Microsoft Releases Solution For Windows 11 Deployment Bug

Microsoft has addressed a known issue that breaks deployment on Windows 11 22H2 systems. This bug can result in devices being only partially configured and installations not being completed. Now there is first aid.

The problem surfaced as early as October 2022. At the time, the Windows team confirmed that using provisioning packages (.PPKG files for configuring endpoints on corporate or school networks) might not work as expected after installing the Windows 11 2022 Update. Instead, users received the error message “0x800700b7”.

“Windows may be partially configured and the Out of Box Experience may not exist or may restart unexpectedly,” the list of known issues said.

These devices are affected

Windows systems used in the home or small office networks and devices deployed with Windows Autopilot are not affected by this issue.

Over the weekend, Microsoft updated the known issue entry in the Windows Release Health Dashboard. Added a note that the issue was fixed with the November 2022 preview update KB5020044. However, the entry for KB5020044 continues to report that the bug is still being investigated.

“If you can deploy the Windows device before upgrading to Windows 11, version 22H2, the problem will be avoided,” Microsoft adds in the support document.

Also workaround available

There is also a temporary solution for Windows administrators who cannot install the preview update immediately. Microsoft, therefore, suggests upgrading end-user devices before Windows 11 22H2 upgrade to work around the deployment issues.