that attempting to manually install the update on affected devices could lead to functionality issues, especially for core hardware features such as sound and biometric recognition.

Microsoft’s temporary halt extends to certain gaming applications as well, as users have reported issues with games like Asphalt 8 and with anti-cheat software compatibility. The problems don’t just affect Asus users or specific configurations; several Windows components essential for gaming and multimedia also experience reduced performance or crashes following the 24H2 update.

For users with custom desktops, the update has introduced display bugs for certain wallpaper applications, affecting visual layouts and functionality. Microsoft is working to identify and resolve the underlying compatibility issues, aiming to provide updated drivers and patches to enable a smooth transition to 24H2.

The best approach for users with affected systems is to postpone the update until compatibility fixes are released. For users encountering issues, Microsoft suggests checking the official Windows 11 support page, where updates on specific hardware and software fixes will be posted. This measure is intended to ensure that users can experience a stable system with the new update without encountering critical functionality issues.

Earlier this month there was a similar issue incompatibility issue where certain users with select Western Digital SSD models were facing constant blue screens of death (BSOD) since they updated to the latest version of Windows. The issue pertained to the host memory buffer (HMB) feature that allows the SSD to use a little bit of the system’s RAM to store data, speeding up performance.

Kunal Khullar
Kunal Khullar is a computing writer at Digital Trends who contributes to various topics, including CPUs, GPUs, monitors, and…
Microsoft warns that the latest Windows 11 update may crash PC games now
Gaming PC on a desk.

Microsoft has once again temporarily halted the rollout of its latest major Windows 11 update, also known as 24H2. This time it is for systems running select Ubisoft games following widespread user reports of crashes and performance issues. The affected titles include Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Assassin's Creed Origins, Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Star Wars Outlaws, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.

Common complaints include black screens, freezing, and unresponsiveness during gameplay or while loading these titles. "I just bought a new gaming laptop with RTX 4080, Intel i9 14900hx. I can't play the game (Origins) even for 5 minutes because it crashes to a black screen, with audio, and the only way to close it is from task manager. Impossible to play," one user shared on Reddit. Others reported similar frustrations, citing the persistent error “NTDLL.dll” that renders their games unplayable.

Read more
The Windows 11 24H2 update is causing even more problems
Windows 11 logo on a laptop.

The Windows 11 24H2 update had already been giving users a real headache with problems such as bugs for visual layouts and flaws for certain wallpaper apps. And now, as Microsoft confirms in a support document, some people without administrative privileges can't change the time zone in the Date & Time view, among myriad other issues related to the important Windows 11 update.

A Feedback Hub post also reports a time issue after exiting Sleep Mode, specifically after about one out of every five overnight sleep cycles. There is also a report that the time is not syncing correctly following daylight saving time. Put differently, the update doesn't break the time zone, but only affects the toggle or makes it very difficult to modify it.

Read more
Windows 11 vs. Windows 10: Is it finally time to update?
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 sitting on a table.

Windows 11 is the newest version of Windows, and it's one of the best Windows versions ever released. It draws on its predecessors, like Windows 10, but today it's very much its own operating system, with a unique look, advanced features, and the most secure and stable platform for modern Windows application.

If you've been holding out on upgrading, or aren't running the latest version, we have everything you need to know about the most recent version of Windows 11.
Windows 11 2024 update (24H2)
The latest version of Windows 11, is the 2024 update known as 24H2. It initially rolled out to Windows Insiders in February 2024, but has since been released to the wider Windows user base starting October 1. It introduced a number of new and enhanced features to Windows, improving its fundamentals, as well as adding new capabilities, especially those running it on Copilot+ PCs and laptops.

Read more