Here's why Microsoft paused the Windows 11 24H2 rollout

Are you unable to get your device to Windows 11, version 24H2 even if it is enrolled in the Release Preview Channel of the Windows Insiders program? Well, you are not alone. Microsoft seems to have halted the gradual rollout without making too much noise.

The company decided to drop a subtle notification update in the original Windows 11 24H2 rollout announcement post which was published on May 22. The latest update regarding the rollout halt of Windows 11 24H2 from Microsoft reads:

UPDATE 6/7: We are temporarily pausing the rollout of Windows 11, version 24H2 to the Release Preview Channel. We will resume the rollout in the coming weeks.

Let’s not forget, that there’s no explanation for why the Windows 11 24H2 rollout has been paused for Insiders. However, we can’t rule out the possibility of it being related to making forced changes to the Windows Recall feature which Microsoft announced recently. 

A few X (formerly Twitter) users including Neowin’s staff questioned Brandon LeBlanc regarding the same. For those who are unaware, LeBlanc is a senior program manager on the Windows Insider Program Team at Microsoft.

He adds there’s nothing more to share than what’s mentioned in the UPDATE section of May 22’s Windows 11, version 24H2 rollout announcement blog. 

I don’t have anything more to share beyond what’s in the blog post and that we are working to get it rolling out again shortly.

— Brandon LeBlanc (@brandonleblanc) June 8, 2024

Why did Microsoft halted the 24H2 rollout for insiders?

In the absence of an official comment on this matter, we can only speculate that the main reason for this postponed rollout is the whole Recall conundrum that stirred a lot of public debates. Even if Microsoft announced that you can completely opt out from Recall, there are still concerns that people who are not aware of this feature might use it without knowing about the privacy implications.

Furthermore, it was not only the Recall feature that created problems for Microsoft. There were many different issues in the Windows 11 24H2 build, which is quite unexpected because this version was almost prepared for a complete release. Gathering information suggests that developers are probably hurrying to do final modifications not just on Recall but also for other difficulties affecting the build.

So, the bottom line is that Windows 11 24H2 needs a lot more work then Microsoft probably expected. It’s a good decision to postpone the rollout and provide the much needed changes to avoid further issues along the way.

For the uninitiated, Windows 11 version 24H2 could make its way to the Stable Channel in the second half of 2024. And, that too with some of the biggest improvements and features. These include Wi-Fi 7 support, HDR wallpaper support, Sudo for Windows, a refresh button for Wi-Fi flyout, etc. 

What do you think about Microsoft’s decision to pause the Windows 24H2 rollout to insiders? Every opinion counts, so let us know about yours in the comments below.