Microsoft Blocks Windows 11 22H2 Update Due to Windows Hello Functionality Issues

Microsoft pulled back the first major update of Windows 11, 22H2, after customers reported functionality issues while trying to sign in using Windows Hello.

Windows Hello is the operating system’s biometric-based technology that lets users log in to their accounts on their machines using their faces, fingerprints or PINs.

The faulty update doesn’t affect all devices, but it hinders users’ attempts to sign in using biometrics (face and fingerprint) and PIN on affected systems. According to the company’s disclaimer, Windows 11 22H2 only triggers Windows Hello issues on devices where the Enhanced Sign-in Security feature is also enabled.

“This issue might be encountered on devices which already have Windows Hello when upgrading but should not happen on devices which enable Windows Hello after upgrading or installing Windows 11, version 22H2,” reads Microsoft’s announcement.

To prevent machines prone to the issue from upgrading, the company implemented a safeguard (ID 40667045) in the form of a “compatibility hold.” Thus, devices using Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security were temporarily restricted from receiving the Windows 11, version 22H2 upgrade until the issue had been fixed.

Users who have already updated to the Windows 11, 22H2 version and are experiencing the Windows Hello signing-in issue can log in to their accounts with their user passwords.

Although Microsoft already addressed the issue in the KB5017389 preview cumulative update, the compatibility hold safeguard will likely be removed in mid-October.

Last but not least, the company recommends that users refrain from applying the 22H2 update manually until the issue has been dealt with.

“We recommend that you do not attempt to manually upgrade using the Update now button or the Media Creation Tool until this issue has been resolved and the safeguard removed,” says Microsoft.