A familiar frustration for many PC users arises when a new Windows update introduces unexpected bugs. Thankfully, Microsoft has made strides in recent years to mitigate these issues. The operating system now conducts a thorough scan of hardware and installed software for potential incompatibilities prior to initiating updates, effectively pausing the process if any problems are detected.
Expanding Upgrade Blocks
However, the recent rollout of the Windows 11 24H2 update has revealed a surprising increase in the number of upgrade blocks. BleepingComputer has provided an insightful overview of the specific hardware and software that may prevent users from successfully updating their systems.
Among the more apparent incompatibilities are certain Asus laptops, which have been reported to experience blue screen crashes post-update, as well as integrated webcams and fingerprint sensors that may cease functioning. Yet, the list also includes some less obvious culprits:
- Gameloft’s Asphalt 8: Airborne, a free-to-play racing game originally designed for smartphones, is featured on the official Windows store.
- The Safe Exam Browser, an anti-cheating tool essential for many university students and industrial training programs.
- Easy Anti-Cheat, a widely used software for online multiplayer gaming, which may require updates to either the game itself or Intel drivers for resolution.
- Various wallpaper customization tools, which might malfunction following the installation—an unexpected barrier to what is deemed a critical update.
- Intel Smart Sound Technology, which can be rectified with a driver update via Windows Update, raising the question of why this fix isn’t integrated into the update itself.
For those eager to embrace the latest iteration of Windows 11 but facing challenges, reviewing the complete list of incompatibilities is advisable. Microsoft is actively working to address many of these issues, striving to minimize the need for user intervention.
These peculiar and seemingly arbitrary conflicts underscore the complexities Microsoft faces in ensuring the safety and functionality of Windows users with each software update. As the operating system, its required drivers, and the applications we utilize grow increasingly intricate, the challenge of maintaining a seamless user experience becomes ever more daunting, particularly as it is built upon an aging framework.
