Microsoft has begun blocking the installation of Windows 11 24H2 on systems that use Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) audio drivers that are incompatible with it. Installing the Windows 11 24H2 update on such PCs results in a Blue Screen of Death.
Image source: Bleeping Computer
Intel SST is an integrated audio DSP (Digital Signal Processor) that handles audio, voice, and speech interactions on devices with Intel Core and Intel Atom processors. According to Microsoft, the audio driver in question “is present in Device Manager and can be found under the name IntcAudioBus.sys.”
«Only devices using 11th Gen Intel Core processors and Intel SST driver version 10.29.0.5152 or 10.30.0.5152 are affected by this issue,” the company clarifies.
Microsoft has added a Safeguard ID (Safeguard ID 51876952) to prevent installation of the Windows 11 version 24H2 update on such PCs and recommends not updating the OS when using this hardware and driver configuration through its Media Creation Tool or Windows 11 Installation Assistant, as this may lead to instability computer operation and BSOD errors.
Windows 11 users affected by this issue can work around the issue by updating their Intel SST drivers to versions 10.30.00.5714 and later or 10.29.00.5714 and later through Windows Update. If the update list does not include a new driver version that resolves this issue, they should contact their device manufacturer (OEM) for more information.
«Please note that later versions of this driver may only refer to the latter part of the version number. Therefore, please be aware that driver versions 10.30.x may not be newer than driver versions 10.29.x,” Microsoft warns.
The company adds that if a device tries to install the Windows 11 version 24H2 update within 48 hours, it still encounters Safeguard hold (a feature in Windows that prevents the computer from receiving the new Windows update if there are known compatibility issues with the software, hardware, or settings ), then it is possible that drivers for this audio controller have not yet been released for a specific hardware configuration.
The company has also added Safeguard hold for installing Windows 11 24H2 on devices with Safe Exam Browser installed, some systems equipped with fingerprint scanners with incompatible software, as well as some installed desktop wallpaper customization applications.