Troubleshooting Windows 11 24H2 Update Failures: “Operation is not supported” Error After KB5043080

Windows 11 24H2 introduces a new feature known as “Checkpoint cumulative updates,” aimed at decreasing the size of monthly updates. With the September 2024 update, the checkpoint update is now available for Copilot+ PCs. However, users should be cautious as updates KB5043080 and later could potentially disrupt Windows Update functionality, affecting both Intel and AMD PCs.

Let’s break down what “checkpoint cumulative updates” entail. Unlike traditional Windows updates, Windows 11 24H2 optimizes monthly updates by downloading only the new files needed for installation, which is termed as “differential updates” or “checkpoint” updates. This method ensures that only unique files are downloaded during the update process. Microsoft initiated the rollout of the checkpoint updates feature with KB5043080 (September 2024 Patch).

Unfortunately, users have reported issues with Windows 11 KB5043080, where the September 2024 Patch fails to install correctly due to various random errors.

For instance, one user reported, “While applying the KB5043080 update on a fully updated install of 24H2 on my desktop (Ryzen 7 3700x, RTX 3070, 16GB), the update hangs at 35% for about 5-10 minutes and eventually begins a rollback procedure.”

Operation is Not Supported Errors After Installing September 2024 Update

While Microsoft has not officially acknowledged the failure of the Windows 11 KB5043080 update, it has confirmed that users may encounter issues if they install this update or future ones.

Affected users might see an error message stating “Operation is not supported” when trying to double-click on the. msu package of any Windows Update.

According to a support document highlighted by Windows Latest, this bug impacts all editions of Windows 11 24H2, including SE (Special Edition), Enterprise and Education, ARM, and both Intel/AMD systems, particularly for those who have installed the update via the Windows Insider Program or are using an ISO image.

Microsoft explained that “This problem occurs because the FoD or LP added from a local source on top of the latest checkpoint cumulative update cannot be updated to the latest update without connectivity to WU or WSUS.”

To resolve the “Operation is not supported” error while installing updates in Windows 11, users should manually download and reinstall KB5043080 or any newer updates. KB5043080 serves as a checkpoint cumulative update, but newer updates will also suffice.

This process involves using the Microsoft Update Catalog. Users should search for the KB number (e.g., 5043080 as the first checkpoint cumulative update) and select the appropriate file for their system (x64 or ARM64). Download all necessary. msu files into a folder like “C:\Packages” (making sure no other files are present in this folder).

For installation, users can either double-click each. msu file in order from oldest to newest or use the DISM tool along with the Add-WindowsPackage command to apply the updates.

Currently, Microsoft has not provided a timeline for when it plans to resolve the installation issues in Windows 11 24H2.

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