Windows updates: we all know they’re meant to improve functionality, plug security gaps, and generally make life a smidge better. But occasionally, an update hits users harder than a brick wall—and version 24H2 for Windows 11 seems to be one of those updates. Ever since its rollout, reports of the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) have been cropping up all over the place. Whether you're a seasoned Windows user or someone who just doesn’t want their laptop freezing mid-Zoom call, this guide breaks down the causes, the chaos, and—most importantly—the fixes for the most common problems.
2. Embrace System Restore: Keeping a restore point for your system before major updates isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. Navigate to
3. Stay Updated on Microsoft Patch Notes: Microsoft documents known bugs and mitigations for every update extensively. A quick glance through these notes could save you the hassle of troubleshooting.
Have additional questions or tips that worked for you? Share them with others here on WindowsForum.com and help make the Windows experience BSOD-free!
Source: How-To Geek Got a BSOD After Windows 24H2? Here Are The Most Common Reasons (and Fixes)
1. ASUS Laptops and Intermittent Processor Blues
Two popular budget laptops from ASUS—the X415KA and X515KA—have become prime victims of post-update BSOD errors, but this isn’t just an ASUS problem. The real culprit? Firmware conflicts exacerbated by the update. This issue also triggers for systems running on Intel's entry-level processors like the Celeron N4500 and Pentium Silver N6000, chips often found in budget-friendly machines preferred by students and casual users.Fix It
- For ASUS users: Hold tight until ASUS releases a firmware update! Until then, rollback the 24H2 update through System Restore and pause automatic updates in Windows to avoid reinstallation.
- Checklist to Pause Updates: Head to
Settings > Windows Update > Pause for 7 days. Repeat as necessary until ASUS or Microsoft comes up with a software patch.
2. Broken and Stalling Integrated Cameras
From posting vacation selfies to serious business meetings, integrated cameras are a lifeline in this video-call world. However, Windows 24H2 has caused these cameras to stutter, hang the system when accessed by apps, and paralyze Windows Hello facial recognition. Users have reported system crashes and, in extreme cases, straight-to-BSOD scenarios.Fix It
- Temporarily disable Windows Hello face authentication:
- Navigate to
Settings > Accounts > Sign-in Options. - Under "Face Recognition (Windows Hello)," click Remove.
- Navigate to
- Opt for PINs or passwords for your login in the meantime.
- Got a camera crash? Consider rolling the system back to pre-update stability via System Restore (if you have backups).
3. Gaming Interrupted: Easy Anti-Cheat Conflicts
Gamers, beware! The ever-protective Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) software, essential for Fortnite, Call of Duty, and iRacing, finds itself sabotaged by Windows 24H2—more so on systems with Intel Alder Lake (12th Gen) processors featuring vPro technology. Many BSODs in these cases involve the dreaded “MEMORY_MANAGEMENT” stop code.Fix It
- Attempt to update EAC to the latest version via their official website or game client (where applicable).
- If the issue persists, roll back Windows using System Restore.
- Sadly, removing EAC isn’t an option, as almost all multiplayer games depend on it—but check for patches periodically as developers work to patch issues.
4. Intel SmartSound Driver Fiasco
The problem with Intel’s clever SmartSound Technology (SST), which powers audio processing on Core and Atom processors, lies within the IntcAudioBus.sys driver. Windows 24H2 isn’t playing nice with versions 10.29.0.5152 or 10.30.0.5152, primarily on 11th Gen Intel CPUs, triggering errors and BSOD.Fix It
- Grab the updated driver directly from Intel’s support page or use
Device Manager:- Right-click the Start button > Open Device Manager.
- Expand Sound, video and game controllers, locate SST, and opt for Update Driver.
- Prefer the classic Windows Update route? Manually trigger updates (
Settings > Update & Security > Check for Updates) and watch for available fixes.
5. Western Digital NVME SSD Headaches
Now for the tech-savvy crowd: if you’re running a Western Digital NVME SSD, you might have noticed BSOD issues after the update. The problem lies in how 24H2 handles Host Memory Buffer (HMB) on DRAM-less drives. The Buffer allocation goes haywire, causing deadly errors.Fix It
- Upgrade firmware: Western Digital has already released a firmware update for this exact issue.
- Caution: Updating firmware risks data corruption! Back up important data before pulling the trigger.
- For an adventurous workaround:
- Registry Modification (Experts Only):
- Open
regedit(Windows Key + R, typeregedit). - Navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorPort. - Modify or create a new DWORD
HmbAllocationPolicy. Assign it one of two values:0: Disable HMB entirely.2: Assign allocation to 64MB.
- Reboot and test for stability improvements.
- Remember: Backup your registry before tampering. Missteps could spell trouble.
Why Did This Happen? (Ground Zero Analysis)
Microsoft recognized these issues and quickly suspended the update’s rollout for most users, but for those already affected… well, you’re left in the aftermath of the digital explosion. BSOD events like these expose a common dilemma: the constant push for modernization versus fully baking compatibility across complex ecosystems of hardware and software. With devices growing more interdependent, even the smallest conflict—e.g., outdated firmware or software—can send systems into meltdown.The Silver Lining: What You Can Do
1. Pause Updates Aggressively: Most issues happen when users can’t or don’t delay updates. Plan updates for low-stakes times, preferably after early adopters act as guinea pigs.2. Embrace System Restore: Keeping a restore point for your system before major updates isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. Navigate to
Control Panel > System > System Protection to enable and create restore points.3. Stay Updated on Microsoft Patch Notes: Microsoft documents known bugs and mitigations for every update extensively. A quick glance through these notes could save you the hassle of troubleshooting.
Closing Thoughts
If Windows 24H2 has wrecked your machine with a barrage of BSODs, you’re far from alone. From faulty drivers and failing firmware to anti-cheat engine conflicts, this update has packed a punch. Thankfully, knowing the source of these issues gives you power: the fixes range from simply pausing further updates to diving into the depths of registry edits. Whatever your tech prowess, a systematic approach will get your machine running smoothly again.Have additional questions or tips that worked for you? Share them with others here on WindowsForum.com and help make the Windows experience BSOD-free!
Source: How-To Geek Got a BSOD After Windows 24H2? Here Are The Most Common Reasons (and Fixes)
