Introduction

The release of Windows 11 version 24H2 has introduced a series of compatibility challenges, notably affecting the Safe Exam Browser (SEB), a critical tool for secure online assessments. This article delves into the nature of these issues, their implications for educational institutions and enterprises, and provides guidance on mitigating potential security risks.

Background on Safe Exam Browser

Safe Exam Browser is an open-source web browser environment designed to carry out online examinations securely. It transforms any computer into a secure workstation by controlling access to system functions, other websites, and applications, thereby preventing unauthorized resources during an exam.

Compatibility Issues with Windows 11 24H2

Identified Problems

After upgrading to Windows 11 version 24H2, users running SEB versions 3.7 or earlier have reported significant issues:

  • Application Launch Failures: SEB fails to open, rendering it unusable for conducting secure exams.
  • Startup Delays: Users have experienced prolonged startup times, with delays up to 50 seconds before the SEB splash screen appears.

These issues have been documented in various forums and official communications:

  • Microsoft's official release health documentation acknowledges that devices running SEB version 3.7 or lower are incompatible with Windows 11, version 24H2. To safeguard the update experience, a compatibility hold has been applied to such devices, preventing them from receiving the update via Windows Update. (learn.microsoft.com)
  • Users have reported that during the Windows 24H2 update process, a prompt appears indicating that SEB should be uninstalled before proceeding with the upgrade. (github.com)

Technical Details

The root cause of these compatibility issues lies in changes introduced in Windows 11 24H2 that affect how certain applications interact with the operating system. Specifically:

  • System API Modifications: Updates to system APIs may have altered the behavior of applications relying on previous API versions.
  • Security Protocol Enhancements: Strengthened security protocols could interfere with applications that haven't been updated to comply with new standards.

Implications and Impact

For Educational Institutions

Educational institutions relying on SEB for secure online assessments face several challenges:

  • Disrupted Examination Schedules: Inability to use SEB can lead to postponed or canceled exams.
  • Resource Allocation: Additional time and resources are required to troubleshoot issues and implement workarounds.

For Enterprises

Organizations using SEB for certification programs or internal assessments may encounter:

  • Operational Delays: Inability to conduct assessments can delay employee certifications and training programs.
  • Increased IT Support Burden: IT departments may experience a surge in support requests related to SEB functionality.

Mitigation Strategies

To address these compatibility issues, the following steps are recommended:

  1. Update SEB to Version 3.8 or Later: The developers of SEB have released version 3.8.0, which resolves the compatibility issues with Windows 11 24H2. Users should download and install the latest version from the official SEB website. (safeexambrowser.org)
  2. Postpone Windows 11 24H2 Upgrade: If updating SEB is not immediately feasible, consider delaying the Windows 11 24H2 upgrade until compatibility is ensured.
  3. Monitor Official Communications: Stay informed through official channels for updates on compatibility and potential patches.

Conclusion

The compatibility issues between Windows 11 24H2 and Safe Exam Browser underscore the importance of proactive software maintenance and the need for organizations to stay vigilant about updates that may impact critical applications. By updating SEB to the latest version and closely monitoring official communications, institutions and enterprises can mitigate potential disruptions and maintain the integrity of their assessment processes.