Windows users report widespread device issues following January 2025 updates

[Daniel Sims]

Facepalm: Users should exercise caution before installing the most recent January 2025 Windows updates as there have been reports of numerous issues. Many complaints center on USB DAC drivers, but problems with other devices such as headphones and webcams have also been reported. Although the updates aren't exclusive to Microsoft's recently released Windows 11 24H2, the bugs will likely intensify the controversy surrounding the latest OS version.

Update - Fix Available (Jan 29): Microsoft has released a preview of update KB5050094 for Windows 11 24H2, addressing over two dozen bugs and minor changes. Notably, it fixes a USB audio bug from the previous KB5050009 update. Other fixes include issues with USB cameras, distorted Snipping Tool screenshots, Remote Desktop Gateway errors, and failed cumulative update installations. The update must be installed manually via Settings > Windows Update or downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Recent mandatory patches for Windows 10 and 11 are causing issues with USB connections, Bluetooth devices, and several other functions. Users experiencing problems should consider rolling back to a previous version. Those concerned about potential issues and who have not yet updated their systems this month may want to delay the installation of these patches.

Microsoft released update KB5049981 for Windows 10, KB5050009 for Windows 11 24H2, and KB5050021 for prior Windows 11 versions earlier this month. All three are routine security updates, but Windows Latest reports that KB5050021 introduces minor changes for the date and time settings.

Microsoft's support team has acknowledged certain issues with these updates, including impacts on Open Secure Shell and Citrix components. However, users have reported additional bugs, such as problems with DAC drivers, Wi-Fi connectivity, and USB devices. Windows Latest notes that webcam and Bluetooth headphones stopped working after installing KB5050009. Software-related bugs have also affected tools like the Snipping Tool, the Alt+Tab function, and the Task Manager.

Users can submit complaints to Microsoft through the Feedback Hub app. To roll back to a previous build of Windows, navigate to Settings > System > Recovery > Go Back, if the option is available. To delay an update, go to Settings > Windows Update and select the desired postponement period.

Since the release of Windows 11 24H2 late last year, Microsoft has received numerous complaints. This update, which recently became mandatory, has caused issues with games, SSDs, and other connected devices.

Users with cache-less Western Digital NVMe SSDs should download the company's firmware patch before upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 to avoid BSODs. Additionally, Microsoft temporarily delayed the update for users with certain Ubisoft games installed following reports of crashes, but the affected games have since received patches. Users also reported problems with eSCL-based USB devices like scanners, printers, and modems.

Windows 11 24H2 introduces new features, including Copilot+ GenAI tools like auto-generated captions, super resolution, and an image creator. Other additions include support for Wi-Fi 7, Sudo, remote desktop controls, and more.

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Windows users report widespread device issues following January 2025 updates

 

[trparky]

Somebody needs to tell Microsoft that they need to hire back their quality assurance teams because this Insider Preview Program is a joke.

 

[Watzupken]

I don’t know how all these issues slipped through testing, but this is all becoming a norm for any Microsoft updates. Sometimes I wonder if bugs actually slipped through testings or Microsoft simply can’t be bothered to fix it before the due date.

 

[Dirtronix]

I don’t know how all these issues slipped through testing, but this is all becoming a norm for any Microsoft updates. Sometimes I wonder if bugs actually slipped through testings or Microsoft simply can’t be bothered to fix it before the due date.

ALL of the above!

 

[DonquixoteIII]

I got my update the 20th Jan. The update not only ate my RAID drivers, eliminating the drivers for my M.2 SSDs in the process, but it also removed the original folder that they weree stored in. Still not fully recovered from that. Can sorta understand, but not really.

It also removed the topmost level of folders and shortcuts from my screen. I have not been able to locate them, but have replaced them as I go. WTF???

It also removed the drivers and original folder for my headphones. Again, WTF???

Maybe it is time for we users to do some push-back. I think a class action to recover costs associated with fixing their 'update's messes' might be in order. I know that the lawyers' fees will eat up the users' payout, but if M$ has to cough up a few hundred per PC affected, it just MIGHT get onto Satya's radar.

 

[Starfals]

What a joke, a perfectly working windows became buggy as hell. Bluetooth mouse and headsets stop working too. This is exactly why I wont update my W10 PC, and I regret updating my second PC to W11...

 

[user478318]

When Apple does it - you're using it wrong.

 

[zamroni111]

23h2 is still supported until November.

With windows pro license, you can defer feature update such as 24h2 for a year without blocking monthly security and bug fixes.

 

[airbornex]

Windows updates are like a box of chocolates... except every piece somehow breaks your Bluetooth headphones and ruins your webcam.

 

[trparky]

What a joke, a perfectly working windows became buggy as hell. Bluetooth mouse and headsets stop working too. This is exactly why I wont update my W10 PC, and I regret updating my second PC to W11...

Wow, that's bad. It's stuff like this that makes me question the competency of Microsoft.

 

[MarkHughes]

Users should exercise caution before installing ANY Windows updates

 

[winjer]

Microsoft is really slacking off in recent years.

 

[tp0d0]

Loving my Tiny11 23h2 install with windows update obliterated. Not just disabled, gonzo.

If I need an update, I can install the KB, or just wait until I do my bi-annual winbloz reload from scratch

ymmv

-j

 

[trparky]

I've locked my systems to 23H2 and will only install it when things are stable. Whenever the hell that happens.

 

[BobHome]

Now, now, M$ is just putting all its marbles in the AI Bag.
Eventually, that AI will determine what updates we need, build them, test them, and push them out to us.
(And I think Arnold was in some movies showing where this might end)

 

[texasrattler]

Another MS update and I still have no issues. No USB issues on my devices or any wifi issues. Not a single hiccup.

So for me, just another day. My PC just keeps on going.

 

[Underdog]

Microsoft is really slacking off in recent years.

I think your spellcheck needs fixing.

 

[ZedRM]

Problems with Windows updates? No, it can't be.. @yRaz How about this? Is this good?

 

[yRaz]

Problems with Windows updates? No, it can't be.. @yRaz How about this? Is this good?

People wonder why I am willing to put in the work to make linux, well, work with all its jankiness. The time I invested in learning Linux so that I can use it as a legitimate desktop replace is worth it.

People here will complain about how each update breaks their system and causes hundreds of dollars of damage(or shutting down airlines) but they still won't switch to Linux. They usually cite either Adobe or some online game that doesn't work as the reason they can't switch. Frankly, I switch from as soon as they moved to the subscription model because I didn't like them having me by the balls so I had already migrated to open-source software before I switched to Linux.

I don't like being mistreated by companies or not having control over the things I own. It saves me so many headaches in the long run. There are games I can't play anymore, which is fine, but that just means I have a list of games on steam from devs that do support Linux.

I was out for coffee with a friend of mine awhile back and she was complaining about all the subscription services she has. Adobe was one, then prime, Netflix, ect. I can't remember all of them. Fact of the matter is I have none of those things. Well, I play EvE online and that costs me like $20/m. Aside from that my bills are just utilities, no subscriptions.

I don't think people realize how much the time investment in learning to move away from windows and subscription software pays off in peace of mind and literal money. I find that the peace of mind I get from owning my device and having control over my software environment far more valuable than the money I save every month. When she told me she spends almost $600/m in subscriptions my mind was blown. The thing is, you can't BUY peace of mind these days.

I was mostly free and open source by 2017 and dabbled with linux since basically the early 2000's, but got serious about it in 2021ish and had completely moved everyone of my machines over by 2023.

I liken what I have to do to maintain linux similairly to what it's like to maintain a car. Even if you don't want to change your oil, do your breaks or check your fluids, everyone who owns a car should have the knowledge to maintain it. Now we're in an era where windows update breaks a system and the world falls apart until they release another update that fixes it. In XP and even into early windows 10 builds, you had enough control that if something broke you could fix it. The Windows 11 control panel looks like a children's toy. And, yes, you can unlock developer level tools to get access to settings to do stuff, but that requires a time investment to learn and if I'm going to go through all that effort. Well, might as well go through all that effort on Linux and actually have absolute control over what you own.

 

[Athlonite69]

KB5050094 the only issue I had was my Logitech G915 Keyboard wasn't properly recognised after the update rebooted until I pressed the lightsync key once I had done that it showed up as it should in Device manager otherwise I've had no other problems with KB5050094or the previous two updates

 

[Ben Myers]

Seems like Microsoft focused on the release date for 24H2, no matter what. When the focus is on absolutely meeting the date, quality and reliability and zero defects all get flushed down the toilet. So 24H2 has been flushed onto unwitting users, and there is no toilet paper.

 

[trparky]

Seems like Microsoft focused on the release date for 24H2, no matter what. When the focus is on absolutely meeting the date, quality and reliability and zero defects all get flushed down the toilet. So 24H2 has been flushed onto unwitting users, and there is no toilet paper.

At this rate, it won't be until 25H2 that Windows 11 will be stable enough for me to move off 23H2.

 

[Ben Myers]

At this rate, it won't be until 25H2 that Windows 11 will be stable enough for me to move off 23H2.

Microsoft could fix the situation with thorough testing of all the 24H2 fixes, then issuing 25H1 and deleting 24H2 forever. This would eliminate the ambiguity about what works well and what does not. However, I do not see this possibility after a thorough analysis of Microsoft DNA.

After all, if one downloaded a "patched up" 24H2, how much of it works like it is supposed to, and what does not yet work properly?

 

[ZedRM]

At this rate, it won't be until 25H2 that Windows 11 will be stable enough for me to move off 23H2.

You could be right.