Windows 11 24H2, the latest major update for Microsoft’s operating system, has been causing a range of issues since its rollout over a month ago. Users have experienced connectivity problems, blue screen crashes, and failed rescue patches, leading Microsoft to temporarily block the update on affected devices. These issues have prompted widespread frustration as users try to navigate through the update’s disruptions.
Alongside these persistent problems, another issue has emerged, this time involving Microsoft Office applications like Word and Excel. After updating to Windows 11 24H2, some users have reported that these Office apps crash and become unusable. The issue appears to be linked specifically to devices running CrowdStrike’s antivirus software, Falcon Sensor. This particular issue has been identified as affecting only those using CrowdStrike’s security solution, causing further concerns for enterprise users.
Windows 11 24H2 Update Faces Widespread Issues, Office App Crashes, and Antivirus Conflicts
The root cause of the problem lies in a conflict between Windows 11 24H2 and the “Enhanced Exploitation Visibility Prevention Policy” setting within CrowdStrike’s antivirus. This feature, part of the Falcon sensor’s advanced cybersecurity mechanisms, triggers crashes when enabled on systems that have been updated to the latest Windows version. As of now, it remains unclear whether this problem extends to other antivirus software.
In response to the issue, Microsoft has placed affected devices on a list of those blocked from receiving the 24H2 update. The company is collaborating with CrowdStrike to find a resolution. In the meantime, CrowdStrike has temporarily disabled the problematic policy setting, which has alleviated the crashes for impacted users while a more permanent fix is in development.
This isn’t the first time Microsoft has had to partner with third-party companies to address bugs in the Windows 11 24H2 update. Earlier, they worked with SSD manufacturers to fix hardware crashes affecting some devices. However, this latest issue is mostly limited to managed IT environments and organizational users. Personal users experiencing other problems with the update may want to consider rolling back to a previous Windows version until a fix is fully deployed.
