Smaller Updates, Bigger Headaches: Windows 11's Latest Security Patch Hits a Snag

As we eagerly anticipate the full rollout of Windows 11’s latest major update, version 24H2—already available for new Copilot+ PC devices—Microsoft has started to introduce smaller "checkpoint cumulative updates," also known as 'differential updates.' The idea behind these updates is to streamline monthly update processes by only downloading the necessary new or altered files instead of the entire update, making the process both quicker and easier. However, these changes are already causing complications.

From September 2024 onwards, the checkpoint updates will commence with update KB5043080, now available for Copilot+ PCs. These specialized PCs represent Microsoft's new generation of devices leveraging advanced AI capabilities (mostly forthcoming). Unfortunately, many users are reporting problems after installing update KB5043080, as highlighted by complaints on Microsoft's Windows Insider Feedback Hub. Some face stalled installations that trigger a rollback and others encounter an ‘Operation not supported’ error.

Critically, the problems predominantly seem to affect PCs with specific Intel or AMD chips, and those who manually install the updates through either the Windows Insider Program or files downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Even though Microsoft has not immediately addressed the installation issues of KB5043080, it has issued a support document detailing potential problems associated with the recent September 2024 Patch Tuesday update.

For those experiencing these issues, Microsoft is expected to soon release a fix. In the meantime, users can troubleshoot by manually downloading and reinstalling update KB5043080 from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Following step-by-step instructions provided by resources like Windows Latest can ensure the correct installation. Here's hoping that subsequent rollout phases go more smoothly. Given Microsoft's less-than-stellar track record with problem-free major updates for Windows 11, there's a collective skepticism, albeit with an expectation that ongoing issues will be resolved so the transition to Windows 11 24H2 is seamless. Many users, especially those not using Copilot+ PC devices, are still awaiting this update.

Earlier, SSP wrote that DeepFake-o-Meter democratizes deepfake detection.