Microsoft Lifts Windows 11 Upgrade Block for PCs with Intel SST Drivers

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Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft has removed a Windows 11 upgrade block for Windows 10 devices with Intel SST drivers.
  • Microsoft says that affected users must update to the latest Intel SST driver versions through Windows Update.
  • IT admins can use tools such as Windows Autopatch for managing driver updates in enterprise environments.

Microsoft has removed an upgrade block that was previously in place for Windows 10 PCs with certain Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers. The company has recently updated the Windows Health Dashboard to indicate that the compatibility hold has been removed, and these PCs can now upgrade to Windows 11.

In 2021, Microsoft discovered a compatibility issue with certain versions (10.29.0.5152 and 10.30.0.5152) of the Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) driver and Windows 11. The company acknowledged that the bug caused some Windows 10 users to experience Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) crashes. As a result, Microsoft placed a safeguard hold to prevent Windows 10 PCs with incompatible Intel SST drivers from upgrading to Windows 11.

Windows 11 now available for PCs with Intel SST drivers

If you haven’t been able to get Windows 11 on your PCs with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers, you should be able to grab it now through Windows Update. However, keep in mind that Windows 10 users affected by the issue will need to update the Intel SST drivers to version 10.29.00.5714 and 10.30.00.5714 or later before upgrading to Windows 11.

“If your device still encounters this safeguard hold 48 hours after updating your drivers, it’s possible drivers for this Audio Controller haven’t been developed for your specific device hardware configuration. In this case, you will need to contact your device manufacturer (OEM) for more information on the necessary drivers,” Microsoft explained.

Microsoft notes that it can take up to 48 hours before the new Windows 11 operating system will show up on a Windows 10 device. Moreover, IT admins can use Windows Update for Business, Microsoft Intune, and Windows Autopatch to manage the deployment of driver updates across their organizations.