Microsoft has taken a proactive approach to ensure system stability by blocking upgrades to Windows 24H2 on devices that feature incompatible Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) audio drivers. This decision comes in response to reports of blue screen of death (BSOD) issues that have arisen from the use of specific driver versions.
Intel SST serves as an integrated audio Digital Signal Processor (DSP), facilitating audio, voice, and speech interactions on devices equipped with Intel Core and Intel Atom processors. According to a recent update on the Windows health dashboard, the problematic driver can be identified in the Device Manager under System Devices, specifically by the file name ‘IntcAudioBus.sys’. The versions that pose a risk are 10.29.0.5152 and 10.30.0.5152.
Microsoft clarified that only devices featuring both Intel 11th Gen Core processors and the aforementioned versions of the Intel SST driver are impacted by this issue. In light of this, the company has implemented a compatibility hold to prevent the Windows 11 2024 Update from being offered to systems with these incompatible drivers, designated by the safeguard ID 51876952.
For users affected by this known issue, Microsoft strongly advises against manually upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 using the Media Creation Tool or the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, as doing so may result in system instability and BSOD errors.
Workaround available
Fortunately, there is a workaround for those impacted by this situation. Users can resolve the issue by updating their Intel SST drivers to versions 10.30.00.5714 or later, or 10.29.00.5714 or later, through Windows Update. Should users encounter difficulties in locating an updated driver, they are encouraged to reach out to their device manufacturer (OEM) for further assistance.
It is important to note that later iterations of the driver may only reflect the latter portion of the version number. For the purpose of addressing this specific issue, Microsoft has indicated that 10.30.x versions are not considered newer than 10.29.x versions.
Additionally, if no other safeguard holds are applicable to a user’s device, it may take up to 48 hours for the upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 to become available after the drivers have been updated.
Microsoft has also instituted other compatibility holds that prevent Windows 11 24H2 upgrades on systems running the Asphalt 8 (Airborne) game, the Easy Anti-Cheat application, the Safe Exam Browser application (ID 49562592), certain fingerprint sensors with incompatible firmware (ID 52796844), and wallpaper customization applications (ID 52754008).
