Latest Windows 11 update paused due to compatibility issues
Microsoft blocks update due to glitches, BSOD and screen freezes
Microsoft has paused the roll-out of its latest half-year Windows 11 update due to a series of compatibility issues causing crashes, freezing or affecting performance.
The pause has been implemented for a range of devices due to compatibility issues while Microsoft engineers work out resolutions.
In particular, two affected models of Asus laptop suffer the notorious ‘blue screen of death’: the X415KA and X515KA. The roll-out for these two devices will continue as soon as Asus has issued a firmware update.
According to BleepingComputer, the update also affects the Easy Anti-Cheat software used in a number of popular games, including Elden Ring, Fortnite, Sniper Elite 5, Rust, Fall Guys and Vermintide.
This particular update issue affects PCs and laptops using 12th generation Intel Alder Lake+ series processors, running outdated Easy Anti-Cheat drivers.
The update also affects one game, Asphalt 8 (Airborne), a free download via the Windows Store, due to a bug that causes the game to freeze. Many users may not even know they have this game installed, causing the update to be unavailable.
Older versions of Safe Exam Browser, widely used by educational institutions and corporates to conduct internal exams without users sneakily looking up the answers, are also borked.
Other issues include unresponsive fingerprint sensors, broken wallpaper customisation apps, and BSODs due to compatibility issues between Windows 11 and Intel Smart Sound Technology without the latest drivers.
Critics say the various glitches users have reported reflect a lack of thorough testing by Microsoft before updates are issued, under the expectation that users will report problems as and when they arise.
With mainstream support for Windows 10 being discontinued in a year – on 14th October 2025 – Microsoft will need to improve its testing before letting Windows 11 loose on consumers and businesses across the world.