Windows 11 Update Disaster: A Mandatory Fix Leaving Users Stranded!

In a shocking turn of events, just days after Microsoft scrapped security updates for a staggering 500 million Windows 10 users, Windows 11 users are now facing a crisis of their own. A mandatory security update, dubbed a "total disaster," has triggered emergency measures as Microsoft scrambles to mitigate widespread issues.
According to Windows Latest, the troublesome update, known as KB5066835, has broken localhost connections. This means that apps hosted locally can no longer communicate with the network, essentially rendering them useless. To add to the frustration, users are encountering installation failures and bugs, leading to peripherals and accessories malfunctioning.
In an unprecedented warning, Microsoft has advised users against seeking fixes online, stating, "Don’t try your luck with internet solutions. They don’t work." Instead, the tech giant is rolling out an emergency patch aimed at addressing these localhost issues in Windows 11 24H2/25H2. However, users may have to wait longer than 48 hours for this fix to appear on their devices.
For those affected, Microsoft has urged them to check for updates and reboot their PCs, even if new updates aren't visible. The core of the problem lies in a regression of the kernel-mode HTTP server (HTTP.sys), which mishandles HTTP/2 connections, affecting services that rely on it. This glitch is particularly damaging as it disrupts the Internet Information Services (IIS), a critical component in web service management.
Furthermore, accessory failures are plaguing some Logitech peripherals, with users reporting their mouse and keyboard not functioning during the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). While there are various workarounds floating around, the reality is that most Windows 11 users will have to hold on tight and wait for the emergency update.
If you're still among the Windows 10 users, you might feel a sense of relief, but don’t get too comfortable. Ensure your PC is updated with the last-ever security fixes available unless you want to enroll in the 12-month Extended Security Updates (ESU) program to keep your system supported until 2026. This situation is a wake-up call, revealing the importance of timely updates as TechRadar emphasizes: "Windows 10’s final patch fixes numerous security flaws – highlighting the need for extended updates."