Some Windows 11 Users Can No Longer Install Security Updates (but There’s a Fix)

If you’ve recently built a computer, congratulations! You should be proud. There’s nothing like turning a new computer on, seeing it work just fine, and breathing a sigh of relief knowing that you’re done and you won’t have to spend hours troubleshooting why it’s not working. Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but if you happened to install Windows on your PC during October or November, you might not be quite finished yet.

According to an update to Microsoft’s known issues page, copies of Windows installed through USB or CD using the October 2024 and November 2024 updates are being affected by a bug that will prevent them from accepting any future security updates. These updates are vital for keeping your computer virus- and exploit-free, but luckily, there’s a fix. It’s just a bit of a hassle.

Essentially, you’ll need to reinstall Windows using new installation media that comes with the December 2024 update included. Just navigate to Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page, scroll down to Create Windows 11 Installation Media, open mediacreationtool.exe and follow the instructions in the app. It’s straightforward, if laborious.

Luckily, the company says it’s working on a resolution, so hopefully a better solution that doesn’t involve reinstalling your operating system is on the way. Still, when it comes to problems with security updates, it’s better to implement fixes as soon as possible.

On the plus side, if you downloaded the Windows 11 October or November updates through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog website, you shouldn’t need to take any further action. The issue only affects people who installed the October or November updates using physical media (which is common among IT professionals and some PC builders).

The issue joins a known list of problems with the Windows 11 24H2 update, including issues with specific audio devices, Outlook, and even some Ubisoft video games.