Windows 11 Update KB5046617 Plagued with Installation Errors and Bugs
Users of Windows 11 version 24H2 have encountered significant issues following the installation of the November cumulative update. Patch KB5046617, released last week, fails to install on many systems, often halting mid-process and displaying cryptic error codes 0x800f0991 and 0x800f0922.
In some cases, the update appears to complete successfully, only for a failure message to later appear in the Windows Update history. One Reddit user reported even stranger behavior: the patch repeatedly reinstalled itself despite each attempt seemingly concluding without errors.
Complaints about these bugs have inundated popular online platforms, including the Microsoft Answers forum. Frustrated users are sharing their negative experiences and brainstorming potential fixes.
The November update was intended to resolve a persistent issue with black screens occurring during Alt-Tab application switching. While the fix worked for some, many users continue to struggle with this inconvenience.
Gamers have reported HDR color distortion, with visuals appearing excessively bright. Furthermore, certain systems have started rebooting spontaneously, not only during gameplay but also during routine tasks.
After installing KB5046617, some users experienced missing taskbar icons. Owners of USB devices connected via hubs reported that their peripherals had become non-functional.
An additional issue has affected Lenovo laptop owners, whose keyboards and touchpads ceased to work. Experts suggest disabling the Fast Startup feature as a temporary workaround.
For users still plagued by slow Alt-Tab transitions, two potential solutions have been suggested: disabling Game Mode or updating graphics card drivers. This advice is particularly relevant for NVIDIA GPU users, though it may also benefit those with AMD or Intel cards.
Forum discussions have raised questions about whether the update is truly failing in cases where error messages appear post-installation. Users are attempting to discern whether to trust the system’s initial success notifications or rely on subsequent error alerts.
Analysts note that Windows 11 update issues are a recurring theme, but the current situation—with conflicting system messages—stands out as particularly unusual, warranting closer attention from developers.
Many are hopeful that the next patch will arrive promptly, addressing both lingering and new problems in version 24H2. The community humorously compares Microsoft’s update process to a game of “whack-a-mole,” where fixing one issue seems to spawn several new ones.
