+ AA6YQ comments below
Is it safe yet??
I have paused the updates for about 8 weeks now.
+ Not according to Perplexity, with whom I consult when considering a Windows 11 update. The only updates I've been applying are those for Windows Defender.
Perplexity's report on Windows 11 version 24H2 is appended below.
"Are you feelin' lucky?"
73,
Dave, AA6YQ
There have been several adverse reports regarding the reliability of Windows 11 version 24H2 (H2 2024 update), highlighting various issues that users and Microsoft have acknowledged. Below is a summary of the key reliability concerns:
### Major Issues Reported
1. **Blue Screens of Death (BSOD):**
- Incompatibility with Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) drivers on 11th Gen Intel Core processors has caused BSODs.
- PCs with certain Western Digital SSDs and Z890 motherboards (e.g., MSI, Asus) also encounter BSODs[1][3].
2. **Internet Connectivity Problems:**
- Users report losing network connectivity due to invalid IP addresses, which cannot be resolved by updating drivers or resetting network settings. Using static IPs has worked as a workaround in some cases[1][3].
3. **Audio and Bluetooth Issues:**
- Conflicts with audio devices and Bluetooth connections have been common, especially after the January 14 Patch Tuesday update. Devices with Dirac Audio technology are particularly affected[1][3].
4. **Printer Compatibility:**
- ARM-based Copilot+ PCs face issues with printers from manufacturers like HP, Canon, and Brother, rendering them unusable after the update[1].
5. **Gaming and App Conflicts:**
- Some modern games fail to work due to conflicts with Easy Anti-Cheat and AutoHDR features[1][5].
- Citrix components and specific camera applications also face compatibility problems[1][3].
6. **Update Installation Failures:**
- Certain ASUS devices fail to install the update, leading to blue screens during the process. Additionally, using media created with October or November 2024 updates can prevent future security updates from being installed[5].
### Microsoft's Response
Microsoft has released multiple patches to address these issues:
- Updates in late 2024 and early 2025 have resolved some bugs but introduced new ones.
- A compatibility hold has been placed on affected devices to prevent further issues during installation[1][3][5].
### User Feedback
While some users find Windows 11 stable overall, others report sluggish UI performance and unreliable taskbars in version 24H2, even on capable hardware[8]. Many recommend waiting for further fixes before adopting this update widely[2][6].
In conclusion, while Microsoft is actively addressing these problems, Windows 11 version 24H2 has faced significant reliability challenges that may impact its usability for certain users and configurations.
Citations:
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]
