Windows users are all too familiar with the frustrations of update-related bugs, and while Microsoft has improved over the years with proactive scanning for compatibility issues, the recent Windows 11 24H2 update is a reminder of just how complex these issues can get. Microsoft has implemented a system that checks hardware and software for conflicts before updates are installed, preventing potentially harmful upgrades on systems with identified issues. However, with this update, the breadth of blocked upgrades has expanded significantly, impacting a surprising range of software and hardware.
One of the most notable issues involves certain Asus laptops, which are experiencing blue screen crashes post-update. Other common compatibility blockers include issues with integrated webcams and fingerprint sensors, which can leave these peripherals non-functional. Some of the software conflicts are less predictable, like Gameloft’s Asphalt 8: Airborne, a mobile port on the Microsoft Store, and the Safe Exam Browser, an anti-cheating app required for many students and industry trainees. Easy Anti-Cheat, another popular tool for multiplayer gaming, has also created hurdles, though updates to Intel drivers or the games themselves might provide a fix. Even wallpaper customization tools — hardly a major piece of software — can pose issues with the update.
The full list, detailed by BleepingComputer, is worth reviewing for anyone running into update problems, especially those eager to try out the latest features. Microsoft has pledged to address many of these issues, aiming to make the update experience smoother for all users. However, the complexity of keeping everything running smoothly on such a varied hardware and software ecosystem highlights the growing challenge Microsoft faces with each new Windows version. As Windows becomes more sophisticated and the needs of users more varied, the underlying complexities of its legacy framework continue to make seamless updates difficult to achieve.
