Microsoft recently released an update for Windows 11, identified as KB5041872, which has led to significant problems for users.
Millions of Users Face Problems
The update, intended for PCs enrolled in the Windows 11 Dev Channel, has been causing the system to freeze during the download process at 8%. Additionally, it has led to the processor being utilized at 100%, rendering affected systems nearly unusable, according to Ziare.
The problematic patch was distributed via Windows Update and targeted only those running the latest test version of Windows 11 (build 26120.1542).
Microsoft has acknowledged the issue, noting that they were aware of the potential bug before the update was rolled out. However, had this issue affected a stable version of Windows 11, millions of users might have faced severe performance drops, which could have led to major productivity issues.
Process Halted at 8%
Similar problems were reported with a previous patch, KB5038603, released in January 2024 for another build of Windows 11 on the Dev Channel.
In both instances, the download process halted at 8%, and the Windows Modules Installer consumed between 80% and 100% of the CPU capacity, particularly on less powerful systems.
Users experiencing these issues can temporarily mitigate the problem by restarting their systems and pausing the Windows Update service using the “Pause” option. This prevents the system from freezing until Microsoft halts the distribution of the faulty patch.
Subsequent analyses revealed that the TiWorker.exe process, part of the Windows Update Trusted Installer Worker Process, is responsible for the excessive CPU usage.
When contacted for further details, Microsoft representatives confirmed their awareness of the problem, which occurs "from time to time," but have yet to provide a permanent fix. Users are advised to keep an eye on updates from Microsoft for a resolution.
