compatibility hold Archives

Winsage

April 15, 2025

These PCs can finally upgrade to the latest version of Windows 11

PCs previously barred from upgrading to Windows 11 version 24H2 can now proceed with the upgrade following updates to affected applications, such as Wallpaper Engine, which improved compatibility. Microsoft had previously placed a compatibility hold on devices using certain applications to prevent disruptions. Users may not see the upgrade option immediately, but as updates for affected applications are released, the upgrade path will become more accessible.

Winsage

April 14, 2025

Microsoft starts lifting Windows 11 24H2 safeguard hold

Microsoft has begun lifting a compatibility hold on wallpaper customization applications for Windows 11, which had been in place for over six months since the release of Windows 11 24H2. The hold affected multiple applications, causing issues such as incorrect wallpaper display and disappearing icons. Microsoft confirmed that the hold is being removed incrementally as developers update their applications, although the reasons for the incompatibility remain unclear. Users may receive prompts to uninstall their wallpaper applications during the update process, and they are encouraged to update these applications for better compatibility. Some applications, like Wallpaper Engine, have already released updates to enhance compatibility with Windows 11 24H2. The resolution of compatibility issues will depend on the timing of application updates from developers.

Winsage

April 9, 2025

Microsoft resets ‘days since last Windows 11 problem’ to 0

Microsoft has implemented a compatibility hold for Windows 11 24H2 affecting devices using the sprotect.sys driver from SenseShield Technology, which is crucial for encryption protection in enterprise security software. This hold impacts all versions of the sprotect.sys driver, specifically versions 1.0.2.372 and 1.0.3.48903, causing potential disruptions such as unresponsiveness and black or blue screen errors. Users are advised not to force the Windows 11 24H2 update until the issue is resolved, and Microsoft is collaborating with SenseShield to investigate the problem. Additionally, Microsoft has previously issued holds for other issues related to Dirac Audio enhancement technology and AutoCAD 2022, raising concerns about the compatibility and stability of Windows 11 compared to Windows 10.

Winsage

April 6, 2025

Microsoft blocks Windows 11 24H2 update on some new PCs

Microsoft has informed Windows 10 users that their devices are not eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11 due to system requirements and recommends transitioning to a new PC with Windows 11. A new compatibility issue has arisen with the sprotect.sys driver, causing system freezes and errors on Windows 11 version 24H2, leading Microsoft to impose a compatibility hold on affected devices. This hold prevents these devices from being prompted to install Windows 11, version 24H2. Users with impacted devices will see a notification on the Windows Update page indicating no immediate action is required. IT administrators can monitor the issue using safeguard ID 56318982. Microsoft advises against forcing the update if the system is incompatible and is working with SenseShield Technology Co. to resolve the issue.

Winsage

March 22, 2025

Your PC might have been blocked from updating Windows 11 because of this game

Microsoft has lifted a compatibility hold that was preventing certain PCs from upgrading to Windows 11 version 24H2 due to the presence of the game Asphalt 8 (Airborne). The issue has been resolved, allowing affected PCs to proceed with the upgrade, which may take up to 48 hours to become available. Asphalt 8 was originally launched for Windows 8 in 2018.

Winsage

March 20, 2025

Microsoft rolls out Windows 11 24H2 to more users after fixing 6-month-old bug

Microsoft previously paused Windows 11 updates due to major bugs affecting gaming and audio functionalities. A compatibility hold was placed on Windows 11 for users with Asphalt 8: Airborne installed due to the game's crashing issues. Microsoft has lifted the hold on Asphalt 8: Airborne, making the Windows 11 update available again. The hold, identified by ID 52796746, has been removed, allowing affected users to receive the update through Windows Update, which may take up to 48 hours to appear.

Winsage

March 20, 2025

Microsoft lifts Windows 11 upgrade block after Asphalt 8 crash fix

Microsoft has lifted an upgrade block that prevented players of Asphalt 8: Airborne from transitioning to Windows 11 24H2 due to compatibility issues. The game had over 322,000 ratings and around 470 million players, but users experienced freezing issues and error messages after the Windows update. A compatibility hold was implemented, identified by safeguard ID 52796746, which affected devices running versions 22H2 and 23H2. Microsoft announced that the known issue has been addressed and the safeguard hold has been lifted, with the update expected to be offered within 48 hours. Additionally, Microsoft removed a block related to the Easy Anti-Cheat app affecting Intel Alder Lake+ processors, and lifted restrictions for AutoCAD users and PCs with Auto HDR enabled. The company is also working on resolving other compatibility concerns related to various software and hardware.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

Microsoft: Recent Windows updates make USB printers print random text

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue affecting certain USB printers after the installation of Windows updates since late January 2025, impacting users on Windows 10 (version 22H2) and Windows 11 (versions 22H2 and 23H2). The latest Windows 11 version 24H2 is unaffected. Users may experience unexpected behavior with dual-mode printers using USB Print and IPP Over USB protocols, leading to random text and data being printed, including network commands. This issue arises from the interaction between the print spooler and the printer driver. Microsoft has implemented a solution through its Known Issue Rollback (KIR) feature, which will be automatically rolled out in an upcoming update. IT administrators are advised to install specific group policies to address the issue. Additionally, Microsoft lifted a compatibility hold for some AutoCAD users upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 due to previous launch and crash issues.

Winsage

February 26, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 trips up on AutoCAD 2022

Microsoft has implemented a safeguard hold for its Windows 11 24H2 update due to complications with Autodesk AutoCAD 2022, which is causing errors when users attempt to open the software on certain devices. This hold prevents devices with AutoCAD 2022 from receiving the Windows 11 24H2 update. Autodesk has indicated potential compatibility issues with earlier versions of AutoCAD, advising that while installation on Windows 11 is possible, it may lead to problems. Other versions of AutoCAD, including 2023, 2024, and 2025, are functioning properly with Windows 11. Microsoft has not provided a timeline for resolving the issue or lifting the hold.

Winsage

February 12, 2025

Microsoft finally fixes some of Windows 11’s most annoying problems with new patch

Windows 11 released its February 2025 cumulative update, identified as KB5051987 for Windows 11 24H2 and KB5051989 for 23H2. This update fixes several bugs, including an Auto HDR issue that caused color distortion and game crashes, a bug affecting digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and a 'This device cannot start' audio error. It also resolves USB webcam detection issues. The compatibility hold for certain PCs to receive the 24H2 update has been lifted, allowing more users to access the latest features.