Windows 11 Language Pack Integration Problems

[shopuff]

Hello,

I’ve been creating multilingual ISOs for use in SCCM Operating System Deployments, but I’ve run into an issue over the past couple of weeks.

Process I’m following:

1. Start with a Windows 11 24H2 x64 English (en-US) base ISO from Volume Licensing.
2. Use available scripts to download all language packs and associated files.
3. Use NTLite to integrate all downloaded language files into the image.
4. Reload the image and apply the latest checkpoint KB, the most recent cumulative update, and the latest .NET updates.
5. Deploy the computer and select the desired language.

Everything works correctly during deployment until completion. However, if the machine remains too long at the login screen and I restart it before the first user logon, Windows begins applying what appear to be “Windows Update customized features.” This happens even though no updates or configurations are deployed via SCCM.

At that point, the applied language breaks and reverts back to English (en-US). Even if I log in initially and try to change the language, the selected language is no longer available.

The update that seems to trigger this behavior appears to be KB5050575 (January 2025). This update does not appear in the Microsoft Update Catalog, and available information suggests it is related to the OOBE experience.

I’ve already attempted to disable Windows Update during the OSD process, but the update still installs.

Has anyone experienced this issue or found a way to prevent or mitigate it?

 

[garlin]

1. OOBE updates cannot be blocked using normal Windows Update policies. While OOBE uses the same WU framework, the rules don't apply to ZDP updates. There are ways to trick Windows into skipping updates, but you probably don't want that in a formal SCCM environment.

2. Have you tried using the GPO that prevents LP's from being cleaned up? Add this reg file under the Registry screen.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Control Panel\International]
"BlockCleanupOfUnusedPreinstalledLangPacks"=dword:00000001

 

[shopuff]

1. OOBE updates cannot be blocked using normal Windows Update policies. While OOBE uses the same WU framework, the rules don't apply to ZDP updates. There are ways to trick Windows into skipping updates, but you probably don't want that in a formal SCCM environment.

2. Have you tried using the GPO that prevents LP's from being cleaned up? Add this reg file under the Registry screen.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Control Panel\International]
"BlockCleanupOfUnusedPreinstalledLangPacks"=dword:00000001

Hey man this really worked! Many thanks for the solution, I was about to give up and go back managing several ISO's!!!