Windows 11 has a very different look and feel to Windows 10, but the steady stream of bugs has continued. Following the latest optional security update (KB5012643) from 26 April, users have reported problems with installation and a corrupted safe mode. A fix isn’t likely until ‘Patch Tuesday’ next week, so most people should avoid it for now.
There are two bugs here, but the first kicks in before you can even install it. In Microsoft’s official forums, several people say they haven’t been able to get the KB5012643 update running on their device. Some suggest the problems begin when installation begins, while the download freezes while in progress for others. The latter is what happened to user John Sedona, with Windows Update Troubleshooter even suggesting the problem was detected and fixed.
Another key issue affects Safe Mode. This is typically used to access key functions when there’s an issue with your computer, but many users haven’t been able to get that far. Whether you see lots of flashing windows or it crashes completely, it seems to be completely broken.
There’s no official fix for either, so you’ll have to wait for the next Windows 11 update or try to go back to the previous version. It’s also worth trying workarounds suggested on the Microsoft forums, but there’s no guarantee they’ll work.
Windows 10 screenshot bug
Not wanting to be left out, there’s also a new bug affecting Windows 10 devices. When trying to take screenshots using the Snip & Sketch tool, the window crashes instead of displaying the usual UI. However, you can still take screenshots using other methods.
Microsoft has officially acknowledged the problem in relation to the KB5022599 update (12 April), but the issue can be traced back as far as version KB5010342 from 8 February. The company says it’s investigating the bug, but there’s no estimate as to when a patch will be available.
Windows 11 22H2 update on the way soon
The next few Windows 11 updates will probably be security patches, but its first major feature update isn’t far away. Version 22H2 will deliver several key features that Microsoft has already announced, including folders within the Start menu, new touch controls and the return of drag and drop to the taskbar.
The Verge’s Tom Warren, who has a strong track record for Microsoft news, says the company is “getting close to finalizing” the update. A specific release date isn’t yet known, but rumours suggest it’ll be available around July 2022. However, as usual, the full rollout will likely take several months.
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Author: Anyron Copeman, Senior Staff Writer
As the resident expert on Windows, Senior Staff Writer Anyron’s main focus is PCs and laptops. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices.