Fixing Windows 11 24H2 BSOD and Crashes: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

The Windows 11 24H2 update, intended to enhance system performance and security, has unfortunately introduced a series of critical issues leading to Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors and system crashes for numerous users. These problems have been particularly prevalent among devices with specific hardware configurations and software applications. This article delves into the primary causes of these issues and provides detailed solutions to help users restore system stability.

Common Causes of BSOD and Crashes in Windows 11 24H2​

1. Incompatibility with Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) Drivers​

Microsoft has identified that systems equipped with Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) audio drivers, particularly versions 10.29.0.5152 and 10.30.0.5152, are susceptible to BSOD errors post-update. This issue predominantly affects devices with Intel 11th Gen Core processors. To mitigate this, Microsoft has implemented a compatibility hold, preventing the Windows 11 24H2 update from being offered to affected systems until the drivers are updated.
Solution:

• Update Intel SST Drivers: Users should update their Intel SST drivers to versions 10.30.00.5714 or later. This can be accomplished through Windows Update or by contacting the device manufacturer for the latest driver versions.

2. Conflicts with Easy Anti-Cheat Software​

The Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) software, utilized by numerous online games to prevent cheating, has been linked to system crashes and BSOD errors following the Windows 11 24H2 update. Affected users have reported unexpected system restarts and IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL BSODs associated with ntoskrnl.exe or EasyAntiCheat_EOS.exe.
Solution:

• Install Emergency Update KB5063060: Microsoft has released an out-of-band update (KB5063060) to address this compatibility issue. This update is available through Windows Update and should be installed promptly to resolve the conflicts with EAC.

3. Issues with Western Digital and SanDisk SSDs​

Certain models of Western Digital (WD) and SanDisk SSDs have been identified as causing BSOD errors after the Windows 11 24H2 update. The problem is linked to the Host Memory Buffer (HMB) feature, which allows SSDs to utilize system RAM for caching, thereby improving performance. In the 24H2 update, Windows allocates the full 200 MB HMB requested by these SSDs, leading to system crashes.
Solution:

• Update SSD Firmware: Western Digital and SanDisk have released firmware updates to address this issue. Users should download and install the latest firmware for their specific SSD models using the Western Digital Dashboard software. It's crucial to back up important data before proceeding, as firmware updates can potentially lead to data loss.
• Modify Registry Settings (Temporary Fix): For users unable to update the firmware immediately, a temporary workaround involves modifying the Windows registry to adjust the HMB allocation policy.
  Steps:
  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorPort
  3. Right-click on the StorPort key, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it HmbAllocationPolicy.
  4. Set the value of HmbAllocationPolicy to 0 or 2.
  5. Restart the computer for the changes to take effect.
  Note: Modifying the registry can have unintended consequences if not done correctly. Proceed with caution and consider seeking assistance if unsure.

4. Integrated Camera and Windows Hello Malfunctions​

Users with integrated cameras have reported system freezes and crashes when applications access the camera, particularly affecting the Windows Hello facial recognition feature. This issue can render the system unresponsive and disrupt normal operations.
Solution:

• Disable Windows Hello Facial Recognition:
  1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
  2. Under Facial Recognition (Windows Hello), click Remove.
  3. Set up an alternative sign-in method, such as a password or PIN, to maintain system security.
• Avoid Using the Camera Temporarily: Until a permanent fix is released, refrain from using applications that require camera access to prevent system instability.

5. General System Instability Post-Update​

Some users have experienced overall system instability, including frequent crashes and BSOD errors, after installing the Windows 11 24H2 update. These issues may stem from various factors, including driver incompatibilities and software conflicts.
Solution:

• Check for Additional Updates: Microsoft frequently releases patches to address known issues.
  1. Go to Settings > Windows Update.
  2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates related to Windows 11 24H2.
• Rollback to Previous Windows Version: If issues persist, consider rolling back to the previous version of Windows.
  1. Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
  2. Under Recovery options, select Go back if the option is available.
  Note: The rollback option is typically available for 10 days after the update. Ensure that important data is backed up before proceeding.

Conclusion​

The Windows 11 24H2 update has introduced several challenges for users, particularly concerning BSOD errors and system crashes. By identifying the specific causes and implementing the solutions outlined above, users can mitigate these issues and restore system stability. It's essential to stay informed about official updates from Microsoft and hardware manufacturers, as they continue to release patches and firmware updates to address these problems. Regularly checking for updates and maintaining backups of important data are prudent practices to safeguard against potential system issues.

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Source: Guiding Tech How to Fix Windows 11 24H2 BSOD and Crashes