Unable to install security updates after freshly installing Windows 11? You're not alone

Windows Update

(Image credit: Windows Central)

If you recently installed Windows 11 and are now unable to install more recent security updates, you're not alone. It looks like a bug in recent Windows 11 installation media is causing all future security updates to fail during the installation phase, leaving you stuck on an older Windows 11 security update.

Microsoft is aware of the issue, and says it's caused by using Windows 11 installation media with the October 2024 or November 2024 security patch included. That means if you installed Windows 11 using the installation media tool in the last couple of months, you may be unable to install newer security updates currently.

Zac Bowden
Senior Editor

Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central and has been with the site since 2016. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows, Surface, and hardware. He's also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch on Twitter and Threads