Faced with the numerous problems encountered by users, Microsoft stops distributing version 23H2 of Windows 11 on certain PCs. A radical and unprecedented measure, while waiting to find lasting solutions.
We have been repeating it for months: Microsoft is really doing anything with Windows 11 (see our rant article). To appear to be renewing itself and thus attract new users, the publisher had the curious idea of copying Apple by passing off an evolution of Windows 10 as a completely new operating system. And to give the image of an “agile” company, it constantly publishes updates supposed to bring improvements and new functions. The trouble is that this strategy mostly smacks of haste. And if Windows 11 lacks neither assets nor ambitions, it is clear that this edition has not been as well polished as it should have been and that it has been accumulating problems since its release, already two years ago.
Windows 11 23H2: a problematic update
New proof is given to us again with version 23H2 published a few weeks ago in joyful confusion (see our article). Distributed in an anarchic manner, with some of the promised improvements, it was not deployed massively on all officially compatible PCs, with some frustrated users being forced to force the update with more or less success. Clown again: not only does this promising version not keep its promises, but, in addition, it poses several problems! So much so that Microsoft has just blocked its distribution altogether.
In fact, as several specialist sites have noted, many users complain of a drop in performance of their PC after updating to version 23H2. A particularly noticeable reduction in certain games, resulting in a much lower frame rate, going from 130 to 80 FPS (frames per second) in certain cases, on powerful computers. And this drastic drop does not only affect players, those most keen on performance: after various tests, other users report a reduction of 5 to 8%. Not a handicap, certainly, but not a joy either, especially on the latest generation PCs. While waiting to find a lasting solution, the publisher offers a temporary repair that is, to say the least, incredible, consisting of resetting Microsoft Defender via PowerShell commands, restarting the PC, activating processor virtualization in the BIOS, then opening Windows security to enable memory integrity in kernel isolation settings. Simple as… (we’re still looking). And we are asked not to laugh!
And this is not the only problem caused by the 23H2 version! As officially acknowledged by Microsoft, the update also causes problems on computers using multiple screens, by moving shortcuts, folders and all files placed on the desktop from one screen to another in a completely random manner . A nasty bug that makes any organization and use almost impossible. And which seems curiously linked to the arrival of Copilot, the famous AI module that the publisher wants to integrate – impose at all costs – in its software as in Windows.
Windows 11 23H2 problems: an update while waiting for real fixes
Faced with these disorders and the growing problems of users, Microsoft has therefore opted for a radical and unprecedented measure by simply blocking the update around 11:20 p.m., at least on certain configurations, no doubt time to analyze the problem, to identify the culprit and develop a fix. For the record – and for a smile – the publisher has at the same time decided to publish an optional update for Windows 10 and Windows 11 (KBKB5032288), which as always brings its share of fixes and improvements ( see details on the Microsoft page). A surprising publication in that it comes a week before the traditional Patch Tuesday broadcast on the second Tuesday of each month. Yes, even if it means repeating ourselves, Microsoft continues to do great nonsense with Windows 11. It would be high time to put some order into all of this. Unless we have to wait for the release of Windows 12, which some sources now predict for June 2024, to finally be entitled to a carefully finalized system.