Microsoft has issued a warning regarding a potential issue with Windows 11 version 24H2 installations made using physical media, such as CDs or USB drives. The problem occurs when the installation media contains security updates released between October 8 and November 12, 2024.
The Problem
Installations using media containing these older security updates may prevent the system from accepting further security updates after installation. Systems that receive updates via Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog are not affected, nor are installations made with the latest December 2024 security update.
Solution
To avoid this issue, Microsoft recommends creating new installation media that includes the December 2024 security update, which was released on December 10th. Users who have already installed Windows 11, version 24H2 using affected media, should apply the December 2024 security update through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog to resolve the problem.
Why Updates Matter
Keeping Windows 11 up-to-date is vital for:
- Maintaining system security by addressing vulnerabilities.
- Ensuring stability and performance by fixing known bugs.
- Protecting against malware and hacking attempts.
Other Windows 11 Issues
Windows 11 version 24H2 has also faced other problems, including:
- The Disk Cleanup tool incorrectly showing an 8.63 GB removable update cache under "Windows Update Cleanup."
- Users experiencing sudden and maximum volume increases, especially when using external DACs.
Microsoft is actively working on a permanent fix to prevent this installation media issue from occurring in the future.