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Microsoft halts July update on some Dell PCs
Microsoft pulled this month’s Windows security update for some Dell systems with Intel processors after reports of shutdowns, heat, and battery drain.
Image: The Register
Microsoft has temporarily blocked this month’s Windows security update on some Dell devices with Intel processors after Dell reported an incompatibility that can trigger unexpected shutdowns, poor performance, increased heat, and battery drain.
The pause came just after Patch Tuesday, which this month included a record-breaking number of CVEs. Some of those flaws were rated critical and were already under active exploitation, making the delay especially awkward for users who would normally be told to patch immediately.
On its update page, Microsoft said:
“This update might not be available for a limited number of Dell devices with Intel processors due to an incompatibility reported by Dell that can potentially cause unexpected shutdowns, poor performance, increased heat, and battery drain.”
Microsoft has not named the affected Dell models. The Register said it asked both Microsoft and Dell for that list, but neither company had responded.
The company added that it is working with Dell on a fix and expects a resolution in the coming days. Until then, the update remains temporarily unavailable for the impacted machines.
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The timing stands out. Just a week ago, Microsoft was urging users to install patches quickly, warning that AI systems can rapidly detect and exploit vulnerabilities. In this case, though, the company moved to stop distribution once Dell flagged the issue — leaving some users stuck between a heavily loaded security release and the risk of crashes and overheating.
Computing Editor
Tomas lives in the terminal. He covers chips, laptops, and operating systems with a focus on performance and efficiency. He reads kernel changelogs the way other people read fiction, and he's always on the hunt for the perfect mechanical keyboard switch. If it processes data, Tomas has an opinion on it.
via The Register
