Windows 11 24H2 rollout unblocked for Intel SST affected PCs

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Microsoft has quietly removed a long-running compatibility block that prevented many Intel-powered PCs from getting the Windows 11, version 24H2 (2024 Update) rollout, clearing the path for affected machines to receive the feature update once compatible Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) audio drivers are installed on those systems.

Background​

The block traces back to an incompatibility between Windows 11, version 24H2 and specific releases of the Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) audio driver — the software component that controls Intel’s on-die audio digital signal processor (DSP) found in many modern laptops and integrated systems. Microsoft determined that devices with both an 11th Gen Intel Core processor and certain SST driver binaries could display a system crash (BSOD) after upgrading to 24H2; to prevent mass instability, the company applied a compatibility safeguard to stop Windows Update from offering 24H2 to those devices.
This is not a new pattern for Microsoft’s release process. When Microsoft detects a real-world, repeatable incompatibility that would harm user experience — especially one that causes system crashes — the company will place a safeguard hold (also called a compatibility hold) to defer the update on impacted devices until a fix is available. IT administrators can track these holds via a unique safeguard ID provided in Microsoft’s release health documentation. For the Intel SST issue, that ID is 51876952.

What went wrong: Intel SST, driver versions, and the BSOD​

At the core of the problem is a specific driver file: IntcAudioBus.sys — the kernel component used by the Intel SST Audio Controller. Microsoft’s diagnostic work identified the problematic file versions as:
  • 10.29.0.5152
  • 10.30.0.5152
If IntcAudioBus.sys on an affected device matched either of the above file versions and the machine also ran an Intel 11th Gen Core CPU, installing Windows 11, version 24H2 risked a blue screen error. Microsoft and Intel therefore classified the combination as unsafe for the 24H2 rollout until updated drivers were released.
Microsoft’s public guidance makes an important clarification about how Intel numbers driver builds: the important comparison is the full driver release numbers (for example 10.29.00.5714), and numerical segments don’t necessarily imply strict ordering between 10.29.x and 10.30.x families. Practically that meant Intel and OEMs needed to ship a driver with a particular final build component that avoids the problematic code path.

How the problem was fixed​

Intel — working with Microsoft and OEM partners — produced updated SST audio drivers that remove the offending behavior. Microsoft’s release-health entry explicitly states the issue is resolved by updating to the following driver releases (or later):
  • 10.29.00.5714 or later
  • 10.30.00.5714 or later
For most users, Microsoft recommends getting these updated drivers via Windows Update: check Settings → Windows Update and install driver updates offered there. Once a compatible driver is present on a device, the compatibility hold will be removed automatically for that device — though Microsoft warns it may take up to 48 hours after the driver registers before the Windows 11, 24H2 download appears via Windows Update.
Multiple independent outlets tracked this development as Microsoft added the driver fixes into its update channels and then began to lift the safeguard for affected devices. That step — distributing the corrected drivers via Microsoft’s servicing pipeline — is the operational hinge that lets the company safely reopen the upgrade pathway.

Who was affected — and who should check​

  • Impacted CPU family: Intel 11th Gen Core processors (specific models aren’t singled out in Microsoft’s advisory; the requirement is having an 11th Gen CPU).
  • Impacted driver families: Intel Smart Sound Technology Audio Controller with IntcAudioBus.sys at file versions 10.29.0.5152 or 10.30.0.5152.
If your PC combines an 11th Gen Intel CPU with an older Intel SST driver, it may still show the safeguard message in Settings → Windows Update: Windows will tell you the update isn’t offered yet and provide a Learn more link that points at MS release-health content. That message is Microsoft’s mechanism for enforcing the block.

Quick check: how to see if your PC was affected​

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Expand the “System devices” tree and find Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) Audio Controller.
  3. Right-click → Properties → Driver tab → Driver File Details and look for IntcAudioBus.sys.
  4. Verify the file version listed — if it’s 10.29.0.5152 or 10.30.0.5152 and you have an 11th Gen chip, you were subject to the hold.
(If the Intel SST entry is not present, your device doesn’t use that driver and this particular safeguard did not apply.)

How to resolve it (consumer and admin guidance)​

Microsoft and Intel’s joint recommendation is straightforward: install the updated Intel SST driver that contains the 10.29.00.5714 or 10.30.00.5714 build (or later), then wait for Windows Update to surface 24H2. Don’t force the 24H2 upgrade using the Media Creation Tool or the “Update now” manual options until driver compatibility is confirmed. Microsoft has repeatedly cautioned that manually overriding a safeguard can expose a system to instability.
Practical steps for consumers:
  1. Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates. If a compatible Intel SST driver is available through Microsoft’s update channel, it should appear here.
  2. Install any driver updates and reboot.
  3. Wait up to 48 hours for Windows Update to offer Windows 11, version 24H2; restarting the PC may accelerate detection.
For IT administrators and sysadmins:
  • Use Windows Update for Business, Microsoft Intune, or Autopatch to deploy validated driver packages across fleets. Microsoft explicitly documents these tools as supported channels for distributing the fixed Intel SST drivers and tracking safeguard removal.
  • Monitor the safeguard status via Windows Update for Business reports and the Windows release health dashboard. The known safeguard ID for this issue — 51876952 — can be used in tooling and reporting to identify impacted machines.
If the safeguard remains in place more than 48 hours after installing an updated driver, Microsoft’s advice is to contact the device OEM. In some hardware configurations OEMs must ship a vendor-specific driver variant before Microsoft’s safeguards will lift the block for that device. That OEM coordination is often the bottleneck in driver-led compatibility problems.

Why this matters: technical and operational implications​

This incident highlights several important realities about modern PC maintenance and OS rollouts:
  • Drivers remain a primary attack surface for update stability. Even mature OS builds depend on an ecosystem of kernel-mode drivers and firmware. A single troublesome driver in a widely deployed device family can prompt Microsoft to pause feature updates to retain overall platform reliability. The Intel SST case illustrates the cost of a single component mismatch across millions of devices.
  • Windows Update as a control plane. Microsoft has increasingly used Windows Update not just to deliver OS bits, but to orchestrate driver fixes and staged rollouts. Packaging corrected drivers into the Windows Update channel is what allowed Microsoft to lift the safeguard safely for most affected users. This centralization improves reach but also concentrates the dependency on Microsoft and OEMs to coordinate driver delivery.
  • Enterprise risk management. For organizations running large fleets, these holds are a reminder that feature updates must be validated in staging and QA environments with vendor drivers deployed. Using Windows Update for Business and Intune allows IT to control timing and to ensure the right driver set is present before moving to 24H2 at scale.
  • User friction and upgrade fatigue. End users caught in these blocks may see the Windows Update page flag an unavailable upgrade. For some this is reassuring; for others, especially those watching end-of-service timelines, it’s a source of frustration. Microsoft’s multi-month cadence of patching and unblockings around 24H2 created a narrative of a rocky feature-update roll out. Several other compatibility holds (camera-related, Dirac audio, Easy Anti-Cheat) were tracked and lifted over the same period.

Strengths in the response — and areas that still deserve scrutiny​

Notable strengths​

  • Rapid detection and coordinated remediation: Microsoft’s telemetry, combined with Intel’s driver engineering, found a reproducible crash scenario and produced an actionable driver-level remedy. Coordinated driver releases and listing in Windows Update are precisely how ecosystem partners should resolve such issues.
  • Clear guidance and tooling for admins: The company supplied a safeguard ID, documented the affected file and driver versions, and showed how Intune/Windows Update for Business customers can detect and remediate at scale. Those details materially reduce uncertainty for enterprise IT teams.
  • Conservative stance to protect data and uptime: By blocking the update until the fix was available, Microsoft reduced the risk of users facing catastrophic data-loss scenarios or repeated crashes after a major feature update. Safeguards — when appropriately targeted — are a legitimate engineering trade-off.

Risks, weaknesses, and open questions​

  • OEM distribution delays remain a friction point. Microsoft’s guidance flags that some device-specific driver variants must come from OEMs. Users and admins often face inconsistent OEM response times, and the ecosystem’s complexity can delay a fix even after a generic Microsoft-updated driver exists. This leaves certain devices blocked longer than others.
  • Opaque timing for some users. The “up to 48 hours” propagation window and the lack of a real-time unblock indicator can leave end users unsure whether they’re done or still waiting for remediation. Enterprises with strict update calendars may find this uncertainty operationally awkward.
  • The temptation to force upgrades. Despite explicit warnings, some users attempt manual installs with the Media Creation Tool or Update Assistant. Doing so risks encountering the very BSODs the safeguard was intended to prevent. Microsoft’s documentation repeats the warning, but the availability of manual upgrade tools remains a hazard for less-informed users.
  • Driver versioning confusion. Intel’s driver numbering scheme (where 10.30.x is not necessarily “higher” than 10.29.x) is unusual and can be confusing when administrators script version checks. Microsoft called attention to that nuance in its guidance; nevertheless, this adds complexity to automated compliance scripts and patching logic.

Practical checklist for Windows 11 users and administrators​

  • For individual users:
    • Check Device Manager for the Intel SST entry and confirm IntcAudioBus.sys file version.
    • Run Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates and install any driver updates.
    • After updating drivers, allow up to 48 hours for Windows Update to offer 24H2; restart the PC to speed detection.
    • Avoid using the Media Creation Tool or manually forcing the 24H2 installation until your device shows the update available.
  • For IT administrators:
    1. Use Windows Update for Business, Intune, or Autopatch to push the corrected Intel SST driver builds at scale.
    2. Gate feature update deployments in rings and validate audio, camera, and other subsystems before broad deployment.
    3. Monitor safeguard IDs and the Windows release health dashboard for changes; use safeguard ID 51876952 to find affected endpoints.
    4. If devices remain blocked after 48 hours, open a channel with the OEM and confirm whether a vendor-specific driver is required.

Broader takeaways for the Windows ecosystem​

This episode is a reminder that modern operating systems are delivered into a vast, heterogeneous hardware and driver ecosystem. The safety mechanisms built into Windows Update — safeguard holds and the release health dashboard — are essential to prevent mass regressions, but they also expose weaknesses in current driver distribution models. When drivers are the root cause of instability, the speed and quality of remediation depend on multiple parties: silicon vendors (Intel), OEMs, driver developers, and Microsoft.
The good news is that when the partnership works — as it did here to get updated Intel SST builds into Windows Update — the safeguards can be removed and the majority of users can proceed without incident. The less-good news is that some corner-case hardware configurations still depend on OEM-specific drivers, and those can remain bottlenecks for certain devices.

Final verdict​

Microsoft’s removal of the Windows 11 24H2 upgrade block for Intel SST-affected systems is the correct, engineering-first outcome: patch the drivers, propagate the fix through Windows Update, and then reopen the upgrade channel. For users and IT teams who follow Microsoft’s guidance — verify driver versions, apply updates through Windows Update or management tooling, and avoid manual forced upgrades — the path forward is clear and safe.
However, the situation underscores persistent friction points in the ecosystem: the dependence on OEM-specific driver builds, the occasional opacity around unblock timing, and the risk that some users will manually override safeguards and encounter preventable crashes. Administrators should use the safeguard ID 51876952 to inventory affected endpoints, deploy corrected drivers at scale, and validate that Windows Update shows 24H2 availability only after remediation.
For the average user, the practical advice remains simple and conservative: install updates offered through Settings → Windows Update, reboot, and wait for the upgrade to appear. If the upgrade doesn’t become available within 48 hours of installing the updated Intel SST driver, reach out to your device manufacturer for a device-specific driver release.
Microsoft’s model — detect, protect, fix, and then lift the hold — remains the safest approach for broad OS rollouts. The Intel SST episode is a case study in why that model exists, and why disciplined coordination between Microsoft, silicon partners, and OEMs is indispensable for a stable upgrade experience.
Source: Neowin Microsoft finally removes Windows 11 24H2 upgrade block for many Intel PCs
 
Click to expand...

Microsoft has removed a long‑standing compatibility safeguard that prevented many Intel‑powered PCs from being offered the Windows 11, version 24H2 feature update — a move that clears the path for affected devices once compatible Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) audio drivers are installed and recognized by Windows Update.

Background​

Microsoft uses targeted safeguard holds (also called compatibility holds) to block specific device‑software combinations from receiving major feature updates via Windows Update when telemetry or partner reports show a real risk of device instability. These holds are tracked by a unique safeguard ID so IT staff can monitor whether an issue affects their fleet. The Intel SST safeguard in question is tracked as ID 51876952.
The problem dates back to earlier Windows 11 rollouts where specific versions of the Intel SST audio driver could cause system crashes (BSOD) on devices running certain Intel CPUs — historically those issues were first widely reported during earlier Windows 11 releases and resurfaced around the 24H2 rollout. What made this hold particularly disruptive was that the fault lay in low‑level audio driver code (the kernel driver IntcAudioBus.sys) that interacts directly with the platform’s audio DSP; that kind of regression can render a machine unstable immediately after upgrade, so Microsoft applied a block while vendors rebuilt the driver.

What was the technical issue?​

The driver and the crash​

Microsoft and partner diagnostics identified problematic file versions of the Intel SST audio controller driver — specifically file builds that mapped to driver package labels showing older release components (examples cited by Microsoft and OEMs included 10.29.0.5152 and 10.30.0.5152). When those driver binaries were paired with Intel 11th‑generation Core CPUs and a 24H2 upgrade, affected machines risked a kernel crash (BSOD).

The correct, compatible driver versions​

The remediation requires installing an updated Intel SST driver with one of these final build identifiers: 10.29.00.5714 (or later within that 10.29 family) or 10.30.00.5714 (or later within that 10.30 family). Microsoft’s public guidance — and OEM advisories — make a point that Intel’s versioning semantics mean the last numerical segment (the trailing build number) is the critical comparison for this fix: a 10.30.x label is not automatically "newer" than a 10.29.x label for the purpose of the compatibility check Microsoft used. Once a compatible driver is present, Windows Update will clear the safeguard and the 24H2 offer should become available.

What Microsoft and partners did​

  • Microsoft opened a Release Health entry and applied the safeguard (ID 51876952) to prevent 24H2 from being offered to impacted configurations until a validated driver fix reached distribution channels.
  • Intel and several OEMs rebuilt or repackaged the Intel SST driver binaries and published updated packages through Windows Update and OEM support portals where appropriate. The updated packages were published with the 10.29.00.5714 or 10.30.00.5714 build identifiers (or later) that avoid the problematic code path.
  • After driver distribution and telemetry validation, Microsoft removed the safeguard; eligible devices that now have a compatible driver are gradually being offered the Windows 11 24H2 feature update again. Microsoft notes the offer may take up to 48 hours to appear after the compatible driver is installed.

Practical guidance for users and administrators​

If you or an administrator manage affected devices, follow these concrete steps:
  1. Check the safeguard ID and status in your management tools (Windows Update for Business reporting or the Release Health dashboard) to confirm whether the hold applied to your devices.
  2. On an affected device, open Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates. Install all pending quality and driver updates that arrive from Windows Update. Microsoft and OEMs recommend using Windows Update as the delivery channel for the compatible driver.
  3. Verify the installed Intel SST driver version:
    • Open Device Manager → Sound, video and game controllers → Intel® Smart Sound Technology (SST) Audio Controller → Properties → Driver tab → Driver Version, or
    • Inspect the IntcAudioBus.sys file properties to confirm file version. The target driver version should show 10.29.00.5714 or later in that family, or 10.30.00.5714 or later in that family.
  4. Reboot the device after installing updates. Microsoft warns it may take up to 48 hours for the 24H2 upgrade offer to appear once the compatible driver is in place; rebooting can accelerate the appraiser checks.
  5. If the safeguard still appears 48 hours after installing the driver, contact your OEM — it likely means a compatible driver has not yet been released for that particular hardware variant. Do not force the feature update through the Media Creation Tool or similar bypasses until you have confirmation the hardware configuration is covered by the fixed driver.
Recommended checklist for enterprise deployments:
  • Validate driver versions on a pilot ring of representative hardware before broad deployment.
  • Use Windows Update for Business reporting to confirm which devices still show GStatus flags for the safeguard.
  • Avoid bypassing safeguards in production systems; the hold exists to prevent catastrophic failures at scale.

Why the safeguard system matters — strengths exposed by this case​

  • Real‑world protection: The safeguard prevented an upgrade path that would have caused kernel crashes on a non‑trivial population of devices. Without the block, many users could have experienced immediate system instability after upgrading. The mechanism served precisely the purpose Microsoft designed it for.
  • Targeted scope: Rather than halting the entire 24H2 rollout, the hold was narrowly scoped to specific driver versions and CPU families, reducing collateral impact while vendors prepared fixes. That reduced the blast radius and preserved upgrade opportunities for unaffected systems.
  • Vendor accountability and distribution through Windows Update: Requiring vendors to ship corrected drivers through Windows Update ensures broad, managed distribution and provides telemetry that Microsoft can use to validate a safe unblocking. It avoids ad hoc manual fixes and keeps device drivers in the same secure servicing pipeline as other platform updates.

Risks and drawbacks exposed by the incident​

While the safeguard worked, the situation also highlights systemic weaknesses:
  • Timing and dependency on OEMs: Microsoft’s reliance on vendors to rebuild and publish drivers can stretch the timeline. Some OEMs support many SKUs and variants; producing validated driver builds for every configuration can take weeks or months. That dependency delays safe upgrade availability for end customers and enterprises.
  • Fragmentation and versioning confusion: Intel’s driver versioning semantics (where the trailing build portion is decisive for compatibility checks) add complexity. Administrators and users can be confused about whether a driver is “new enough” — an issue Microsoft explicitly notes when it calls out the exact version identifiers that resolve the hold.
  • User temptation to bypass safeguards: When feature updates are stalled on a device, some users or IT teams may be tempted to force the upgrade with a Media Creation Tool ISO or other bypass. Doing so in the face of an active safeguard can reintroduce the exact failures the safeguard was intended to prevent. Microsoft and OEMs advise strongly against that.
  • Opaque impact metrics: Microsoft typically does not publish the exact number of devices affected by a particular safeguard. That opacity makes it hard to assess the operational risk and to prioritize mitigation urgency in large fleets. Microsoft’s public notices often say the hold targeted a “limited set of devices” or unique hardware configurations without numeric detail. Administrators must therefore rely on internal telemetry and OEM lists.

Cross‑verification and independent confirmation​

This article’s technical claims and remediation steps were verified against multiple independent sources:
  • Microsoft’s public troubleshooting guidance and Release Health entries (which advise updating the Intel SST driver to versions 10.29.00.5714 or 10.30.00.5714 and warn about the 48‑hour propagation window) corroborates the driver identifiers and the recommended remediation path.
  • OEM support documents (for example, MSI and Dell knowledge base entries) independently identify the same driver file (IntcAudioBus.sys) and list the same compatible remedial builds (10.29.00.5714 / 10.30.00.5714 or later), while advising Windows Update as the preferred distribution channel. Those OEM notes make clear the problem’s intersection with 11th‑gen Intel Core processors.
  • Coverage from mainstream Windows outlets and community reporting tracked the issuance and eventual removal of the safeguard and echoed Microsoft’s guidance to wait for the driver to be delivered via Windows Update rather than forcing an upgrade.
Where assertions could not be independently quantified — such as the exact number of devices impacted — the available documentation leaves those counts unspecified. That should be treated as an acknowledged gap in public reporting.

What this means for the average user​

  • If your PC was previously blocked from upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 because of the Intel SST issue, you should first check Windows Update and install any driver updates that appear. After installation and a reboot, give the system up to 48 hours for Windows Update’s appraiser to re‑evaluate the device and offer 24H2.
  • If you prefer a cautious approach and your device is critical for daily work, wait until Windows Update offers the upgrade automatically. Avoid manual upgrade methods while the safeguard was active for your configuration. For many users, the safest path is to ensure Windows Update and driver update channels are current, reboot, and allow the staged offer to arrive.

What administrators should do differently next time​

  1. Maintain a driver‑centric inventory: Keep track of driver families (audio, camera, anti‑cheat, virtualization drivers) and their deployed versions across the fleet so you can quickly identify vulnerable groups when Microsoft publishes safeguard IDs.
  2. Use pilot rings: Validate feature updates on representative hardware sets that exercise vendor‑specific drivers and middleware. This reduces surprises when a safeguard is removed and the update begins to flow.
  3. Automate driver distribution where feasible: Integrate vendor OEM packages into your management pipeline so you can deploy validated driver fixes faster than waiting for manual workstation updates. Where vendors publish fixes to Microsoft Update Catalog, orchestrate their release in your ring‑based rollout.
  4. Communicate clearly with end users: Explain why a device is being held from an upgrade and the safe remediation steps. Prevent well‑meaning impatience from driving users to force upgrades that could cause outages.

Broader takeaways for Microsoft and hardware partners​

  • The safeguard model is working as designed — it prevents regressions while vendors supply fixes. Microsoft’s incremental, telemetry‑driven unblocking is appropriate for risk management.
  • However, the release highlights persistent friction in driver distribution: OEMs must produce and validate multiple SKUs, and the distribution of corrected drivers through Windows Update can be staggered. Closer integration between Microsoft, silicon partners and OEMs — including clearer SKU coverage notes and more granular device lists in Release Health entries — would help administrators plan and prioritize.
  • Transparency around impact scope would strengthen trust. While Microsoft understandably avoids publishing raw device counts, providing clearer telemetry metrics or risk levels (e.g., percent of devices in a given market) would let enterprises better assess urgency and rollout sequencing.

Final assessment​

Microsoft’s removal of the Intel SST safeguard for Windows 11 24H2 is a welcome development for users and administrators who were blocked from upgrading. The fix is straightforward in principle — install a compatible Intel SST driver build (10.29.00.5714 or 10.30.00.5714 or later) and wait for Windows Update to re‑offer the 24H2 feature update — but the operational reality depends on each OEM’s driver distribution cadence and the particular hardware SKU in question. Microsoft’s safeguard mechanism reduced the risk of mass instability, but the episode underscores ongoing friction points in how drivers are versioned, validated, and distributed across a highly fragmented PC ecosystem.
For most users the sensible route is simple: keep Windows Update enabled, install any pending quality and driver updates, reboot, and wait up to 48 hours for the 24H2 offer to appear. For IT teams, the incident is a prompt to tighten driver inventory and pilot testing before broad deployment of major feature updates. Both actions reduce exposure to the very class of regressions Microsoft’s safeguards are designed to prevent.
In cases where vendors have not yet published a compatible driver for a given hardware configuration, the safeguard may remain in place even after 48 hours; those devices require direct OEM support. Administrators should treat any lingering hold as an indicator that a device‑specific driver package is still pending and contact the OEM for a roadmap or manual package.
Conclusion: the gate to Windows 11 24H2 has been re‑opened for many Intel PCs, but the safe path — patience, driver updates via Windows Update, and measured deployment for fleets — remains the best advice to avoid repeat incidents of system instability.
Source: Neowin Microsoft finally removes Windows 11 24H2 upgrade block for many Intel PCs
 
Microsoft has removed a long-running compatibility block that kept certain Intel 11th‑Gen PCs from receiving the Windows 11 24H2 feature update through Windows Update, resolving an incompatibility with specific Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) drivers and allowing affected systems to be offered 24H2 again without requiring a manual driver update.

Background / Overview​

For more than a year, a narrow but disruptive compatibility problem prevented a subset of Intel‑based systems from being offered the Windows 11 24H2 feature update via Windows Update. The root cause was a pair of Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) audio driver builds that, when present on machines with Intel 11th‑Generation Core processors, could trigger blue‑screen crashes (BSODs) after installing 24H2. Microsoft protected users by applying a safeguard hold — a compatibility block that stops Windows Update from offering the feature update to machines that match the problematic configuration.
That safeguard has now been removed. Microsoft reports the protection was lifted once fixed drivers were rolled into the Windows Update delivery pipeline, meaning eligible devices should be offered Windows 11 24H2 again via the Windows Update release channel — provided no other safeguard holds apply to the device.
This article explains what happened, why it mattered, how to check whether your PC was affected, what to do now, and what IT teams and home users should consider before upgrading.

The technical fault: what Intel SST is and which files were implicated​

What is Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST)?​

Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) is an embedded audio DSP and driver stack used on many laptops to manage audio, voice, and related functions. It exposes an audio controller device in Device Manager and installs a kernel driver (file name IntcAudioBus.sys) that ties the SST firmware and Windows audio stack together.

Which driver versions caused trouble?​

The problematic driver file was identified as IntcAudioBus.sys with specific file‑version numbers. Two precise file versions were associated with the issue:
  • 10.29.0.5152
  • 10.30.0.5152
When one of those file versions was present on a machine with an Intel 11th‑Gen Core processor, upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 could cause system instability and a blue screen.

How Microsoft protected users​

To avoid widespread failures, Microsoft applied a compatibility hold (also called a safeguard hold) for devices that matched this configuration. A safeguard hold prevents Windows Update from offering the 24H2 feature update to affected devices until the problem is resolved.

Timeline: discovery, mitigation, fix, and removal of the hold​

  • The incompatibility was identified after users reported BSODs following attempts to install Windows 11 24H2 on affected hardware.
  • Microsoft and Intel investigated and confirmed the trigger as Intel SST driver file versions 10.29.0.5152 and 10.30.0.5152 on Intel 11th‑Gen Core platforms.
  • As a protective measure, Microsoft applied a compatibility hold so those devices would not be offered 24H2 via Windows Update.
  • Intel later released fixed SST driver builds with the important build number suffix 5714 (reported as versions 10.30.00.5714 and 10.29.00.5714, or later), which were intended to resolve the BSOD behavior.
  • Microsoft added the corrected drivers to Windows Update and removed the safeguard hold once the fixed drivers were broadly available in the update channel. The hold removal date recorded in Microsoft’s release health information is September 11, 2025.
Note: reporting on the exact calendar date of the safeguard removal varied across outlets during 2025; the authoritative release‑health information from Microsoft is the definitive reference for the removal date.

What this change actually means for users right now​

  • If your PC has an Intel 11th‑Gen Core CPU and previously had an Intel SST driver with file version 10.29.0.5152 or 10.30.0.5152, you should now be able to receive Windows 11 24H2 via Windows Update without manually updating the SST driver first — as long as no other safeguard holds affect your device.
  • Microsoft’s removal of the compatibility hold means the fixed SST drivers were pushed through the Windows Update channel for affected device configurations. In many cases, Windows Update will update the driver automatically and then offer 24H2.
  • Even with the hold removed, Windows Update can still silently delay offering feature updates for other reasons — for example, if a different safeguard is applied for another incompatibility, incompatible third‑party software is detected, or OEM‑specific driver/firmware limitations remain.
  • It can take up to 48 hours for a device to be offered the 24H2 update after the corrected drivers are available. Restarting the PC and checking Windows Update can sometimes accelerate the offer.

How to determine whether your PC was (or is) affected​

Quick checklist (home users)​

  • Open Device Manager.
  • Expand “System devices.”
  • Look for an entry named Intel® Smart Sound Technology (Intel® SST) Audio Controller.
  • If present, right‑click → Properties → Driver Details and check the IntcAudioBus.sys file version.
  • If the file version reads 10.29.0.5152 or 10.30.0.5152, your machine matched the previously blocked configuration.

Exact steps to check via file properties​

  • Press Win + X → choose Device Manager.
  • Expand “System devices.”
  • Right‑click the Intel® Smart Sound Technology (Intel® SST) Audio Controller, select Properties.
  • Click on Driver Details and note the file name and version for IntcAudioBus.sys.
  • Alternatively, locate IntcAudioBus.sys in Windows\System32\drivers and right‑click → Properties → Details → File version.

How to see whether a safeguard hold is active on your PC​

  • Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.
  • If a safeguard hold exists for your device, you will see a message such as: “Upgrade to Windows 11 is on its way to your device. There is nothing that requires your attention at the moment. Once the update is ready for your device, you’ll see it available on this page.”
  • Follow the “Learn more” link included in that message (when present) to see which safeguard applies to your machine. The safeguard ID for the Intel SST hold was 51876952; other holds have their own IDs.

What you should do next (recommended sequence)​

  • Back up critical data and create a restore point or system image if you depend on the PC for work.
  • Open Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.
  • If an Intel SST driver update is offered, accept and install it, then restart.
  • Wait up to 48 hours (and restart again) for Windows Update to offer Windows 11 24H2 — or, after confirming the driver is updated and no safeguard applies, use the Windows Update page to proceed when the feature update appears.
  • If Windows Update does not show the driver and you still have the older IntcAudioBus.sys file version, check your OEM’s support site for model‑specific drivers — OEMs sometimes customize SST drivers for their hardware.
  • If a model‑specific driver is not available from the OEM, and you are comfortable doing so, you may choose to install the updated vendor‑neutral driver from a trusted source; however, prefer OEM‑provided drivers where possible to avoid missing vendor customizations.

For IT teams and system administrators​

Detection and reporting​

  • Use Windows Update for Business reports, Update Compliance, or Intune inventory to search for devices with IntcAudioBus.sys file versions 10.29.0.5152 / 10.30.0.5152 and for safeguard ID 51876952.
  • If you manage driver deployment centrally, test the corrected SST driver (10.30.00.5714 or 10.29.00.5714 or later) on a small pilot group before broad rollout.

Deployment options​

  • Windows Update for Business and Intune can deliver the corrected drivers and remove device holds automatically once the drivers are scoped to the device models.
  • Autopatch and other enterprise update tools can similarly be used to stage the fixed driver to endpoints and accelerate lifting the safeguard.

Cautious rollout strategy​

  • Stage the upgrade in phases. Start with non‑critical devices, monitor crash/error telemetry, then expand.
  • Maintain rollback plans — driver changes can sometimes create regressions on vendor‑specific hardware configurations, so keep tested images or driver backups to revert if necessary.

Risks, caveats, and outstanding issues​

1. Other safeguard holds can still block 24H2​

Microsoft uses multiple safeguard holds to prevent feature updates from being offered to devices with unrelated incompatibilities (third‑party software, firmware, or drivers). Even after the Intel SST hold was removed, devices can still be blocked for reasons such as incompatible anti‑cheat middleware, problematic fingerprint sensor firmware, or desktop customization applications. Verify the specific safeguard message in Windows Update to see whether another hold is active.

2. OEM driver differences matter​

Intel publishes generic driver packages, but many laptops and all‑in‑one PCs use vendor‑customized drivers and firmware. In some cases, the OEM may need to supply a tailored fix. If Windows Update doesn’t offer a compatible driver for your machine after the safeguard removal, contact the device manufacturer.

3. Risk of driver regressions​

Driver updates solve defects but can introduce regressions in other scenarios. That’s why a staged deployment and testing are recommended, especially in enterprise environments.

4. Avoid manual force‑upgrades if a safeguard is present​

If Windows Update still reports a safeguard, do not force the feature update using the Media Creation Tool or Installation Assistant. The safeguard is there because the upgrade path would be risky for that device configuration.

5. Timing and propagation​

Even after Microsoft lifts a safeguard and pushes corrected drivers to Windows Update, it can still be hours or days before every device receives the update offer. Delays can be due to Windows Update scheduling, telemetry checks, or cached rollout metadata on the device.

Practical troubleshooting checklist if you still don’t see 24H2​

  • Restart the PC and perform a manual “Check for updates.”
  • Verify IntcAudioBus.sys file version again after a reboot.
  • If the corrected driver is not present:
  • Check Windows Update → Optional updates → Driver updates.
  • Visit your OEM’s support/download page for model‑specific audio drivers and install the vendor release if available.
  • If the device is managed:
  • Ask your IT admin to check Windows Update for Business/Intune for the safeguard ID and remediation status.
  • If you have a custom audio stack or third‑party audio drivers, confirm those are not interfering — consider temporarily uninstalling or rolling back third‑party audio drivers as a test.
  • If the device still shows the safeguard message and a compatible driver cannot be found, contact the device manufacturer’s support; they may need to publish a model‑specific fix.

Why Microsoft’s approach matters (analysis)​

Microsoft’s use of safeguard holds is a vital, if sometimes frustrating, mechanism for protecting upgrade paths across the extreme diversity of Windows hardware and software ecosystems. The Intel SST example demonstrates how a single driver file version on a particular CPU generation can create a catastrophic post‑upgrade experience for a subset of users — and how a centralized hold can prevent mass problems.
Strengths of this approach:
  • It prevents a bad experience at scale by selectively blocking at‑risk devices.
  • It gives OEMs and ISVs time to issue fixes and for Microsoft to validate driver rollouts.
  • It leverages telemetry and targeted rollouts to balance speed and safety.
Risks and limitations:
  • Safeguard holds can feel opaque to end users who see “upgrade delayed” with little clear guidance at first.
  • The approach relies on OEMs and driver vendors to timely produce compatible updates; if an OEM delays, users are stuck.
  • Inconsistent reporting across outlets during the fix/rollout window can create confusion about when a fix truly reached all affected devices.
In this particular case, Microsoft’s removal of the hold after corrected drivers were added to the Windows Update pipeline is the right outcome. But the episode underlines the importance of vendor coordination — drivers from the chipset vendor need to be pushed or accepted by device OEMs, and IT admins need visibility into safeguard IDs and device status.

Concrete recommendations (short checklist)​

  • Backup: Create a full system backup or restore point before installing a feature update.
  • Check driver versions: Confirm whether IntcAudioBus.sys is at a problematic version (10.29.0.5152 / 10.30.0.5152) and update if necessary.
  • Use Windows Update: Prefer the Windows Update channel for driver and feature updates — it’s the mechanism Microsoft used to deliver the fix and remove the safeguard.
  • Don’t force upgrades: If Windows Update indicates a safeguard, don’t use manual upgrade tools until the safeguard is cleared.
  • For IT admins: Use Windows Update for Business and Intune to inventory and remediate devices, and pilot driver deployments before enterprise-wide upgrades.
  • Stay informed: Monitor vendor channels and the device manufacturer’s support pages for OEM‑specific guidance.

Final thoughts​

The removal of the Intel SST safeguard means more PCs can now receive Windows 11 24H2 through Windows Update without manual driver intervention. For many users, that will make the upgrade smoother and reduce friction. However, the episode offers a reminder: Windows upgrades still depend on a complicated chain of drivers, firmware, OEM customizations, and third‑party software. Treat feature updates as significant system changes: verify drivers, back up data, and proceed in a staged, measured way — especially for machines that support critical work tasks.
If your PC doesn’t automatically receive 24H2 after following the steps above, double‑check for other safeguard messages, consult your device manufacturer for model‑specific drivers, and coordinate with your IT team if the machine is managed. The protective safeguards are intended to prevent bad outcomes; removing this particular hold clears one obstacle, but safe upgrading still takes a bit of attention.
Source: XDA Microsoft finally fixes long-standing Windows 11 update bug
 
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