compatibility holds Archives

Winsage

October 20, 2025

Microsoft fixes Windows Server Active Directory sync issues

Microsoft is addressing an issue with Active Directory functionalities for certain Windows Server 2025 systems after the installation of the September 2025 security update (KB5065426). The problem affects applications using Active Directory directory synchronization (DirSync), particularly for large security groups exceeding 10,000 members, resulting in incomplete synchronization. To resolve this, IT administrators can implement the Known Issue Rollback (KIR) Group Policy on affected devices. For non-managed devices, a temporary fix involves adding a registry key at the specified path with a specific name, type, and value. Additionally, Microsoft is working on resolving a bug affecting Windows updates on Windows 11 24H2 and Windows Server 2025, as well as addressing smart card authentication issues and HTTP/2 localhost connection disruptions following recent security updates.

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 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

August 26, 2025

Windows 11 24H2 and Windows 10 Hit by Severe Lag After Microsoft’s August 2025 Update

Windows 11 Version 24H2, also known as the 2024 Update, is being rolled out to users via Windows Update. Eligible devices can check for the update in Settings > Windows Update. Devices running Windows 10 and Windows 11 versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2 will receive the update automatically, with options to schedule or postpone restarts. Copilot+ PCs will receive new AI features through the Windows Insider program, with availability varying by hardware and region. Users can seek help with update issues via the Get Help app or Microsoft support website. Known issues include: 1. NDI streaming performance degradation with OBS and NDI Tools (Confirmed). 2. WSUS installation failure for the August 2025 security update (Resolved). 3. WUSA installs failing from shared folders (Mitigated). 4. CertificateServicesClient error events (Confirmed). 5. Missing parental consent prompt for non-Edge browsers (Mitigated). 6. Easy Anti-Cheat causing blue screens (Resolved). 7. Incompatibility with sprotect.sys driver (Confirmed). 8. Dirac Audio devices losing audio output (Confirmed). 9. Camera use hanging apps on select devices (Confirmed). 10. Intel Smart Sound Technology driver causing blue screens (Confirmed). Workarounds and fixes are suggested for several issues, including switching NDI Receive Mode and copying .msu files locally for installation. Devices with certain drivers are blocked from receiving the update until compatibility issues are resolved.

Winsage

August 13, 2025

Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro reach end of support in November

Microsoft announced that support for the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 version 23H2 will end on November 11, 2025. The Enterprise and Education editions will continue to receive support until November 10, 2026. The last supported editions of Windows 11 22H2 will reach their end of servicing on October 14. Users of Windows 11 23H2 are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2, which began rolling out in May 2024 and became generally available in October 2024. Microsoft has implemented compatibility holds that may block upgrades on devices with certain incompatible software and drivers. Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 in install base, achieving over 53% of all Windows systems, while 59.9% of gamers use Windows 11 as of July 2025.

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

July 19, 2025

Microsoft Issues Rare Apology For A Windows Update Mistake

Microsoft's Windows 11 24H2 update has encountered multiple issues, including a persistent Windows Firewall error (Event 2042) that worsened after the July 2025 update. The company issued an apology for the confusion, clarifying that the error is a logging anomaly with no security risk. Users have also reported problems with the Microsoft Changjie Input Method, Azure Virtual Desktop app failures, camera application unresponsiveness, wallpaper customization issues, blue screen errors related to Easy Anti-Cheat, and audio loss with Dirac Audio. Microsoft is working on resolutions for these problems in future updates.

Winsage

June 30, 2025

Microsoft readies Windows 11 users for 25H2

Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 25H2 is forthcoming, serving as a feature enablement update rather than a complete overhaul, sharing the same underlying source code as Windows 11 24H2. Windows Insiders have already gained early access to 25H2, which will introduce additional features activated through an enablement package. Jason Leznek, Principal Project Manager for Windows Servicing and Delivery, noted the seamless compatibility between the two versions, advising a focus on new features rather than a comprehensive review of the operating system. Windows 11 24H2 has faced various issues since its release in 2024, leading to compatibility holds from Microsoft. A significant change in Windows 11 25H2 includes the retirement of the Blue Screen of Death (BSoD), which will be replaced by a black "unexpected restart" screen, while still allowing users to view the stop error code. Microsoft is also introducing quick recovery options for PCs that have trouble restarting and enhancing its security framework by allowing antivirus and endpoint protection vendors to operate in user mode outside of the Windows kernel. The BSoD replacement is expected to roll out on Windows 11 24H2 devices over the summer and will be a key feature of Windows 11 25H2. Additionally, the Windows endpoint security platform will enter private preview in July.

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.