Windows 11 23H2 known issues blocking upgrade

Check out the list of known issues found on Windows 11 23H2 (2023 Update).

Windows 11 23H2 known issues
Windows 11 23H2 known issues
  • Microsoft’s complete list of the Windows 11 23H2 known issues.
  • The latest release doesn’t include issues blocking the installation.
  • You shouldn’t try to upgrade if one or multiple problems are confirmed.

UPDATED 2/28/2024: On October 31, 2023, Microsoft began the gradual rollout of the Windows 11 2023 Update (version 23H2), which represents the second feature update for the operating system that brings a slew of new features and changes and reset the support cycle for another 24 months for the Home and Pro editions and 36 months for the Enterprise and Educations editions. In addition to the release, the software giant lists the known issues affecting some devices.

The complete list of known issues for Windows 11 23H2 is available on the health dashboard page, and at the time of this writing, no problems are blocking the upgrade. However, you may experience issues updating version 23H2 to the latest cumulative update.

Known issues affecting Windows 11 23H2

Here’s the list of confirmed issues blocking the Windows 11 23H2 upgrade:

  • (Confirmed) The February 2024 security update might fail to install: Download may stop at 96 percent and fail to install on versions 22H2 and 23H2. (Workaround: Delete the hidden folder C:\$WinREAgent, and install the update again.) This update also contains unconfirmed issues after the installation.

Resolved issues for Windows 11 23H2. These problems are resolved after installing the latest system update:

  • (Resolved) Desktop icons might move unexpectedly between monitors: This issue is only observed when using multiple monitors and attempting to use Copilot.
  • (Resolved) Issues connecting to Wi-Fi networks: The problem was caused by KB5032288 and KB5033375.
  • (Resolved) Windows Narrator might not start if installing Windows 11, version 23H2 via ISO or media: When using physical media or ISO file to install Windows 11 23H2 on a device, the Windows Narrator may not start. The issue doesn’t occur using Windows Update. Microsoft will update the installation media to resolve this issue.
  • (Resolved) Printer names and icons might be changed, and the HP Smart app automatically install: Devices that do not have access to the Microsoft Store are not expected to be affected by this issue. This problem doesn’t affect the printing process. 
  • (Mitigated) Desktop icons issue launching Copilot: The update KB5031455 (via Microsoft support) will cause issues with desktop icons moving unexpectedly between monitors or other icon alignment issues when attempting to use Copilot. On multiple monitor setups, Copilot will be disabled until a permanent fix rolls out. 
  • (Mitigated) BitLocker might incorrectly receive a 65000 error in MDMs: The system may incorrectly report “Requires Device Encryption” as an error in some managed environments.
  • (Resolved) Devices with a locale set to Croatia might not utilize the expected currency: This problem can affect apps that retrieve the device’s currency for purchases or other transactions.
  • (Mitigated) Compatibility issues with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers and Windows 11: Devices with the affected Intel SST driver might receive an error with a blue screen.

Windows 11 23H2 issues that Microsoft hasn’t officially confirmed:

  • (Unconfirmed) Errors 0x800f081f, 0x8000ffff, 0x8007007e, 0x80073701, and 0x800f0984 during installation of update KB5031455.
  • (Unconfirmed) Performance issues after installing update KB5031455.

Microsoft has been spending a lot of time on this update, and it seems the extra time is working since Windows 11 23H2 looks (so far) to be off to a good start (less some minor hiccups). As more computers install the Windows 11 2023 Update, the company will update the dashboard page with more information and possible workarounds for problems where applicable.

If a problem is found that can negatively affect devices, the company will place a safeguard hold to prevent those computers from downloading the update until the problem has been resolved.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].