Some users who installed Windows 11 using physical media are now unable to receive security updates. If you’ve recently built a new computer, you might have been enjoying the satisfaction of getting everything up and running smoothly. However, if you installed Windows 11 in October or November, you may not be entirely finished yet. According to an update on Microsoft’s known issues page, Windows installations from USB or CD using the October or November 2024 updates are encountering a bug that prevents them from accepting future security updates. These updates are crucial for keeping your system secure, but fortunately, there’s a fix—albeit a bit inconvenient.
To resolve the issue, you’ll need to reinstall Windows using new installation media that includes the December 2024 update. You can do this by visiting Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page, scrolling to “Create Windows 11 Installation Media,” and using the mediacreationtool.exe to follow the instructions. While this process is relatively simple, it does require some time.
Microsoft is aware of the issue and is working on a solution, so hopefully, a more convenient fix will be available soon. However, given the importance of security updates, it’s advisable to act quickly.
On a positive note, users who installed Windows 11 through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog website are not affected and don’t need to take any further steps. The problem only impacts those who used physical media for the October or November updates, a scenario common among IT professionals and PC builders. This issue is part of a broader list of known problems with the Windows 11 24H2 update, including issues with certain audio devices, Outlook, and some Ubisoft video games.
