Intune flaw pushed Windows 11 upgrades on blocked devices
Microsoft is working on a solution after Intune upgraded devices contrary to policies
Microsoft has blamed a "code issue" for Windows 11 being offered to devices that weren't supposed to have it after a flaw in a device management tool.
Reports suggest that Intune, Microsoft's software for managing enterprise devices, had a "latent code issue" that upgraded devices despite policies that should have blocked that from happening.
In a post for admins, Microsoft said that the issue was spotted on April 12th and was caused by a "latent code issue", according to BleepingComputer.
That report added that Microsoft was rolling out a fix to avoid the problem growing, but in the meantime it was worth pausing Windows updates via Intune to avoid issues — and roll back any machines that shouldn't have been upgraded but were.
"While we work to address the issue, admins in impacted organizations may be able to circumvent impact by pausing Windows Feature Updates until the code fix has been developed, tested, and deployed," Microsoft told the publication.
"Note that devices which have already erroneously received the Windows 11 upgrade will need to be manually rolled back to the correct Windows version," it added.
The bug comes as Microsoft continues to push Windows 11 in a bid to improve uptake figures ahead of the Windows 10 end of life date, with frequent "invitation" prompts shown to users and limiting new Copilot features to Windows 11, beyond other tactics.
Not the first unwanted Microsoft upgrade
The Intune flaw bears similarities to another incident in November 2024 which saw Microsoft customers receive unexpected upgrades from Windows Server 2022 to Windows Server 2025, despite not asking for or paying for the update.
Shortly after the release of Windows Server 2025, users began reporting that older editions of the software were suddenly upgrading to the newer edition, or were readying themselves to do so.
As one small business admin noted at the time: "This obviously came as a shock as we're not at the point to do so for many reasons and the required licensing would not be present."
Microsoft pinned the blame on the use of third-party products to manage server updates, though one software management company, Heimdal, noted that the issue could be down to an incorrect label that misclassified the Microsoft release.
A month before that, Microsoft had to pull the preview for an update of Windows 11 because it crashed computers and caused a "blue screen of death."
MORE FROM ITPRO
-
Canvas provider Instructure agreed to hackers' ransom demands – did it do the right thing?Analysis Opting to pay ransoms creates huge risks for enterprises – you’re relying on the word of criminals
-
Why are managers becoming less engaged at work?In-depth Experts shed light on the reasons behind the bleak outlook for employee engagement – and how organizations can help turn the ship around
-
'We are focused on fundamentals, prioritizing quality, and serving our core users better': Satya Nadella teases big Windows improvements – and changes could come this yearNews Satya Nadella told analysts that Microsoft is doing “foundational work to win back fans” across Windows, Xbox, Bing, and Edge
-
Microsoft pats itself on the back over European commitmentsNews The company says it's been working to boost the bloc's digital sovereignty and resilience
-
Microsoft touts “cost effective” cloud PC prices for small businesses as hardware prices spikeNews The tech giant is targeting small business gains with a 20% cut for Windows 365 Cloud PC services
-
IT admins are scrambling for alternatives in the wake of Microsoft’s MDT retirementNews OS deployment is up in the air after Microsoft's MDT retirement – but the time to take action is now
-
CMA launches Microsoft probe amid software licensing concernsNews The regulator hopes to “ensure a level playing field” when it comes to competition in the business software market
-
Microsoft pledged to simplify Windows 11 updates – it just paused a preview over installation errorsNews Two weeks after pledging to improve Windows 11 updates, a preview suffers installation issues
-
Microsoft is rolling back 'unnecessary' Copilot features on Windows
News The move follows a recent rollback of planned Copilot features on the operating system
-
Big tech is clamping down on open source ‘AI slop’ reportsNews Firms including Microsoft, OpenAI, and Google have pledged funding to bolster open source security and cut down on slop reports
