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…
Windows 11’s February 2025 update fixes annoying bugs
Windows 11 logo on a laptop.

Microsoft's February 2025 cumulative update brings much-needed relief to Windows 11 users, fixing Auto HDR issues that caused game crashes, audio output disruptions, and USB webcam detection problems, as reported by Bleeping Computer. The patch, KB5051987 for Windows 11 24H2 users and KB5051989 for 23H2 addresses these irritating bugs and is mandatory.

The update fixes the Auto HDR problem that interfered with the colors and caused game crashes, improving the gaming experience. Furthermore, the update fixes a bug that cut off audio output, especially if you were using a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), though others were affected. Moreover, a rare issue displayed a "This device cannot start" message, but you may not have seen that one.

Read more
Microsoft is cracking down on unsupported Windows 11 installs
A Dell laptop with Windows 10 sitting on a desk.

A support document showing users how to install Windows 11 on unsupported PCs was deleted sometime in the past two months. Its disappearance, noticed by Neowin, echoes Microsoft's recent "year of the Windows 11 PC refresh" rhetoric, encouraging (or forcing) users to buy new PCs that meet Windows 11 hardware requirements.

When Windows 11 launched in 2021, Microsoft announced that it was adding TPM 2.0 as a hardware requirement -- a move that was met with plenty of resistance. To soften the blow, Microsoft also published a support document detailing how users could edit their registry key values to bypass the TPM 2.0 check.

Read more
Microsoft just added a secret file sharing feature to Windows 11
Drag Tray feature on Windows Insiders build.

Another secret feature has been spotted in one of the latest Windows 11 Insider preview builds. Discovered by X user phantomofearth and reported by Tom's Hardware, it appears that Microsoft is trying out a 'Drag Tray' for sharing files. When you pick up a file and drag it toward the top of the screen, a tray will drop down with different sharing options.

The feature was found in Build 22635.4805 but it's not included in Microsoft's release notes, which means there's no saying if or when it will make it to the general release of Windows 11. Anything that makes sharing files easier is a welcome feature, however, so fingers crossed that Microsoft gets it working well and decides to push it to everyone.

Read more