The latest major Windows 11 update isn’t even out yet for most users, but it’s already causing problems
Many of us are still waiting for the annual major update to Windows 11, version 24H2, to roll out, which is already available for new Copilot+ PC devices. With it, Microsoft has introduced smaller “checkpoint cumulative updates” or “differential updates” that are intended to make monthly updates smaller and faster by only downloading the files that are missing from your computer. It appears that this could already be causing problems.
Basically, your PC only downloads the new or changed parts of recently released updates, instead of downloading the entire update every time.
These updates begin with the September 2024 Checkpoint Update, KB5043080, which is available now for Copilot+ PCs. Copilot+ PCs are Microsoft’s next generation of Windows 11 computers designed to take advantage of advanced AI capabilities (most of which are still in the pipeline).
A bump in the road to Windows Update
Unfortunately, it appears Microsoft’s efforts are a bit shaky, as some users are reporting issues after installing update KB5043080.
According to Windows LatestUsers have been venting their frustrations on Microsoft’s Windows Insider Feedback Hub, with one user detailing how their update installation would get stuck at a certain percentage and then initiate a rollback procedure. Some users were getting an ‘Operation not supported’ error, and while Microsoft has not responded to users’ claims about KB5043080 not installing, it has a supporting document about potential issues users may encounter if they have installed the recent September 2024 Patch Tuesday update.
The issue appears to be primarily affecting people using PCs with certain Intel or AMD chips, and users who choose to install the update manually (via the Windows Insider program or using installer files from the Microsoft Update Catalog).
I assume Microsoft will acknowledge this issue and release a fix soon, but in the meantime you will have to manually fix it if you are affected by it. To do this, you can download and reinstall update KB5043080 or later.
You can do this by finding update KB5043080 in the Microsoft Update Catalog. I would like to refer you to Advice from Windows Latest on how to make sure you download and install the right version for your PC (based on the type of hardware it has). You should follow these instructions carefully step by step or use a special command line tool for Windows.
I’m hoping that Microsoft will release an automatically available fix soon and that the rest of the 24H2 rollout will go more smoothly. Many of us are still waiting for the update to arrive on our non-Copilot+ PC devices, and Microsoft doesn’t have the best track record for releasing major Windows 11 updates without a hitch. Let’s hope that Microsoft continues to fix issues as they arise so that the transition to Windows 11 24H2 is as painless as possible.
