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Windows 11 Version 24H2 "please wait" recurring issue with multiple computers

Anonymous
2025-04-30T13:39:27+00:00

We recently upgraded most of our computers to Windows 11 24H2 the end of 2024. Worst mistake ever. For the last 2 months we have been fighting "please wait" screens before the user even reaches their login screen. Just yesterday there were at least 10 computers with the please wait. The only way we have been able to get the computer operational is by one of 2 methods. First is:
Open the laptop, restart and then begin pressing F12

  1. Click the Dell Support Assist Option once the screen is up
  2. Once on the Dell Support Assist Screen.  Click ... in the top right hand corner.
  3. Click Windows Recovery.
  4. Once up, click troubleshoot.
  5. Click Advanced Options.
  6. Click Command Prompt.
    1. It may ask for Bitlocker here
  7. Type rename C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistributionold
  8. Hit Enter
  9. Type SFC /Scannow
  10. Hit Enter
  11. Wait for it to finish
  12. Type Exit and press enter. it should restart
  13. Close the lid

or secondly....
Open the laptop, restart and then begin pressing F12

  1. Click the Dell Support Assist Option once the screen is up
  2. Once on the Dell Support Assist Screen.  Click ... in the top right-hand corner.
  3. Click Windows Recovery.
  4. Once up, click troubleshoot.
  5. Click Advanced Options.
  6. Click Uninstall Updates
  7. Click uninstall latest Quality update
    1. It may ask for Bitlocker here
  8. Once finished, click done
  9. Go back to the Uninstall Updates screen
  10. Click uninstall latest feature update
  11. Once finished click done
  12. Click Exit and continue to Windows 11

I am looking for a more permanent Enterprise solution. Currently, if you do not need to update to Windows 11 24H2.....DON'T. Everything I have read states it began with Cumulative updates in January 2025 and has continued since.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-05-06T22:41:03+00:00

    Microsoft has acknowledged that WSUS-managed devices may face difficulties upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 following these updates.

    For a more permanent solution, here are a few things to consider:

    • Check for new updates: Microsoft has released KB5055627, which addresses some critical bugs, including BSOD errors. While it may not directly resolve the "please wait" issue, it could improve system stability.
    • Driver updates: Intel, AMD, and Nvidia have rolled out new drivers for Windows 11 24H2. Ensuring your systems have the latest drivers might help mitigate some of these problems.
    • WSUS workaround: If your organization relies on WSUS, you may need to manually approve updates or explore alternative deployment methods to bypass the current update block.

    Given the scale of your deployment, I completely understand your hesitation to push updates.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-05-02T12:12:31+00:00

    It appears that the Windows Forum acknowledges problems after the April 2025 Security Patch stating "Microsoft has recently acknowledged a significant issue affecting Windows 11 version 24H2 deployments, particularly for enterprise environments utilizing Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). Following the April 2025 security updates, devices that have installed these updates may encounter difficulties when attempting to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 via WSUS." Microsoft Windows 11 24H2 Update Blocked via WSUS After April 2025 Security Patch | Windows Forum

    With almost 250 Windows 11 machines, I am hesitant to push any updates for fear of receiving at least 10 - 20 tickets on machines in a "please wait" status and them losing 1 - 2 hours of productivity or more. Please, please Microsoft fix these patches so we can update without fear of a mutiny against our IT department.

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-05-01T16:39:31+00:00

    Hello,

    According to the description, you are experiencing recurring "please wait" issue with multiple computers after upgrading to Windows 11 Version 24H2. It seems like you have found temporary solutions to resolve the issue on Dell laptops by using the Dell Support Assist options and performing specific steps in Windows Recovery.

    For a more permanent Enterprise solution, I recommend checking for any available Windows updates that may address this issue. If the issue persists you can try resetting your PC.

    When everything is resolved, feel free to mark this thread as answer and helpful. Otherwise, please let me know if there's anything else I can help you with.

    Best Regards, Van Johnson | Microsoft Community Moderator

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