Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 update, KB5029351, is providing more than just the usual bug fixes and improvements – it’s also delivering a startling ‘Blue Screen of Death’ to some users. This unexpected troublemaker, which takes the form of an "UNSUPPORTED_PROCESSOR" error, is causing significant consternation among users, especially considering it appears right at boot, making it difficult for users to rectify the issue. The update, which was intended to bring the operating system to version 22621.2215 with minor enhancements, has instead become a cause for concern.
The blue screen dilemma seems to occur once users have installed the update and restarted their PC. In a somewhat merciful twist, the problematic update self-uninstalls after a few unsuccessful boot attempts. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is currently working on a solution. This is a stark reminder of the potential drawbacks of being an early adopter of software updates, and highlights the importance of widespread testing before rolling out patches to the general public.
Windows 11 Update Causes Blue Screens for Some Users
The Troublesome Update
Microsoft’s most recent Windows Update for Windows 11 seems to be causing quite a stir among users, and not in a good way. The update, KB5029351, is causing some users’ computers to display a blue screen right at boot, citing the “UNSUPPORTED_PROCESSOR” error as the stop code. This becomes particularly problematic as it occurs at boot, making it nearly impossible for users to rectify the issue.
The Update’s Features and Issues
This troublesome update brings the Windows 11 operating system up to version 22621.2215. It addresses some issues, introduces minor improvements such as a new hover behavior for the search box gleam, and enhances the reliability of the Search app. However, once installed and the PC restarted, some users are greeted with the dreaded blue screen, rendering their computer useless. Thankfully, the update does uninstall itself after a few failed boot attempts.
Microsoft’s Response and Who’s Affected
Microsoft has acknowledged the problem and is currently working on a fix. In the meantime, they recommend users affected by this issue to launch the Feedback Hub by selecting Windows key + F and follow the instructions provided. This update is optional and only available to users who run Windows 11 builds 22H2 and 21H2, as well as Windows 10 22H2. Therefore, it doesn’t automatically install itself, a silver lining for those not yet affected.
Probable Cause and Precautions
The specific cause of these blue screens is still unknown. However, a Reddit thread cited by PCWorld highlights that users experiencing the issue all seem to have one of Intel’s top processors from the Raptor Lake generation paired with an MSI motherboard. This suggests a potential conflict between the update and this hardware combination. This isn’t the first time a Windows Update has caused issues. A previous update led to a significant decrease in SSD speeds for many users. As a precaution, it’s advised to wait a few days before downloading optional, non-critical updates, to avoid potential problems.
Takeaways
While updates are generally beneficial, providing new features and security patches, this incident serves as a reminder that not all updates are without issues. It’s prudent to wait for initial feedback from other users before downloading and installing optional updates. Microsoft’s response to the issue has been prompt, and they are currently working on a fix. In the meantime, users are advised to use the Feedback Hub to report any problems.
