Windows 11 24H2: A Troubling Update for Users

October 17, 2024, 7:18 am
wd.com
Employees: 1-10
The latest update to Windows 11, known as 24H2, has arrived like a storm cloud, bringing with it a host of issues that have left users frustrated and searching for solutions. Reports of sluggish data transfer speeds and frequent crashes have flooded online forums, painting a grim picture for those who dared to upgrade.

After installing 24H2, many users have noticed a significant drop in data transfer speeds when using the SMB protocol. This is particularly alarming for those relying on network-attached storage (NAS) devices. One user shared their experience of transferring files from a WDMyCloud NAS to a Windows 11 machine over a gigabit connection. Instead of the expected high speeds, they were met with a disheartening maximum transfer rate of just 15 MB/s. This is a far cry from the 90-100 MB/s speeds they experienced with the previous version, 23H2.

The frustration doesn’t end there. Users have attempted to migrate their SMB settings from the older version to the new one, hoping to restore the lost performance. Unfortunately, these efforts have proven futile. The 24H2 update seems to have introduced a series of roadblocks that users cannot easily navigate.

Adding to the chaos, the update has also been linked to a troubling issue involving certain Western Digital SSDs. Reports indicate that users with specific models, such as the WD SN770 and SN580, are encountering the dreaded blue screen of death (BSOD). This critical error, often accompanied by the message “critical process has died,” has left many users in a state of panic. The common thread among these reports is the interaction between the SSDs and the new update.

The root of the problem appears to lie in the way Windows 11 24H2 handles host memory buffer (HMB) for these SSDs. In the previous version, the system allocated up to 64MB of HMB, which worked without issue. However, the new update allows for a full 200MB allocation, leading to instability and crashes. This change has left users scrambling for solutions, with some resorting to rolling back the update entirely.

For those unwilling to revert to the previous version, a workaround has emerged. Users have discovered a method to modify the registry settings to disable HMB altogether. While this may provide a temporary fix, it comes with its own set of risks. Disabling HMB could slow down system performance, leaving users caught between a rock and a hard place.

The situation has prompted discussions about the update process itself. Many users are questioning the thoroughness of Microsoft’s testing procedures. How could such significant issues slip through the cracks? The tech giant has yet to officially acknowledge these problems, leaving users feeling abandoned. The silence from Microsoft is deafening, and users are left to fend for themselves.

As the dust settles, it’s clear that the 24H2 update has not delivered the improvements users were hoping for. Instead, it has created a perfect storm of frustration and confusion. The once smooth sailing of Windows 11 has turned into choppy waters, with users navigating through a sea of problems.

The impact of these issues extends beyond individual users. Businesses relying on Windows 11 for their operations are also feeling the strain. Slow data transfer speeds can hinder productivity, while frequent crashes can lead to lost work and wasted time. The ripple effect of these problems is far-reaching, affecting not just personal users but also organizations that depend on a stable operating system.

In the face of these challenges, users are banding together. Online forums have become a hub for sharing experiences and solutions. The community is rallying, offering advice and support to those struggling with the fallout from the update. This sense of camaraderie is a silver lining in an otherwise frustrating situation.

Looking ahead, the hope is that Microsoft will address these issues promptly. Users are eager for a patch that will restore stability and performance. Until then, the 24H2 update serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of rushing into new software.

In conclusion, Windows 11 24H2 has proven to be a double-edged sword. While updates are meant to enhance user experience, this one has left many feeling like they’ve taken a step backward. The combination of slow data transfer speeds and SSD-related crashes has created a perfect storm of frustration. As users navigate these turbulent waters, the hope remains that a solution is on the horizon. Until then, patience and community support will be key in weathering this storm.