Microsoft's latest Windows 11 update, dubbed 24H2, is sending tremors through the tech community, especially among users equipped with Western Digital NVMe SSDs and outdated Intel audio drivers. The rollout has come with a slew of blue screen errors (also lovingly referred to as BSODs), prompting many to think twice before upgrading.
For those caught in this bind, relief may lie in reverting back to the previous version. Should you choose to stick with 24H2, a potential workaround involves diving into the registry to manually limit the memory designated for HMB or disabling it altogether. Just a heads-up: this might hinder performance during data-intensive tasks, but it could stave off the vexation of unexpected crashes until Microsoft paves the way for a more permanent fix.
Intel's SST is crucial for managing audio tasks, including intricate features like voice recognition and processing. To mitigate these issues, Microsoft encourages users to seek out and install updated SST drivers—versions 10.30.00.5714 and newer are the golden tickets. If those drivers aren’t readily available, contacting your device manufacturer might be your best bet.
Notably, if your system uses certain fingerprint sensors or runs the Safe Exam Browser, consider yourself warned. Microsoft is actively working with device manufacturers to iron out firmware compatibility conflicts. In the meantime, if you're facing any of these troublesome symptoms, exercise caution: steering clear of manual updates using the Media Creation Tool or Windows Installation Assistant is highly advised.
Stay vigilant, Windows users! Keep an eye out for updates from Microsoft and don’t hesitate to share your experiences and fixes on the forum. Let’s keep this conversation going!
Source: WinBuzzer Windows 11 24H2 Hits Intel and WD Users With Blue Screen Errors
What’s Happening?
Reports are swirling that this update is causing chaos for specific hardware configurations. Users with SSDs, particularly Western Digital's popular models like the Black SN770 and Blue SN580, are finding themselves ensnared in a web of blue screen nightmares after installation. The root of the problem appears to stem from the way Windows 11 24H2 allocates memory, particularly related to the Host Memory Buffer (HMB) feature utilized by DRAM-less SSDs.Memory Management Gone Awry
These DRAM-less SSDs, which need HMB to tap into a portion of the system RAM for caching tasks, have found themselves caught in an unfortunate predicament. While the previous release (Windows 11 23H2) managed memory allocation judiciously, the 24H2 update has ramped up allocation to an excessive 200MB, far exceeding the usual 64MB. This over-allocation effectively sabotages stability, leading to frequent crashes and what amounts to an endless cycle of blue screens—the digital equivalent of a never-ending roller coaster ride, one you certainly didn’t sign up for.For those caught in this bind, relief may lie in reverting back to the previous version. Should you choose to stick with 24H2, a potential workaround involves diving into the registry to manually limit the memory designated for HMB or disabling it altogether. Just a heads-up: this might hinder performance during data-intensive tasks, but it could stave off the vexation of unexpected crashes until Microsoft paves the way for a more permanent fix.
Intel and SST Drivers in Hot Water
But wait, there's more! Users sporting 11th-generation Intel processors with Smart Sound Technology (SST) drivers are experiencing their own brand of BSOD turmoil. Systems still tethered to older SST driver versions (10.29.0.5152 or 10.30.0.5152) are now facing walls put up by Microsoft in the form of upgrade blocks, essentially a digital roadblock designed to prevent further crashes.Intel's SST is crucial for managing audio tasks, including intricate features like voice recognition and processing. To mitigate these issues, Microsoft encourages users to seek out and install updated SST drivers—versions 10.30.00.5714 and newer are the golden tickets. If those drivers aren’t readily available, contacting your device manufacturer might be your best bet.
Beyond SSDs and Intel Issues
The woes don’t stop there. Microsoft has flagged additional conflicts arising from this latest update that impact various applications and devices. For example, avid gamers of Asphalt 8 or users reliant on Easy Anti-Cheat software are now at risk of encountering upgrade blocks—compatibility concerns resulting in system crashes.Notably, if your system uses certain fingerprint sensors or runs the Safe Exam Browser, consider yourself warned. Microsoft is actively working with device manufacturers to iron out firmware compatibility conflicts. In the meantime, if you're facing any of these troublesome symptoms, exercise caution: steering clear of manual updates using the Media Creation Tool or Windows Installation Assistant is highly advised.
Conclusion
In summary, Windows 11’s 24H2 update, instead of being the sleek overhaul many anticipated, has turned into a quagmire for certain users—especially those with specific Western Digital SSDs and outdated Intel drivers. While Microsoft scrambles to address these monumental headaches, being proactive with updates and perhaps even holding off on the upgrade itself may be the wisest course of action for affected users. This update saga serves as a reminder that even tech giants can stumble, leaving users to pick up the pieces—hopefully, these pieces will be patched soon!Stay vigilant, Windows users! Keep an eye out for updates from Microsoft and don’t hesitate to share your experiences and fixes on the forum. Let’s keep this conversation going!
Source: WinBuzzer Windows 11 24H2 Hits Intel and WD Users With Blue Screen Errors