Critical Windows 11 Bug Blocks Security Updates: Is Your PC at Risk?

The current solution is to reinstall Windows 11 using installation media created with the December update.

Windows Update is showing on the laptop. Image: Clint Patterson / Unsplash

A critical bug has emerged in Windows 11, preventing some users from receiving vital security updates. This issue, acknowledged by Microsoft, specifically affects installations performed using custom-created media (USB drives or DVDs) that include the October or November 2024 security updates.  

The Problem: Security Updates Blocked on New Installations

If you created a Windows 11 installation USB or DVD in October or November 2024 and used it to install the operating system on a new PC, that system might be unable to receive subsequent security patches. Importantly, this issue does not affect PCs updated through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog. It is exclusively linked to installations from manually created media.  

Why This Matters: The Security Risk

Security updates are crucial for protecting your system. They patch vulnerabilities that cybercriminals could exploit, preventing attacks, data breaches, and other security threats. This is especially concerning for businesses and organizations managing multiple computers and sensitive data.  

Microsoft's Response and the Recommended Solution

Microsoft has documented this issue on their Windows 11 known issues page, confirming that the problem stems from the inclusion of the October and November 2024 updates within the installation media.  

The current workaround is to recreate your Windows 11 installation media using the December 2024 security update (released December 10th). This ensures a clean installation free from the bug. Microsoft strongly recommends that all media used for installing Windows 11, version 24H2, includes the December 2024 monthly security update.  

In simple terms, if you installed Windows 11 using media created in October or November, you'll likely need to reinstall using newly created media with the December update.  

A Permanent Fix Is in Development

While reinstalling is the current solution, Microsoft is actively working on a permanent fix to resolve this issue.  

It's worth noting that Windows 11 24H2 has faced other challenges, including problems with certain audio devices, issues launching Outlook with outdated Google Workspace Sync, and compatibility problems with some Ubisoft games. These are separate from the security update bug but highlight the importance of staying informed about Windows 11 updates.  

What You Need to Do

• Check Your Installation Method: If you recently installed Windows 11 using manually created media from October or November, you might be affected.  
• Recreate Installation Media: Download the latest Windows 11 installation media directly from Microsoft's website. This will automatically include the December 2024 update.
• Reinstall Windows (If Necessary): If you suspect you're affected, reinstalling with the new media is the safest and most effective solution.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on Microsoft's official channels for further updates and patches.