Oh! Windows 11’s major 2024 update is causing blue screens for some users

Yesterday, Microsoft began rolling out the Windows 11 2024 Major Update to the general public using devices that are considered “safe” for updates. However, it didn’t go smoothly.

As it turns out, the Windows 11 24H2 update is causing problems for many users and even causing blue screens of death (BSOD). What is most frustrating is that there is no single cause that can be pointed to.

For example, installing Windows 11 2024 update on an Intel computer with outdated audio drivers (Intel Smart Sound Technology) may cause the system to crash. Easy Anti-Cheat tool comes with games like Fortnite AND Asphalt 8 also causes problems. The same applies to the Safe Exam browser and fingerprint sensors.

The update also disrupts the functionality of many popular wallpaper apps, which may lead to crashes or issues with virtual desktops.

What can you do about it?

This is mostly a compatibility issue across programs, so there’s really nothing you can do except wait for the developers of each software to release their own updates that fix their bugs.

The good news is that if the problem could affect your computer, the update probably won’t be made available to you until everything is sorted out. If update was has been deployed and is experiencing crashes or instability, please see our article on rolling back problematic Windows updates.

How to install Windows 11 24H2 anyway

That aside, there are some cool changes in the Windows 11 2024 update – cool enough that you may want to upgrade ASAP and are tired of waiting for the rollout to hit you.

In this case, there are ways to force the update to install. However, you do this at your own risk! (If you start a blue screen, it’s your fault.) Still want to continue? You then have two options to manually install Windows 11 2024 update:

Using Windows Update

1. Press the Windows key to open the Start menu.
2. Type “Check for Updates” and press Enter to open Windows Update.
3. Make sure Get the latest updates as soon as they are available the checkbox is selected on Windows Update.
4. Crash Check for updates to check for updates.
5. If Windows 11 24H2 update is available, click Download and installand then restart your computer when prompted.

If the official Windows Update method doesn’t work, you still have an alternative option to use Windows 11 Setup Assistant.

Using the Windows 11 Setup Assistant

1. Visit the official Windows 11 download page.
2. In the section titled “Windows 11 Setup Assistant,” click the button Download now button to download the installation file.
3. Double-click to run the downloaded installation file.
4. Click Accept and installand then follow the on-screen instructions.
5. After installing the update, your computer will restart.

Post-update check

After installing the Windows update, open the Start menu, type “winver” and press Enter. This will check your current version of Windows. If you have successfully installed Windows 11 2024 update, you should have version 26100 and 24H2.

Further reading: Windows 11 24H2 removes these apps and features