safeguard hold Archives

Winsage

October 11, 2025

Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro reach end of support in 30 days

Microsoft announced that the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 23H2 will reach the end of servicing on November 11, 2025, with the last security update being the November 2025 monthly update. After this date, these editions will no longer receive security updates. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2, which became generally available in October 2024. The transition to Windows 11 24H2 will occur automatically for unmanaged Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 22H2 or 23H2, though some devices may not be eligible due to a safeguard hold. Support for Windows 11 22H2 will conclude on October 14. The Windows 11 2025 Update (25H2) was released on September 10 and is available for eligible Windows 11 24H2 devices.

Winsage

October 1, 2025

How to get the Windows 11 2025 Update

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 2025 Update, also known as Windows 11, version 25H2, which will be delivered as an enablement package (eKB) that includes features from version 24H2. This update focuses on security enhancements, including improved vulnerability detection and AI-assisted secure coding, while removing legacy features like PowerShell 2.0. The rollout begins for eligible devices running version 24H2, with a gradual expansion over the coming months. For commercial and educational users, version 25H2 is available through Windows Autopatch and the Microsoft 365 admin center, introducing new functionalities such as Wi-Fi 7. The support timeline is reset to 24 months for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Users on version 23H2 and earlier must perform a full OS swap to update to version 25H2. The update will be available via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) on October 14, 2025.

Winsage

September 30, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows 11 2025 update is available now

Microsoft has begun rolling out the Windows 11 update version 25H2, which follows a successful testing phase and is now available to all users via Windows Update. The update is a compact "enablement package" that allows for a swift installation process. It includes all recently announced features in Windows 11 version 24H2, utilizing a shared code base and servicing branch for streamlined updates. Version 25H2 introduces significant enhancements in build and runtime vulnerability detection and AI-assisted secure coding as part of a strategy to address security threats. It also removes PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC to create a leaner operating environment. Users can access the update by activating the “get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option in Windows Update, but a safeguard hold may delay the update if any issues are detected. The rollout will gradually expand over the coming months, with updates on known issues provided through the Windows release health hub.

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

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

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 now auto-downloads the 24H2 update, whether you want it or not

Microsoft has begun the final rollout phase for the Windows 11 24H2 update, which is now being automatically deployed to consumers. Users on Windows 11 Home or Pro versions 23H2, 22H2, and 21H2, not managed by IT departments, will receive the update automatically unless a safeguard hold is in place due to potential issues. Notifications will be sent via Windows Update when the update is downloading and ready for installation. Users can postpone the update but cannot decline it entirely.