Windows 11 24H2 Problems and How to Fix Them (2026 Guide)


Windows 11 24H2 is a major feature update released in the second half of 2024, bringing performance improvements, a redesigned Settings app, and new AI features. However, many users have reported Windows 11 24H2 problems after upgrading, ranging from BSOD errors and slow performance to printer failures and File Explorer crashes.

This guide covers the most common Windows 11 24H2 issues and provides step-by-step solutions to fix them. If you're still on 24H2 (or planning to upgrade), this guide will help you resolve problems quickly.

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Common Windows 11 24H2 Problems

Based on user reports, the most frequently reported Windows 11 24H2 problems include:

Fix 1: BSOD After 24H2 Update

BSOD errors after a major update are typically caused by incompatible drivers. Common BSOD stop codes in 24H2 include DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL, PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA, and SYSTEM_SERVICE_EXCEPTION.

Step 1. Update all device drivers: press Win + X > "Device Manager" > right-click each device > "Update driver".

Step 2. Run SFC and DISM scans to repair corrupted system files:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow

Step 3. If the BSOD shows a specific .sys file, search for that driver online and update or uninstall it.

Step 4. If the BSOD persists, roll back to the previous Windows version (see Fix 8).

For specific BSOD fixes, see our guides: DRIVER_POWER_STATE_FAILURE, KMODE_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED, BAD_POOL_CALLER, and VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE.

Fix 2: Slow Performance After Update

After a major update, Windows re-indexes files, runs compatibility checks, and performs background tasks. This can cause temporary slowdowns lasting 24-48 hours. But if slow performance persists:

Step 1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and check for high CPU/disk usage processes. End unnecessary tasks.

Step 2. Disable unnecessary startup programs: Task Manager > "Startup" tab > right-click > "Disable".

Step 3. Run disk cleanup: press Win + R, type cleanmgr, select your system drive, and remove temporary files.

Step 4. Update chipset, storage, and graphics drivers from your PC manufacturer's website.

Step 5. If you're using an HDD, consider cloning to an SSD for a major performance boost.

Fix 3: Printer Not Working

Printer issues are among the most reported 24H2 problems. Try these solutions:

Step 1. Remove and reinstall the printer: Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > select the printer > "Remove" > then "Add device".

Step 2. Download the latest printer driver from the manufacturer's website (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, Lexmark). Windows Update drivers may not be fully compatible.

Step 3. Run the Printer Troubleshooter: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Printer.

Step 4. If the printer uses a USB connection, try a different USB port or cable. For network printers, restart the router and printer.

Step 5. Clear the print spooler: open Services (Win + R > services.msc), find "Print Spooler", right-click > "Stop", then delete files in C:\Windows\System32\spool\PRINTERS, then right-click > "Start".

Fix 4: File Explorer Crashes

File Explorer may crash or freeze after the 24H2 update due to corrupted cache or incompatible shell extensions.

Step 1. Clear File Explorer history: Settings > Privacy & security > File Explorer > Clear history.

Step 2. Restart Windows Explorer: Task Manager > find "Windows Explorer" > right-click > "Restart".

Step 3. Run SFC scan: open Windows Terminal (Admin) and run sfc /scannow.

Step 4. Disable third-party shell extensions (cloud storage sync apps like OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive can conflict). Right-click the app's system tray icon and pause sync, then check if File Explorer works.

Fix 5: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Issues

Wi-Fi disconnections and Bluetooth pairing failures are common after 24H2 update.

Step 1. Update network and Bluetooth drivers: Device Manager > "Network adapters" and "Bluetooth" > right-click > "Update driver" or "Roll Back Driver".

Step 2. Run the Network Troubleshooter: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Network and Internet.

Step 3. Reset network settings: Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset > "Reset now". Your PC will restart.

Step 4. Download the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers from your laptop manufacturer's website.

Fix 6: Update Installation Failures

If the 24H2 update fails to install or gets stuck at a percentage:

Step 1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update.

Step 2. Clear the Windows Update cache: open Windows Terminal (Admin) and run:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

Step 3. Download the 24H2 update directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog and install it manually.

Step 4. Disconnect all external devices (USB drives, printers) before updating.

Fix 7: Game Compatibility and Stuttering

Some games experience stuttering, FPS drops, or compatibility issues after 24H2.

Step 1. Update your graphics driver to the latest version (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).

Step 2. Disable Game Mode if it causes stuttering: Settings > Gaming > Game Mode > toggle off.

Step 3. Update the game to the latest version or verify game files in Steam/Epic Games.

Step 4. Run the game in compatibility mode: right-click the game executable > Properties > Compatibility > "Run this program in compatibility mode for" > select Windows 10.

Step 5. For games using anti-cheat software, check for updates—some anti-cheat programs are not yet compatible with 24H2.

Fix 8: Roll Back from 24H2

If none of the fixes work, you can roll back to the previous Windows version. This must be done within 10 days of the 24H2 update.

Step 1. Go to Settings > System > Recovery.

Step 2. Under "Recovery options", click "Go back" next to "Previous version of Windows".

Step 3. Follow the prompts to complete the rollback.

If 10 days have passed, use System Restore (if you created a restore point before the update) or reinstall Windows from a USB using your previous version.

Important
Before rolling back or reinstalling, back up your important files using Qiling Backup to prevent data loss.

FAQs About Windows 11 24H2 Problems

Is Windows 11 24H2 stable now?

Yes, 24H2 is now stable after multiple cumulative updates from Microsoft. Most early bugs have been patched. However, some users may still experience issues due to specific hardware/driver combinations.

Should I install Windows 11 24H2?

If your PC is running well on 23H2, you can wait. But 24H2 includes security patches and performance improvements. Before updating, create a system backup with Qiling Backup so you can roll back if needed.

How do I fix BSOD after Windows 11 24H2 update?

Update all device drivers, run SFC and DISM scans, and check for the specific .sys file in the BSOD error. If the BSOD persists, roll back to the previous version. See Fix 1 and Fix 8 above.

Why is my printer not working after 24H2 update?

The 24H2 update may have replaced your printer driver with an incompatible one. Remove the printer, download the latest driver from the manufacturer's website, and reinstall. See Fix 3 for detailed steps.

Can I uninstall Windows 11 24H2?

Yes, within 10 days of installation. Go to Settings > System > Recovery > "Go back". After 10 days, use System Restore or reinstall Windows from a USB with your previous version.

Back Up and Restore Windows with Qiling Disk Master

Before you install the 24H2 update, roll it back, or change drivers to work around its problems, create a full system backup. Feature updates and rollbacks change system files and drivers across the board, so a system image is the fastest way to return to a known-good state. Qiling Disk Master handles both the backup and the restore.

Part 1: Create a Full System Backup

Step 1. Install and open Qiling Disk Master. On the home screen, open "Backup and Recovery" and choose "System Backup". This option automatically includes Windows and the hidden boot partitions, so you do not have to select them one by one.

open Backup and Recovery in Qiling Disk Master

Step 2. Check the source. The disk where Windows is installed and its system partitions are already ticked for you. If you only need your personal documents, run a separate "File Backup" task instead.

choose System Backup to protect Windows 11

Step 3. Click the destination box and choose where the image should be saved. Use an external HDD or SSD, a NAS, or any drive other than the one you are about to repair, and make sure it has enough free space.

select an external drive as the system backup destination

Step 4. Review the task summary and click "Proceed". Wait until the progress bar reaches 100%. Do not unplug the drive or turn off the PC while the backup is running.

click Proceed to start the system backup

Part 2: Restore Windows from the Backup

Step 1. Open Qiling Disk Master again, go to "Backup and Recovery", and select the recovery option. Your backup images are listed, so pick the one you created before the repair.

select the system backup image to restore

Step 2. Choose the target disk or partition. Normally you restore to the original system disk. If the drive was replaced, select the new disk instead, and the restore rebuilds Windows together with its boot partitions.

choose the target disk for the system restore

Step 3. Preview the restore plan, click "Proceed", and confirm the warning. The PC restarts to finish the job, and Windows comes back exactly as it was on the day the image was created.

preview the restore plan before proceeding

Note
Keep the backup image on a separate drive, and refresh it before every major change, such as a Windows update, a driver upgrade, or a disk operation.

Conclusion

Windows 11 24H2 problems are common after any major update, but most can be fixed by updating drivers, running SFC/DISM scans, and using built-in troubleshooters. If a specific issue persists, rolling back to the previous version is a reliable fallback. Always create a system backup before major updates so you can restore quickly if something goes wrong.

Protect your PC with Qiling Backup—create a system image before your next Windows update.

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