Facing Problems After the Latest Windows 11 Update? Common Issues and Easy Fixes

Are you looking to fix Windows 11 update issues after installing the latest cumulative update? You’re not alone! While updates are important for security and new features, sometimes they can cause unexpected problems.

The latest Windows 11 update, known as Windows 11 Version 24H2, brought several changes, but it also seems to have caused a few headaches for some users.

Don’t worry! In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the most common issues people are facing after this update and provide simple, step-by-step fixes.

Why Do Windows Updates Sometimes Cause Problems?

Think of a Windows update like giving your computer new instructions. Most of the time, these instructions work perfectly with all the different parts of your computer (hardware) and other programs you use (software).

However, because there are so many different types of computers and programs out there, sometimes the new instructions in the update don’t quite get along with something specific on your PC. This can lead to things not working correctly.

First Step: Know Which Update You Have

To help figure out what’s going wrong, it’s useful to know exactly which update caused the issue.

1. Go to Settings. (You can find this by clicking the Start button and then the gear icon).
2. Click on Windows Update in the left menu.
3. Click on Update history.
4. Look for the most recent update listed, especially under “Quality Updates” or “Feature Updates.” Note down its KB number (it starts with KB).

Now, let’s look at some common Windows 11 update issues and how to fix them.

Common Problem 1: Computer Feels Slow or Sluggish

After the latest Windows 11 update, some users have noticed their PC isn’t as fast as it used to be. Programs might take longer to open, or everything just feels a bit laggy.

How to Fix Performance Issues:

1. Restart Your PC: It sounds simple, but a fresh start can fix many temporary problems.
2. Check Startup Apps: Too many programs starting automatically can slow things down.
   • Right-click the Start button and select Task Manager.
   • Click on “Startup apps.”
   • Look at the “Startup impact” column. If it’s “High,” and you don’t need the app to start right away, right-click it and select “Disable.”
3. Run Disk Cleanup: This removes temporary files that build up.
   • Search for “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu and open it.
   • Select your main drive (usually C:).
   • Click “Clean up system files” and select your main drive again.
   • Tick the boxes for file types you want to remove (like “Temporary files,” “Temporary Internet Files,” “Delivery Optimization Files”). Be careful not to select “Downloads” unless you mean to delete them!
   • Click “OK” and then “Delete Files.”

Common Problem 2: Internet or Wi-Fi Not Working

Another frustrating issue after a Windows 11 update can be losing your internet connection. Your Wi-Fi might not connect, or your wired connection stops working.

How to Fix Network Problems:

1. Restart Your Router and Modem: Unplug both for about 30 seconds, then plug the modem back in first. Wait for it to fully start (lights stable), then plug in the router. Wait for it to start, then try connecting your PC.
2. Run the Network Troubleshooter: Windows has built-in tools to find and fix network issues.
   • Go to Settings > Network & internet.
   • Scroll down and click on “Advanced network settings.”
   • Click on “Network troubleshooter.” Follow the on-screen steps.
3. Update Network Drivers: Sometimes, the update causes your network adapter drivers to become outdated or corrupted.
   • Search for “Device Manager” in the Start menu and open it.
   • Expand “Network adapters.”
   • Right-click on your Wi-Fi adapter and your Ethernet adapter (if you have one) and select “Update driver.”
   • Choose “Search automatically for drivers.” If Windows finds a new driver, install it.
   • (Advanced): If Windows doesn’t find one, you might need to visit your computer manufacturer’s website (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) or the network card manufacturer’s website (Intel, Realtek, etc.) to download the latest driver manually.
   • For more official help from Microsoft, visit: Microsoft Support: Fix network connection issues in Windows.

Common Problem 3: Apps Crashing or Not Opening

Did a specific program stop working correctly after the latest Windows 11 update?

How to Fix App Issues:

1. Restart the App: Close the app completely (check Task Manager too) and try opening it again.
2. Restart Your PC: Again, a simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.  
3. Check for App Updates: The app itself might need an update to be fully compatible with the new Windows version. Check the Microsoft Store or the app’s own update function.
4. Run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter:
   • Search for “Run programs made for previous versions of Windows” in the Start menu and open it.
   • Click “Next.”
   • Select the app that’s having problems and click “Next.”
   • Choose “Troubleshoot program.” Follow the steps it suggests.
5. Reinstall the App: If nothing else works, uninstalling and then reinstalling the app might fix the deeper issue.

Common Problem 4: Display or Graphics Problems

Sometimes, after an update, your screen might look strange, have flickering, or certain visual effects might not work correctly.

How to Fix Display/Graphics Issues:

1. Update Graphics Drivers: This is one of the most common causes of display problems after an OS update.
   • Search for “Device Manager” in the Start menu and open it.
   • Expand “Display adapters.”
   • Right-click on your graphics card (you might have Intel, NVIDIA, AMD, etc.) and select “Update driver.”  
   • Choose “Search automatically for drivers.”
   • (Recommended): For graphics drivers, it’s often best to download the latest drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) as they are usually more up-to-date than what Windows finds automatically.
2. Adjust Display Resolution: Make sure your screen is set to its recommended resolution.
   • Go to Settings > System > Display.
   • Under “Display resolution,” make sure the setting marked “(Recommended)” is selected.

If Specific Fixes Don’t Work: General Troubleshooting Steps

If the common issues above don’t match what you’re seeing, or the suggested fixes didn’t help, try these general steps:

1. Check for Later Updates: Sometimes, a quick follow-up update is released to fix problems caused by the main one. Go to Settings > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.”
2. Run Windows Troubleshooters: Windows has many built-in troubleshooters for various problems. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Explore the list and run troubleshooters relevant to your issue (like “Hardware and Devices,” “Playing Audio,” “Windows Update”).  
3. Use System Restore: This is a powerful tool that can take your computer’s system files back to an earlier time, before the update.
   • Search for “Create a restore point” in the Start menu and open it.
   • Click the “System Restore…” button.
   • Click “Next” and choose a restore point created before you installed the problematic update.
   • Follow the on-screen steps. Important: System Restore doesn’t affect your personal files (documents, photos), but it will uninstall programs, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was created.

Still Stuck?

If you’ve tried these steps and your problems continue after the latest Windows 11 update, it might be a more complex issue. Consider searching online forums like the official Microsoft Community or relevant tech forums, mentioning the exact Windows 11 version and the specific problem you’re facing.

For those interested in seeing what changes are coming and potentially accessing fixes before they are widely released, you can also learn how to install Windows 11 preview builds.

Conclusion

Dealing with issues after a Windows update can be annoying, but often the fixes are quite simple. We hope this guide helped you fix Windows 11 update issues you might have been facing after the latest update.

Remember that keeping your system and drivers updated is key to a smooth experience.

Did you face a different issue? Or did one of these fixes work for you? Let us know in the comments below! Your experience might help others!