Windows 11 24H2 Update Issues: When the Update Takes Over 16 Hours or Gets Stuck

Windows 11 24H2, the latest major update from Microsoft, has been promoted as a significant enhancement packed with new AI-friendly features, improved performance, and connectivity upgrades such as Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth LE Audio. However, alongside these promising advancements, many users have reported serious problems during the update process itself, with one prominent case involving the update getting stuck at 88% completion for more than 16 hours.

Background and Context

The 24H2 update, launched in late 2024, was expected to refine the Windows 11 experience with smarter features and better hardware compatibility. This update supports enhanced video playback, AI-powered recall on Copilot+ PCs, and various under-the-hood optimizations to boost system responsiveness and connectivity.

Unfortunately, from the outset, users started encountering multiple issues:

  • Updates freezing during installation (notably at 88%)
  • Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) occurrences related to Easy Anti-Cheat software and Intel Alder Lake+ processors
  • Peripheral and driver incompatibilities causing system instability
  • Network connectivity failures including IP allocation problems
  • Disappearing mouse pointers and broken clipboard history

The 16-hour stall at 88% reflects one of the more extreme symptoms in this range, causing frustration and worry among users about potential data loss or system corruption.

Technical Details and Root Causes

The extended stall and freeze issues appear linked to a combination of factors:

  1. Compatibility Problems: Microsoft has acknowledged hardware compatibility issues, which notably affect some Asus models (X415KA, X515KA), and PCs with Intel Core Ultra processors. This has led to Microsoft pausing updates on these devices via Windows Update.
  2. Driver and Software Conflicts: Conflicts with system drivers like Intel Smart Sound Technology and third-party applications such as Easy Anti-Cheat cause BSODs and installation failures.
  3. File System and Software Distribution Glitches: Corrupt or missing update files within the SoftwareDistribution folder can stall installation progress. Clearing or resetting this folder is a common workaround.
  4. Network and Service Disruptions: Faults in system services like the Function Discovery Resource Publication (FDResPub) impact network share and printer functionality.
  5. Faulty Updates: Optional updates such as KB5052093 initially failed on many systems with error codes 0x800F0983 and 0x800F0993, temporarily withdrawn and reissued by Microsoft.

Impact and User Experience

The implications of these prolonged stalls and update failures include:

  • Lost Productivity: Users awaiting system availability are left idle, facing downtime that can span hours or even overnight.
  • System Instability: Blue screens, device malfunctions, and driver mismatches degrade user experience.
  • Security Concerns: Delayed updates mean users miss out on vital security patches and performance enhancements.
  • Eroded User Confidence: Repeated update troubles can harm trust in Microsoft’s update process and reliability.

Troubleshooting and Workarounds

Users facing this issue can try the following steps:

  1. Be Patient: Sometimes, updates can take several hours, especially on older or heavily loaded hardware.
  2. Restart and Retry: A restart may allow the system to recover from a hung state.
  3. Clear SoftwareDistribution Folder: Navigate to INLINECODE0 and remove contents to force a fresh update download.
  4. Use Safe Mode or Recovery: Boot into Safe Mode or use recovery options to rollback to a previous stable version if stuck.
  5. Pause and Delay Update: Users on affected devices, especially Asus models, are advised to wait until Microsoft releases a fixed version.
  6. Check for Known Issues: Follow Microsoft’s update advisories and community forums for any official patches or timelines.

Conclusion

While Windows 11 24H2 brings long-awaited new features and performance improvements, the update rollout has revealed significant challenges around installation and compatibility. The case of an update stuck at 88% for over 16 hours underscores the complexity and potential pitfalls of major OS updates. Users should approach the update with caution, backup important data, and follow official guidance from Microsoft.

As Microsoft continues to issue fixes, users are encouraged to stay informed via support forums and official channels to avoid disruption.

References and Further Reading

This article is based on community reports and user experiences compiled from Windows-focused discussion forums and technical analyses as of early 2025.