New Windows 11 Pro 24H2 install via Flash USB Future updates issue.

Hello everyone.

I decided to buy a new PC on the weekend. I have read about the possibility of installing Windows 11 pro not installing future updates if you used a USB Flash Media Creation Tool.

I figured that since this was announced in October that surely the Media Creation Tool would have been updated by now. So after I made the USB using the media creation tool I got to the install section and ran shift f 10 typed winver and it was Build 26100.2033 ? ? This was installed on February the 24th as you will see in the pictures.

After the install had finished I confirmed It was Build 26100.2033

I ran Windows update and got these updates.






I am confused what happened to the November and December updates? I don't really care.

Am I experiencing the bug with the can't install future updates? Or am I fine considering it installed a January and February update along with windows defender updates?

The reason I am asking is because installing and setting up windows 11 pro was not fun and I don't want to get to Patch Tuesday in March and fail to install that and have to reinstall the entire OS again.


Thanks in advance.
James.

@JamesSmith I think your Windows 11 Pro is fine.
I have Windows 11 Pro installed as well, and have received updates. Our Windows 11 Pro installs are on the same version.
Windows 11 Pro 24H2 (OS Build 26100.3194)
Here are all of the updates for reference.

1. Contrary to popular opinion, Windows ISO's from MS and the Media Creation Tool images are not updated every month. Maybe once every 6-12 months.

Instead you can install the ISO as-is, and allow Windows Update to update the older image to the latest version. If you want to learn how to slipstream (or patch) the install ISO, that's entirely optional and up to you. Some users don't want that hassle, some users are more hands on.

2. W10/11 Cumulative updates are well, cumulative. Each Monthly Update is a complete replacement for the previous one, with the exception of now you need to keep a 24H2 Checkpoint Update around as a base update. Which means if you updated directly to Feb 2025 (.3194), then you don't need any of the previous updates from October to January.

Other people have a previous history of earlier updates, because their Windows systems have been updated every month since the original installation date. Your system's history only started with this month's updates.

JamesSmith said:

I am confused what happened to the November and December updates? I don't really care.

Am I experiencing the bug with the can't install future updates? Or am I fine considering it installed a January and February update along with windows defender updates?

Click to expand...

Welcome to Eleven Forum.

The issue only affected those that used install media that had the October/November updates included. Yours didn't so you'll be fine.

Microsoft said:

When using media to install Windows 11, version 24H2, the device might remain in a state where it cannot accept further Windows security updates. This occurs only when the media is created to include the October 2024, or November 2024, security updates as part of the installation (these updates were released between October 8, 2024 and November 12, 2024).

...This issue does not occur for devices where the October 2024 security update or the November 2024 security updates are installed via Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog website.

Click to expand...

Bree said:

Welcome to Eleven Forum.

The issue only affected those that used install media that had the October/November updates included. Yours didn't so you'll be fine.

Windows 11, version 24H2 known issues and notifications

View announcements and review known issues and fixes for Windows 11, version 24H2

learn.microsoft.com

Click to expand...

I guess what's confusing is that the windows media creation tool put the October build on the USB flash drive. Which I used to install Win 11 Pro

The fresh install went straight to Windows 11 Pro Build 26100.2033 (there was no windows updates. I just got this information using "winver"

Once I hit update windows I got the February patch which means if I was encountering the issue I would not have been able to do that.

This is what I am understanding.

JamesSmith said:

I am confused what happened to the November and December updates? I don't really care.

Click to expand...

After installing 26100.2033 you got the latest Cumulative Update:
2025-02 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5051987)

The word 'cumulative' means that this update includes the patches from all previous updates. You don't need any of the earlier CUs.

JamesSmith said:

Once I hit update windows I got the February patch which means if I was encountering the issue I would not have been able to do that.

Click to expand...

Correct. Your Windows Update is working correctly.

Bree said:

After installing 26100.2033 you got the latest Cumulative Update:
26100.2033

The word 'cumulative' means that this update includes the patches from all previous updates. You don't need any of the earlier CUs.


Correct. Your Windows Update is working correctly.

Click to expand...

Thank you for welcoming me to the forum. The last time I did a fresh installation of windows was win 7 so thank you for clearing that up.


Also, thank you for putting my mind at ease about the bug regarding Windows security updates might not be installed. I google searched for this and was unable to find anything. I was really starting to panic as installing and setting up Windows 11 Pro was not particularly fun for me.


Thank you to everyone else who has responded to my question.


Cheers,

James.

I've not had any issues with the 24H2 Version upgrade, am now on Build 26100.3194 as of the last Patch Tuesday. I have had a client get 'trapped' by following some forum's suggestion [couldn't remember which forum] to get Build 26133.xx which as I understand is still in one of the Insider Preview groups and still in testing.

Berton said:

I have had a client get 'trapped' by following some forum's suggestion [couldn't remember which forum] to get Build 26133.xx which as I understand is still in one of the Insider Preview groups and still in testing.

Click to expand...

There is no build 26133. for Insiders the Canary channel is on 27788, Dev and Beta are currently both on 26120, and Release Preview is the same as RTM at 26100.

Full list of builds here: Flight Hub - Windows Insider Program

If it's actually 26120 then it may be possible to do an in-place upgrade with 26100 install media. 26120 and 26100 share a common set of system files, it's an Enablement Package that bumps the build number up by 20.