Microsoft's latest pre-Patch Tuesday optional update could cause a nasty surprise to anyone who installs it.
Last week, Microsoft released KB5043145 for Windows 11 Enterprise and Education, version 22H2 - which it puts out well ahead of next month's Patch Tuesday to give admins time to test it.
Now it has updated a support page about the patch after customers reported that the patch caused serious crashes, including reboot doom loops and the dreaded blue screen of death.
"After installing this update, some customers have reported that their device restarts multiple times or becomes unresponsive with blue or green screens," Microsoft wrote.
"According to the reports, some devices automatically open the Automatic Repair tool after repeated restart attempts. In some cases, BitLocker recovery can also be triggered."
There is no workaround for the issue right now, which means you might want to just avoid it altogether until further notice.
"We are currently investigating this issue," Microsoft added. "We will provide an update when more information is available."
READ MORE: September Patch Tuesday: Microsoft fixes "concerning" RCE that rolls back earlier mitigations
On the Microsoft support forums, a number of users shared their pain.
"This update does not boot up after installing on my laptop," one revealed. "Laptop freezes up."
Another user wrote: "It freezes programs and has been forcing me to power off/on to reset many, many times. I read one post on this topic, and it recommended a show/hide troubleshooter. I ran it but it reported no problems found."
Other angry users also took to Reddit to discuss their update woes.
"Windows 11 KB5043145 BSODs PCs, breaks mouse, keyboard, WSL 2, WiFi," one post warned.
Beneath that title, a user commented: "I'd be more surprised to see the headline: Microsoft pushes out latest version of Windows, no issues detected. This is the 10th release without issues this year."
Patch Tuesday takes place on October 8 - which is also the official date for the scheduled demise of some of the Windows versions hit by the allegedly dodgy patch.
"Home and Pro editions of Windows 11, version 22H2 will reach end of service on October 8, 2024," Microsoft warned. "Until then, these editions will only receive security updates. They will not receive non-security, preview updates. To continue receiving security and non-security updates after October 8, 2024, we recommend that you update to the latest version of Windows."
It will continue to support Enterprise and Education editions after October 8, 2024.
The patch was certainly made with good intentions. It introduces the gradual rollout of new features including the ability to share local files directly from the taskbar’s search results and updated Delivery Optimisation Settings to match Windows 11’s design. Other updates include media controls now appearing in the centre of the lock screen, the removal of the search box from the Windows Share window, and an easier way to switch users in the Start menu.
In the normal rollout, improvements address issues like Microsoft Edge occasionally stopping in IE mode and preventing users from needing to re-enter credentials multiple times for encrypted email apps. Additionally, users can now manage their Copilot Pro subscription in Settings, and a bug with Task Manager freezing when switching from a high contrast theme has been resolved.
