Several Dell PCs are facing critical issues after attempting to install Microsoft’s December cumulative update KB5072033 for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. The problems include failed installations, frequent system freezes, and a non-functional Start Menu.

The update, released on December 9, has been failing to install on many Dell desktops and laptops. Users report that the progress bar halts mid-way and returns error code 0x800f0983. A system administrator confirmed that a large number of new Dell systems under his management encountered the same issue. He attempted multiple troubleshooting methods, including System File Checker, Deployment Image Servicing and Management, and reinstalling Windows. None of these fixed the problem.

The situation is worse on Dell Pro Max 16250 devices. Several users reported that these systems freeze after installing the update. Initial speculation pointed to Intel Arc graphics drivers. Further investigation by users revealed that a BIOS setting caused the issue. They found that disabling the “Enable adaptive c-States for discrete graphics” option under Advanced Setup > Performance in the BIOS stopped the system crashes.

Another reported issue affects the Start Menu. On some systems running Windows 11 24H2, the Start Menu fails to open after installing KB5072033. One affected user suspects that the problem may be connected to a previously identified bug from update KB5072911, which affected File Explorer and other XAML-based apps on enterprise devices.

Microsoft has not released an official fix or statement addressing these problems. For now, Dell users are advised to delay the KB5072033 update or manually adjust BIOS settings if they face system freezes. The update continues to raise concerns across Windows forums, especially among enterprise administrators managing large fleets of Dell hardware.

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The post Dell PCs face installation failures and system freezes after Windows 11 December update appeared first on Gizmochina.