Microsoft's Windows 11 24H2 update has introduced an unexpected System File Checker (SFC) bug that's frustrating users attempting to verify system integrity. The upcoming KB5044384 cumulative update promises to resolve this issue along with several other critical problems affecting the latest Windows version.

The SFC Scan Bug in Windows 11 24H2

Users running the sfc /scannow command after installing the 24H2 update are encountering a perplexing error message stating "Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation." This system utility, designed to scan and repair corrupted system files, has become temporarily unusable for many.

  • Error details: The command fails with error code 0x800f0988
  • Affected versions: Primarily Windows 11 24H2 builds
  • Workaround: None currently available without registry modifications

Microsoft has acknowledged the issue through the Feedback Hub, with numerous reports confirming the widespread nature of this bug.

KB5044384: The Coming Fix

The upcoming KB5044384 cumulative update, currently in testing through the Windows Insider Program, includes critical fixes for:

  1. The SFC scan failure issue
  2. WebView2 runtime problems
  3. Several security vulnerabilities
  4. Performance improvements for hybrid work environments

Expected release timeline:

Channel Expected Release Date
Beta October 2023
Release Preview November 2023
General Availability December 2023

Temporary Solutions While Waiting

For users needing immediate SFC functionality, these registry modifications may help (proceed with caution):

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate]
"DeferFeatureUpdatesPeriodInDays"=dword:00000001

Alternatively, you can:

  • Use DISM commands as a temporary substitute
  • Perform system restores to pre-update states
  • Wait for the official KB5044384 release

WebView2 Runtime Issues

The 24H2 update has also introduced problems with Microsoft Edge WebView2, affecting numerous applications that rely on this component. Symptoms include:

  • Application crashes
  • Blank content displays
  • High memory usage

KB5044384 addresses these WebView2 stability problems with updated runtime components.

How to Prepare for KB5044384

Before installing the upcoming fix, consider these preparatory steps:

  1. Create a system restore point
  2. Back up critical data
  3. Review known issues in Microsoft's release notes
  4. Ensure adequate disk space (minimum 5GB free)
  5. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus software

Long-Term Implications

This situation highlights Microsoft's evolving quality control challenges with Windows updates. The 24H2 update cycle has seen:

  • More frequent cumulative updates
  • Increased reliance on user feedback
  • Shorter testing periods for major updates

Users should expect more rapid update cycles but may encounter more temporary issues like this SFC bug.

Monitoring Update Status

To track KB5044384's release progress:

  1. Check Windows Update regularly
  2. Monitor the Windows Release Health Dashboard
  3. Follow Microsoft's official Windows Insider blog
  4. Subscribe to Windows update notification channels

Microsoft has stated that KB5044384 will be a mandatory update for all Windows 11 24H2 users once it reaches general availability.