Windows and CrowdStrike are having trouble again, but thankfully only with 24H2 and in some Office programs.

Windows 11's 24H2 build is now available and rolling out slowly. Microsoft calls this a "full OS switch", so it is not surprising that there are a few bugs to be worked out. The latest of these is CrowdStrike Falcon sensor, the software responsible for the worldwide outage in July.

Microsoft (via PC World) states that "after installing Windows 11 version 24H2, first- and third-party applications might stop responding when antimalware solutions enable certain features." Word and Excel applications may be affected.

Microsoft clarifies that although it says the problem is "antimalware security solution", "affected devices" have CrowdStrike Falcon sensor software and a specific policy setting enabled.

According to Microsoft, CrowdStrike "temporarily disabled" the Enhanced Exploitation Viability Prevention Policy setting for hosts running Windows 11, version 24-H2.

The two companies "collaborate on a solution" in the long term.

Before this temporary fix, organisations that used CrowdStrike Falcon to provide their cybersecurity solution experienced crashes in Office applications like Word or Excel when their systems were upgraded to 24H2.

I use the term "organisations" instead of "home users", because CrowdStrike Falcon was designed primarily for businesses. Therefore, most home users won't have to worry about their devices being affected. It's a cloud based antimalware that monitors networks and systems for possible malicious activities.

Earlier this year, a Falcon update, which was overlooked by a buggy Content Validator caused Windows machines to read memory outside of their bounds, resulting in BSODs. It was only one weak link that caused chaos.

Thankfully, the latest issue is not like that. It has caused crashes only in some Office programs, and there is already a temporary solution, even if it is to disable completely the problematic policy setting. We don't yet know if this latest issue is the fault of Microsoft, CrowdStrike or both.

We do know that the 24H2 roll-out was not smooth. Even though it has some neat, but not revolutionary features (File Explorer file dragging and a WiFi refresh button anyone? ), I'm likely to stick with 23H2 until the hype around AI PCs dies down.

It's just me. You more adventurous people can try it, but only as soon as your device and location receives the update.