Microsoft has temporarily halted the rollout of the Windows 11 version 24H2 feature update across certain PCs due to ongoing issues affecting performance and compatibility. This pause applies to machines encountering slowdowns, crashes, and freezes after installing the update (reddit.com).

Why Microsoft Hit the Pause Button

Evidence from user reports and support forums indicates that some PCs are experiencing severe lag and instability following the upgrade to 24H2. Tasks such as booting, launching applications, and navigating the interface have become sluggish or unresponsive .

Further investigations suggest that encrypted drives (via BitLocker) may contribute to slowdowns, and that PCs with only 8 GB of RAM are particularly prone to performance bottlenecks .

Microsoft’s Improvements Beneath the Hood

Despite these issues, Microsoft has introduced significant performance optimizations in version 24H2:

• Faster updates: Innovations in the Windows Update servicing stack have cut installation times by approximately 45 percent, with restart agility improving by about 40 percent (tomshardware.com, petri.com).
• Lower CPU usage: The update process now consumes up to 25 percent less CPU and fine-tunes memory use during installation (tomshardware.com).
• Smaller downloads: Feature updates are now around 200 MB lighter, thanks to conditional downloads of Microsoft apps (windowslatest.com).

When Will the Update Resume?

Microsoft is currently working to identify and resolve conflicts related to specific hardware configurations, including games from Ubisoft and PCs running Intel or lacking sufficient RAM (theverge.com). The update will resume once these issues are adequately addressed and compatibility is restored.

What Users Should Do Now

• If your device hasn’t received 24H2 yet, consider delaying the upgrade until Microsoft lifts the block.
• If 24H2 was already installed and you’re experiencing performance problems:
  • Roll back to version 23H2 via Windows Settings → System → Recovery → “Go back.”
  • Monitor patch notes and driver updates for fixes resolving the halted rollout.
  • Ensure your system meets the updated requirements, including a minimum of 16 GB RAM for best performance.

Final Thoughts

Windows 11 24H2 delivers major improvements to update efficiency and management. However, real-world compatibility issues—especially on older hardware or specific configurations—have prompted Microsoft to pause the rollout on affected machines. Exercise caution, and if you’re experiencing degraded performance, reverting to the previous version is recommended until a stable release is confirmed.