Microsoft Warns Of Critical Bug In Windows 11 Installer Media

Microsoft is warning users of a peculiar bug affecting some manually created Windows 11 installer media that may prevent new PC installs from receiving future security updates. The issue specifically impacts USB and CD installers made with October and November release patches, potentially affecting professional users in business or education environments, as well as enthusiasts who recently built their own PCs.

The problem arises when using media to install Windows 11 (version 24H2), causing the device to become stuck in a state where it cannot accept additional security updates. According to Microsoft’s known issues page, this issue occurs only when the media is created to include the October and November 2024 security patches, which were released between October 8, 2024, and November 12, 2024.

In contrast, PCs that received the October or November patches through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog website are not affected. To mitigate this problem, users must rebuild their Windows 11 media installers with the December 2024 patch update included (released on December 10th) and reinstall Windows. Alternatively, Microsoft advises using media that already includes the December 2024 monthly security update to avoid the issue altogether.

Microsoft is actively working on a permanent fix for this bug, which highlights the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest patches and updates for Windows 11. Users can ensure their devices receive the necessary security updates by regularly checking for available patches through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog website. This proactive approach will help minimize the risk of encountering this bug and enable a seamless Windows 11 experience.