Why Microsoft paused Patch Tuesday updates for some Dell devices
Select devices running Intel Innovation Platform Framework drivers encountered “poor performance”
Microsoft has confirmed it blocked a recent Windows 11 update for select Dell PCs due to compatibility and performance issues.
The Patch Tuesday update (KB5101650) began rolling out on 14 July and included several quality improvements for users.
Microsoft halted the update after revealing a “number of Dell devices” began displaying a yellow exclamation point next to the Intel Innovation Platform Framework Processor Participant driver in Device Manager.
In a health status update, Microsoft said the issue meant users working with Intel devices could “potentially experience unexpected shutdowns, poor performance, increased heat, and battery drain”.
The issue affects Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, according to Microsoft.
What caused the pause?
The source of the issue is related to an “incompatibility between the Intel driver and the new Windows USB-C Connection Manager interface”.
The issue was first flagged in the wake of a preview update rolled out in late June (KB5095093). These previews are rolled out to enable IT administrators to familiarize themselves with upcoming patches.
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2026 report - the leading resource for IT decision-maker insight on priorities and investment areas in AI, security and more.
Microsoft said it is working closely with Dell to “prevent the affected models from experiencing the issue”. A spokesperson for Dell echoed the tech giant’s comments on a fix.
“We are aware of an issue impacting a limited number of Windows devices with the Windows 11, version 25H2 and 24H2 (KB5101650) update,” the spokesperson said.
“Microsoft has temporarily paused the update for those devices and published guidance for impacted users, and we are working closely with them to support a resolution.”
ITPro asked Dell to confirm which specific devices were affected by the update, but the spokesperson did not reveal any further details.
An exact timeline on when users can expect a fix is also yet to be revealed by both companies, although Microsoft said it plans to release a resolution “in the next few days”.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow ITPro on Google News and add us as a preferred source to keep tabs on all our latest news, analysis, views, and reviews.
You can also follow ITPro on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and BlueSky.

Ross Kelly is ITPro's News & Analysis Editor, responsible for leading the brand's news output and in-depth reporting on the latest stories from across the business technology landscape. Ross was previously a Staff Writer, during which time he developed a keen interest in cyber security, business leadership, and emerging technologies.
He graduated from Edinburgh Napier University in 2016 with a BA (Hons) in Journalism, and joined ITPro in 2022 after four years working in technology conference research.
For news pitches, you can contact Ross at ross.kelly@futurenet.com, or on Twitter and LinkedIn.
-
Google DeepMind boss Demis Hassabis issues call to action on AI safety standardsNews The DeepMind co-founder has called for stronger safeguards to tackle AI risks
-
Delinea targets AI-driven growth with new partner programNews The new initiative introduces protected discounts, codified deal registration rules, and AI-powered enablement for channel partners
-
Passkeys will soon be the default authentication method in Microsoft Entra ID – here's what it means for users and when the changes come into effectNews The shift to passkeys for Microsoft Entra ID comes amidst growing concerns over AI-powered phishing and identity theft
-
Hackers are capitalizing on AI hype to ramp up social engineering attacks – and they're using big brands like Anthropic, OpenAI, and DeepSeek as ‘bait’ to lure victimsNews Microsoft says cyber criminals are impersonating popular AI platforms to deliver malware
-
Why cyber resilience isn’t just a defence mechanism: How to create a secure foundation for innovation, tooSponsored Investing in a solid enterprise system that incorporates security by design lets you ensure business continuity while encouraging innovation at pace
-
Beware of emails threatening a code of conduct reviewNews A widespread phishing campaign has targeted tens of thousands of employees