Windows 11 user hurt by the KB5043145 update? Microsoft offers a way out

Microsoft has offered a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) for users affected by the many and varied problems with the KB5043145 build of Windows 11.

The September 2024 non-security preview update is threatening to overshadow the release of Windows 11 24H2. While it has gone smoothly for many users, the experience has been anything but for others.

Microsoft has thus far said nothing about what's causing some devices to reboot multiple times, crash with green or blue screens, or drop into the Automatic Repair tool. Users have also reported problems with the Windows Subsystem for Linux 2, USB connections, and Wi-Fi.

The megacorp admitted problems with the update for Windows 22H2 and 23H2, and last night posted a workaround for afflicted users – a Known Issue Rollback. Rather than uninstalling an entire update, a KIR permits Microsoft to "quickly revert a single, targeted fix to a previously released behavior if a critical regression is discovered."

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According to Microsoft, up to 24 hours might be needed for non-managed devices, such as a consumer PC, to receive the resolution: "Restarting your Windows device might help the resolution apply to your device faster," which sounds an awful lot like turning a computer off and on until the problem goes away.

The company has also made a Group Policy available for administrators of managed devices.

KB5043145 is an optional non-security preview update. Considering the issues, it would be wise to avoid it for the time being. There have been reports that Microsoft has paused the rollout, but the company's UK communications operation appears to be just as in the dark as customers when it comes to the fate of the patch. ®