Intel Smart Sound Technology Archives

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 24, 2025

It took a year, but Microsoft finally squashed this major Windows 11 24H2 bug

Microsoft released a patch on September 18, 2025, for Windows 11 24H2 that resolves a significant glitch preventing users from utilizing facial recognition through the integrated camera. This issue had been reported nearly a year prior and had blocked affected devices from receiving the Windows 11 24H2 update. With the fix, eligible devices can now install the update via the Windows Update channel, although it may take up to 48 hours for the update to become available. Microsoft is also addressing three remaining issues in Windows 11 24H2: problems with certain Digital TV and Blu-Ray/DVD applications, a blue or black screen error linked to the sprotect.sys driver, and incompatibility with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers. Meanwhile, Windows 11 25H2 is set to launch in October 2025, with a smaller installation package and a similar update process to previous versions.

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

Microsoft fixes Windows 11 audio issues confirmed in December

Microsoft has lifted the safeguard hold that restricted certain users from upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 due to compatibility issues with Bluetooth headsets and speakers. The bug, acknowledged in December, primarily affected systems using Dirac audio improvement software, causing audio-related malfunctions. The incompatibility was linked to the software component cridspapo.dll. On September 11, 2025, Microsoft announced the removal of the update block for devices with Dirac audio software, allowing them to upgrade to Windows 11, version 24H2. A new driver addressing the issue is available via Windows Update. However, upgrades remain blocked for devices with incompatible Intel Smart Sound Technology audio drivers, SenseShield Technology code-obfuscation drivers, wallpaper customization software, and integrated cameras.

Winsage

September 12, 2025

Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro reach end of support in 60 days

Microsoft will stop providing updates for the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 23H2 on November 11, 2025. In contrast, the Enterprise and Education editions will continue to receive updates until November 10, 2026. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2, which became available in October 2024. Microsoft has implemented safeguard holds for the upgrade to address compatibility issues with certain drivers and software. As of July 2025, 59.9% of gamers are using Windows 11, and it has surpassed Windows 10 in market share, with over 53% of Windows systems running Windows 11. The last supported Windows 11 22H2 editions will reach their end of servicing on October 14.

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 29, 2025

Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 11 22H2 in October

Microsoft has announced that servicing for the last supported editions of Windows 11 22H2 (Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise) will end on October 14. The final monthly security update for this version will be in October 2025, after which devices will no longer receive updates. Microsoft is implementing an automatic feature update for Windows 11 consumer and non-managed business devices that have reached their end of servicing to ensure continued security updates. Users can choose a convenient time for their devices to reboot for the Windows 24H2 feature update. The Windows 11 24H2 update began rolling out in May 2024 for enterprise customers and became available for eligible devices in October. Microsoft has established upgrade blocks for the 24H2 update on devices with incompatible drivers and software.

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.