Windows 11 July Update Breaks Bitlocker, Forces Recovery

[Qwerty101]

Delay installing non critical updates for a while after they roll out. Longer delay = better quality and stability.

Do not install launch versions of any os regardless if Linux, macOS, Windows etc. always wait for the .1 release if possible.

Determine how actually “critical” an update is to YOU not how it’s labeled by the vendor. Security circumstances differ wildly between different people and organisations.

This should be common knowledge at this point

Case in point: I updated Windows 10 on the control PC of a specialised measuring machine. It’s an OFFLINE machine so I had to connect it to the net specifically to update it because I’m “smart”

The update broke the software & thus the machine so I had to spend multiple days with service techs remote accessing it and whatnot. To restore the status quo.

Why did I update an offline machine ?!?! Lessons learned.

 

[bitsandboots]

Just a week ago I was reading someone who used to work at microsoft saying they wouldn't make mistakes as big as cloudstrike because they would do in-team testing before pushing to a larger team, then larger until public.
But, hey on the plus side at least despite microsoft's best attempts, it remains possible to not be forced to update windows as soon as they want you to.

Microsoft just can't give anyone a break, can they?

Or, they're giving plenty of breaks. Office workers around the world turning to youtube on phone in times of blue screens.

 

[Dr_b_]

MS doesn't have to make quality a priority, as they outsource all their code development to maximize profit and shareholder value and eliminate QA, their near monopolistic lock on the desktop environment, hegemony in the business world, all but insures their need not to care.

 

[Zareek]

Me had issues because they took away Real Mode, which crashed some stuff for sure. Paved the way for Xp, which didn’t allow that either.
Vista was maligned by a new driver model which some vendors failed to properly support. I didn’t mind Vista, and really all the things Vista forced (many out of necessity) were mostly adopted by the time W7 came out.
Windows 8 was at least solid underneath. The UI was just atrocious. Start8+Win8 was a killer combo, IMO.

Start menu fixes like Start 8 and fixed the awful UI design decisions, but if I remember correctly there were a lot of issues that 8.1 fixed as well. Windows 10 was the real fix for Windows 8. Windows 11 doesn't crash on me, but I still strongly dislike it. I've really tried to like it, but nope, it just keeps giving me reasons to not like it. I think I'd be on a Mac for my non-gaming compute if they'd stop soldering everything down!

 

[chrcoluk]

Me had issues because they took away Real Mode, which crashed some stuff for sure. Paved the way for Xp, which didn’t allow that either.
Vista was maligned by a new driver model which some vendors failed to properly support. I didn’t mind Vista, and really all the things Vista forced (many out of necessity) were mostly adopted by the time W7 came out.
Windows 8 was at least solid underneath. The UI was just atrocious. Start8+Win8 was a killer combo, IMO.

Vista and 8 are interesting, hated by the masses, but both had introductions that have persisted in Windows for many years. Vista introduced mandatory 64 bit drivers, enhanced security model, various WDDM enhancements, overhaul of sound processing, and other niceties, but it kind of came too early for the strength of hardware at the time and certain things were not yet optimised, which they would be by the final service pack and Windows 7. 8 introduced extra things such as app containers, and the modern app framework. But ruined by Microsoft misjudging win32's future and how important desktop UI is to people.

 

[Wirko]

Do not install launch versions of any

You're preaching to a big and loud choir of heretics here. I'm amazed how often I read the following at TPU: "I've had this [OS|CPU|GPU] since launch day. No issues, ever!" Alright, an adventure is an adventure, whatever happens is not a problem.

This has become yet another Windows 11 Annoyances thread, unsurprisingly. We have the main Windows 11 Annoyances thread too, one of the longest threads here, with a nice name: Windows 11 General Discussion.

 

[Darmok N Jalad]

Start menu fixes like Start 8 and fixed the awful UI design decisions, but if I remember correctly there were a lot of issues that 8.1 fixed as well. Windows 10 was the real fix for Windows 8. Windows 11 doesn't crash on me, but I still strongly dislike it. I've really tried to like it, but nope, it just keeps giving me reasons to not like it. I think I'd be on a Mac for my non-gaming compute if they'd stop soldering everything down!

Mac user here, and I'm waiting for the 2019 pro to keep coming down. It will be more power than I'll ever need, with the ability to do some upgrades. It won't really start getting cheap until it falls off the latest version of macOS, but I'm not as concerned running a few editions of macOS behind. They get updates where it matters. Really anything Monterey or later is pretty solid. I've used OpenCore to get Monterey on my 2010 Mac Pro, and it's still pretty decent as an everyday machine and photo editor.

Vista and 8 are interesting, hated by the masses, but both had introductions that have persisted in Windows for many years. Vista introduced mandatory 64 bit drivers, enhanced security model, various WDDM enhancements, overhaul of sound processing, and other niceties, but it kind of came too early for the strength of hardware at the time and certain things were not yet optimised, which they would be by the final service pack and Windows 7. 8 introduced extra things such as app containers, and the modern app framework. But ruined by Microsoft misjudging win32's future and how important desktop UI is to people.

One issue with Vista was that NVIDIA refused to make nForce drivers for it, and that was a big contributor to the crashes. NVIDIA gave up the chipset game shortly after. Once AMD bought ATi, I think the writing was on the wall that they were the odd man out. Probably contributed to them not bothering with Vista drivers.

 

[Minus Infinity]

Got to say, the biggest reason I don't want to downgrade from 10 to 11 is Microsoft's amazing ability to fuck up virtually every update for 11 in comically bad ways. These guys are an utter joke under Nadella. I didn't think it could get worse than under Balmer.

 

[Darmok N Jalad]

Got to say, the biggest reason I don't want to downgrade from 10 to 11 is Microsoft's amazing ability to fuck up virtually every update for 11 in comically bad ways. These guys are an utter joke under Nadella. I didn't think it could get worse than under Balmer.

At least Ballmer was passionate about Windows. He just missed on mobile, which set back Microsoft severely. If feels like Nadela doesn't like Windows at all, but rather what Windows can be turned into for advertising partners.

 

[lexluthermiester]

The Windows 11 "patch Tuesday" update for July 2024 breaks Bitlocker drive encryption....The KB5040442 causes Bitlocker to forget its own password, forcing you to clear the Bitlocker Recovery process.

An update borking a Windows install? You don't say. What a shocker.

Bravo microsoft.
Every day that passes is a new incident that further convinces me to get a linux laptop if I ever need one.

You don't need to go that far. Just disable updates forcibly, download and install important updates manually.

 

[azrael]

DAMMIT, Windows Home users! You had ONE job. Making sure to properly test for corporate. Why else do you think you're used for beta testing...

 

[DrCrow]

Microsoft is like headless chicken, hits a wall wherever it goes and still hasn't realized that can't see without head.They turned a brand like Windows into a product that everyone hates.

 

[Zareek]

They turned a brand like Windows into a product that everyone hates.

I've been saying this for several years now. At one point in time I was a Windows enthusiast, I loved Windows and every new version was like an adventure. Now I loathe Windows. The way M$ is going, I expect to eventually be on a Mac or on Linux for my daily desktop use.

 

[stimpy88]

R.I.P Microsoft. 2024 is officially the year when it's totally obvious you no longer have any real talent left in your company that's worth a damn.

A.I. A.I. A.I. Everything else literally burns to the ground...

 

[Qwerty101]

I'veThe way M$ is going, I expect to eventually be on a Mac or on Linux for my daily desktop use.

macOS on apple silicone is so much better for all day to day tasks and general data processing with python. Adobe’s extortionate Creative Cloud works just as well if not better (haven’t used it on windows in a while).

All the tasks I regularly do are completely effortless and I don’t need to do any sys admin stuff. Literally zero stuff done outside what I actually want to use or do.

Linux for big iron data processing when multi terabytes of ram and 100+ cores are a minimum.

FreeBSD and the specialised Linux distros are amazing for powerful and flexible NAS with ZFS.

OpenBSD if you want the best router/firewall/network services.

No amount of Copilot Pro/Ultra/Mega and AI integration will make windows a better tool for these jobs. It’s a clunky and full of annoyances OS.

Windows is for me is used only for work equipment that works with an attached Windows box. A clunky ERP system I’m in the process of replacing. And playing 10+ old games (I.e. the best games ). But Wine/Proton has actually replaced windows there.

 

[stimpy88]

macOS on apple silicone is so much better for all day to day tasks and general data processing with python. Adobe’s extortionate Creative Cloud works just as well if not better (haven’t used it on windows in a while).

All the tasks I regularly do are completely effortless and I don’t need to do any sys admin stuff. Literally zero stuff done outside what I actually want to use or do.

Linux for big iron data processing when multi terabytes of ram and 100+ cores are a minimum.

FreeBSD and the specialised Linux distros are amazing for powerful and flexible NAS with ZFS.

OpenBSD if you want the best router/firewall/network services.

No amount of Copilot Pro/Ultra/Mega and AI integration will make windows a better tool for these jobs. It’s a clunky and full of annoyances OS.

Windows is for me is used only for work equipment that works with an attached Windows box. A clunky ERP system I’m in the process of replacing. And playing 10+ old games (I.e. the best games ). But Wine/Proton has actually replaced windows there.

Apple Intelligence is coming to MacOS, is it not? Pulling your leg a little, but it will be interesting if Apple's approach is better than Microsoft's. I'm sure it will be.

Microsoft are so amateur these days, and far too fast rushing into things before they can make it work properly, and before they even know if everyday users actually want it or not.

 

[Qwerty101]

Apple Intelligence is coming to MacOS, is it not? Pulling your leg a little, but it will be interesting if Apple's approach is better than Microsoft's. I'm sure it will be.

True

But outside of any AI/LLM integration my macOS computers do all tasks I want them to perfectly with zero tech admin baby sitting from me. I strangely have not a single thing to complain about. Zero.

And I am a person who can complain about minor bugs and annoyances for weeks...

Outside of any AI/LLM windows is an unpleasant tool that will get the job done if I wrestle with it hard enough but it annoys/impedes me at any step of the way.

If AI is completely useless on macOS for me it does not change any of the core benefits or issues.

 

[Ordy]

This DOES effect windows 10 as well.
Had multiple clients computers need to be restored in the last few days, though it's easy enough with the codes backed up.

 

[Totally]

Between Intel, Microsoft (plus Crowdstrike) & QC's poor(?) launch there's probably never been a better time to buy a Mac

On the hardware side of things Macs are having their fair crashing issues too, hence why they jumped from M3 > M4 almost immediately. Feels like we're in some sort of dark age.

 

[stimpy88]

On the hardware side of things Macs are having their fair crashing issues too, hence why they jumped from M3 > M4 almost immediately. Feels like we're in some sort of dark age.

I think the demand for more features and performance outweigh TSMCs ability to improve their manufactory process in a timelier manner. We are going through an age of vast demand for features that are not able to be baked in the oven long enough before they are released to the public. A.I. catching the hardware industry almost by surprise, and competition in the CPU industry has directly influenced this.

But regarding Macs, by biggest issue with them is the awful graphics performance and not being able to upgrade it, not to mention crazy prices which do not reflect the performance of the machine.

 

[Zareek]

macOS on apple silicone is so much better for all day to day tasks and general data processing with python. Adobe’s extortionate Creative Cloud works just as well if not better (haven’t used it on windows in a while).

All the tasks I regularly do are completely effortless and I don’t need to do any sys admin stuff. Literally zero stuff done outside what I actually want to use or do.

Linux for big iron data processing when multi terabytes of ram and 100+ cores are a minimum.

FreeBSD and the specialised Linux distros are amazing for powerful and flexible NAS with ZFS.

OpenBSD if you want the best router/firewall/network services.

No amount of Copilot Pro/Ultra/Mega and AI integration will make windows a better tool for these jobs. It’s a clunky and full of annoyances OS.

Windows is for me is used only for work equipment that works with an attached Windows box. A clunky ERP system I’m in the process of replacing. And playing 10+ old games (I.e. the best games ). But Wine/Proton has actually replaced windows there.

I cannot argue your points. My job has me working with Linux and Windows servers. I know what Linux can do as a server versus the comically bad Windows Server OS. I would already own a modern Mac if Apple didn't insist on soldering everything down. At the very least, not charge $200 for 8 more Gigs of RAM or another $200 for 256GB of extra disk space. I just can't pull the trigger on it.

 

[tommo1982]

macOS on apple silicone is so much better for all day to day tasks and general data processing with python. Adobe’s extortionate Creative Cloud works just as well if not better (haven’t used it on windows in a while).

All the tasks I regularly do are completely effortless and I don’t need to do any sys admin stuff. Literally zero stuff done outside what I actually want to use or do.

Linux for big iron data processing when multi terabytes of ram and 100+ cores are a minimum.

FreeBSD and the specialised Linux distros are amazing for powerful and flexible NAS with ZFS.

OpenBSD if you want the best router/firewall/network services.

No amount of Copilot Pro/Ultra/Mega and AI integration will make windows a better tool for these jobs. It’s a clunky and full of annoyances OS.

Windows is for me is used only for work equipment that works with an attached Windows box. A clunky ERP system I’m in the process of replacing. And playing 10+ old games (I.e. the best games ). But Wine/Proton has actually replaced windows there.

One doesn't need an Apple PC worth thousands of dollars for everyday use. You regural Joe needs a simple PC and a Linux distro will suffice, like Mint. Linux distros matured enough to do everything a web browsin, facebook reading person needs.
I find Windows to be the most problematic for people. It doesn't know what it is, a server, a desktop OS, a whatever. One changes a setting and bam, reinstall because no matter what you do the OS remains unstable.
I bought iPad 6 to play with iOS, but found it infuriating. It's made to work the way Apple envisioned it, so deal with it. I can't... not after so many years setting every device the way I want it to work.

 

[trparky]

I've been saying this for several years now. At one point in time I was a Windows enthusiast, I loved Windows and every new version was like an adventure. Now I loathe Windows. The way M$ is going, I expect to eventually be on a Mac or on Linux for my daily desktop use.

Me too. I'm finding that gaming is becoming less and less of a thing for me as I grow older so I may very well end up on the Mac.

 

[R0H1T]

But outside of any AI/LLM integration my macOS computers do all tasks I want them to perfectly with zero tech admin baby sitting from me. I strangely have not a single thing to complain about. Zero.

Well, there is ~ limited RAM & non upgradable storage. On a base Mac Mini with just 2 browsers & a dozen or so tabs(combined) I've hit 3-4GB swap often. Now it's not that big of a deal on Windows because you can upgrade RAM in most cases but not for Mac & I've felt the massive slowdown when it's running out of RAM probably the first time in a long long time!

I could somewhat accept the thing about soldered RAM because that's how Mxx chips are designed but non upgradeable storage is a total BS move by Apple!

 

[Qwerty101]

Well, there is ~ limited RAM & non upgradable storage. On a base Mac Mini with just 2 browsers & a dozen or so tabs(combined) I've hit 3-4GB swap often.

Strange, on my M1 MacBook Pro 8GB with 256GB ssd I just checked and I have:

4 Firefox windows with 62, 24, 8, and 4 tabs. 98 tabs total. I use ublock origings on Firefox.

Safari is also opened with 3 windows: 12, 11 and 8 tabs. No ad blocker.

Many are heavy multimedia websites, YouTube and so on.

Adobe Creative Cloud is installed with multiple processes that run all the time regardless of apps used.

TG Pro for advanced fan monitoring and control is also running.

6.8GB are used and it drops from time to time. Zero swap.

No slowdowns whatsoever. Perfect responsiveness whatever I do.

On my Mac Studio with 32GB of RAM I have ran python data processing code that required about 200+ gigabytes of RAM. Swap was used but the machine ran like a charm.

For what it’s worth my iPhone 15 pro max has 8GB of RAM and I have 700+ tabs opened in Safari in multiple groups with perfect responsiveness. There I use adguard free version.

One doesn't need an Apple PC worth thousands of dollars for everyday use. You regural Joe needs a simple PC and a Linux distro will suffice, like Mint. Linux distros matured enough to do everything a web browsin, facebook reading person needs.

The cheapest new Mac mini is below 500$ with M2 processor and 8GB of unified memory (I.e. better than my low end MacBook Pro M1). See my post above on my ram use just now.

As someone who has installed and serviced Ubuntu and Linux in general for relatives, the Mac is a way better option. It is virtually problem and maintenance free with commercial software available if needed.

Ubuntu has had issues when updating between non LTS versions. The relatives had issues upgrading LibreOffice and other software when the repositories ran behind the official release.

Many small niggles that were easy for me but not for them.

When I moved them to Mac minis all my family sysadmin calls ended after the first week.