compatibility hold Archives

Winsage

October 17, 2025

Microsoft lifts more safeguard holds blocking Windows 11 updates

Microsoft has lifted two compatibility holds that were blocking the installation of the Windows 11 24H2 update. The first hold, affecting systems with SenseShield Technology's sprotect.sys driver, was removed after an update from SenseShield fixed the compatibility issue. Users can expect the update within 48 hours. The second hold, related to certain wallpaper customization applications, was lifted on October 15, 2025, allowing eligible devices to proceed with the installation. Users may receive a warning about potential incompatibilities during the installation process. Microsoft also addressed other compatibility concerns by removing blocks for PCs with integrated cameras and Bluetooth headsets. The Windows 11 2025 Update (25H2) was released on September 10 and is available to eligible users, who will receive it automatically unless managed by IT departments.

Winsage

September 29, 2025

Windows 11 bug that stopped some Intel PCs from getting the 24H2 update is fixed – but it took a whole year

A bug related to Intel audio drivers affecting Windows 11 users has been resolved after nearly a year. The issue impacted PCs with Intel's 11th-generation processors, specifically those using Intel's Rocket Lake and Tiger Lake chips, preventing upgrades to Windows 11 version 24H2. The problem stemmed from a compatibility hold due to issues with the Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) driver. The resolution was marked complete on September 26, 2025. Affected users are advised to download and install Intel SST driver version 10.30.00.5714 or later, or version 10.29.00.5714 if unsure of their Windows version. The driver should be available in Windows Update. If not, users may need to contact their PC manufacturer for assistance. Intel's Rocket Lake processors are estimated to power about 10% to 15% of Windows PCs.

Winsage

September 29, 2025

Microsoft finally fixes long-standing Windows 11 update bug

Microsoft is preparing for the annual Windows update, with the stable release of Windows 11 25H2 expected soon. More PCs are now eligible for the Windows 11 24H2 update after resolving compatibility issues with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers affecting Intel's 11th Gen Core processors. Previously, a compatibility hold was implemented to prevent blue screens of death (BSODs) during the upgrade. Users can now receive the Windows 11 24H2 update via Windows Update if they had the affected driver versions. However, some PCs may still not display the update due to other safeguard holds, and users can check for updates through the Settings app.

Winsage

September 23, 2025

Microsoft lifts Windows 11 update block after face detection fix

Microsoft has lifted a compatibility hold that previously prevented devices with integrated cameras from upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 due to a face detection bug causing app freezes. The hold, identified by safeguard ID: 53340062, was implemented to protect users from these issues. With the bug resolved, eligible devices can now upgrade through the Windows Update release channel, although it may take up to 48 hours for the update to be available. Microsoft also removed another safeguard hold affecting Bluetooth devices. Some compatibility blocks remain for devices using specific software and drivers. Windows 11 24H2 was officially launched in October 2024 for devices running Windows 11 22H2/23H2.

Winsage

September 15, 2025

Dirac audio glitch finally silenced in Windows 11 24H2

Microsoft has resolved an audio issue for Windows 11 24H2 users with Dirac audio technology, which previously left many users without sound due to a problem with the cridspapo.dll component. A compatibility hold was placed on affected devices until a new driver was released via Windows Update, allowing the hold to be lifted ahead of the Windows 11 25H2 launch. Microsoft has also addressed other issues in Windows 11 24H2, including unexpected User Account Control prompts and disrupted NDI streaming, in subsequent updates. Additionally, Microsoft is investigating ongoing problems related to the sprotect.sys driver, which caused blue or black screen errors, and has kept affected devices from upgrading to Windows 11 24H2.

Winsage

July 26, 2025

Microsoft lifts Windows 11 update block for Easy Anti-Cheat users

Microsoft has lifted the compatibility hold that previously prevented some users of Easy Anti-Cheat from upgrading to the Windows 11 2024 Update due to issues causing unexpected restarts and blue screen of death (BSOD) errors. An emergency update (KB5063060) was released on June 11 to address these compatibility issues. As of July 24, 2025, eligible devices can now install Windows 11, version 24H2 via Windows Update, although users may see a warning about an incompatible version of Easy Anti-Cheat. Microsoft confirmed that older versions of Easy Anti-Cheat will not trigger a BSOD unless activated by a game. Additionally, a safeguard hold imposed in October for Intel Alder Lake+ and vPro systems was lifted in March after resolving related issues. Other compatibility holds affecting AutoCAD and Safe Exam Browser users have also been removed.

Winsage

July 26, 2025

After almost a year, Windows 11 24H2 finally clears a the major rollout barrier

Microsoft has indicated that the release of Windows 11 25H2 is expected between October and November, although an official announcement has not yet been made. The company has lifted an update block that previously prevented the Windows 11 24H2 update from appearing for certain PCs, allowing more devices to become eligible for the update. The Windows 11 24H2 update was made accessible to all users in May, except for those under a "Compatibility hold" due to performance instability issues, particularly affecting PCs with Intel's Alder Lake processors or those using Easy Anti-Cheat software. The recent removal of the compatibility hold allows Alder Lake+ PCs to download and install the 24H2 update, but some devices may still face other compatibility holds. Users are advised to wait for Microsoft to remove these blocks instead of attempting manual installations. Additionally, some Alder Lake+ PCs may need to update Easy Anti-Cheat to install the 24H2 update, which can be triggered by launching a frequently played game. While progress has been made in resolving these issues, not all update blocks have been lifted, and the timeline for removing the remaining compatibility holds is uncertain.

Winsage

June 12, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 emergency update fixes Easy Anti-Cheat BSOD issue

Microsoft released an emergency update, KB5063060, to address a compatibility issue causing unexpected restarts and blue screen of death (BSOD) errors on Windows 11 systems using Easy Anti-Cheat. This update follows the earlier cumulative update, KB5060842, which led to reports of system reboots linked to IRQLNOTLESSOREQUAL BSODs. The issues were confirmed to affect devices running Easy Anti-Cheat, which is used in popular games like Fortnite and Apex Legends. The update will install automatically for devices with Easy Anti-Cheat, and manual installation options are available for x64 and arm64 systems. Additionally, Microsoft implemented a compatibility hold for Windows 24H2 upgrades on Intel Alder Lake+ and vPro systems due to related blue screen issues. On the same day, Microsoft also released security updates addressing 66 vulnerabilities in Windows 11, including critical flaws in Windows SMB and WebDAV.

Winsage

May 13, 2025

Windows 11 upgrade block lifted after Safe Exam Browser fix

Microsoft has lifted an upgrade block that prevented certain users of the Safe Exam Browser from installing the Windows 11 2024 Update due to compatibility concerns. The block was initially implemented in September to protect users from issues with Safe Exam Browser version 3.7 or earlier. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Safe Exam Browser version 3.8 or later before proceeding with the Windows 11 24H2 update. If users still encounter the safeguard hold after 48 hours of updating, they should contact Safe Exam Browser Support. The Windows 11 24H2 feature update is now available for all compatible PCs, except those under safeguard holds. Microsoft has resolved issues that previously blocked the update for some users and has removed other compatibility holds for specific devices and applications. However, some upgrade blocks remain due to incompatible hardware and software. Windows 11 24H2 began its rollout in May 2024 for enterprise testing, with a broader release in October.

Winsage

May 5, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 update is now automatically downloading on some PCs

Many users of Windows 11 will receive an automatic upgrade to version 24H2, confirmed by Microsoft. Devices running the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 (versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2) will receive this update without IT management intervention. The rollout began recently and will extend to users of Windows 10 and 11, unless hindered by compatibility issues. Users can manually check for the update through Settings > Windows Update. As of April, Windows 11's market share was 43.72%, compared to 52.94% for Windows 10, with the end of support for Windows 10 set for October 14, 2025. Microsoft is encouraging users to transition to Windows 11 through ads and popups.