Windows 11 24H2: Hardware and Software Compatibility Barriers to the Latest Update
Windows 11 24H2 remains inaccessible for thousands of users due to safeguard and compatibility holds that Microsoft has imposed on particular hardware and software configurations.
Microsoft enforces these holds on devices with certain hardware or applications that could conflict with Windows 11 24H2, potentially leading to crashes, performance slowdowns, system freezes, or other unexpected issues.
These restrictions will block the installation of Windows 11 24H2 until the identified conflicts are resolved through updated drivers or software patches.
If you’re unable to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 via Windows Update, you can click the “Learn More” link, as explained in this article, to view any compatibility holds affecting your computer.
Below is a list of known compatibility holds and possible solutions.
ASUS BSODs
For ASUS devices, particularly the X415KA and X515KA models, the update may trigger a blue screen error.
ASUS support has confirmed this issue, attributing it to compatibility problems specifically affecting these two models.
Microsoft has halted the update rollout for these devices, and the update will only become available once ASUS issues a firmware update through Windows Update or its own app.
Voicemeeter App
Users of the Voicemeeter app may encounter a blue screen with a MEMORY MANAGEMENT error upon opening the app after installing the Windows 11 2024 update. This issue arises from an incompatibility between the Voicemeeter driver and Windows 11's updated memory manager. Microsoft has paused the update on systems with Voicemeeter installed, pending a fix from VB-Audio Software.
Integrated Cameras
Another notable bug affects integrated cameras, preventing their use after upgrading to Windows 11 24H2. Users have reported problems with object and face detection features, impacting apps such as the Camera app, Windows Hello facial recognition, and other third-party applications that rely on integrated cameras. Microsoft has paused the update for these devices, though the extent of the impact remains unclear due to the widespread use of integrated cameras in laptops.
Safe Exam Browser
Safe Exam Browser is a specialized third-party tool, not a typical web browser, that enables universities and corporations, including banks, to conduct secure internal exams.
Users running Safe Exam Browser version 3.7 or earlier will find that the browser no longer functions following the Windows 11 update, particularly after the 24H2 installation. To support businesses and educational institutions relying on Safe Exam Browser, Microsoft is blocking affected devices from receiving Windows 11 24H2.
Easy Anti-Cheat BSOD
Devices running Easy Anti-Cheat, essential for popular games like Fortnite, may experience system crashes after the update. This issue specifically impacts devices with Intel Alder Lake+ processors and vPro technology when using outdated Easy Anti-Cheat drivers. To address this, Microsoft has temporarily paused the update for devices with these older drivers. Updating your games or drivers may enable access to the update.
Fingerprint Sensors
Additionally, some users with fingerprint sensors may find these devices unresponsive after locking their systems. Windows Hello fingerprint authentication will fail, requiring users to unlock their PCs with a PIN or facial recognition instead.
Microsoft has implemented a hold on devices with this configuration to prevent issues, with plans to release a firmware update to address the problem.
Wallpaper Customization Apps
Wallpaper customization apps are also blocking the Windows 11 24H2 update. Users of these apps may experience issues post-update, such as missing wallpapers, disrupted desktop previews, or error messages within the apps. Microsoft recommends updating wallpaper apps to remove the compatibility hold.
Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST)
Compatibility issues between Windows 11 and Intel Smart Sound Technology are common, especially after major updates. In this release, devices with SST drivers may encounter blue screen errors when updating to version 24H2. Microsoft and Intel have flagged driver versions 10.29.0.5152 and 10.30.0.5152 as incompatible. To resolve this, update the Intel SST drivers to version 10.30.00.5714 or 10.29.00.5714 or later.
Note that it may take up to 48 hours after updating the driver for the Windows 11 update to become available.
Windows 11 24H2 is also blocked on devices with Asphalt 8: Airborne installed.
Many users may be unaware they have this game installed, but it’s one reason they may not receive the upgrade. A bug in the update can cause the game to freeze, requiring a restart to continue gameplay. To ensure a smooth experience, Microsoft has placed a hold on devices with Asphalt 8.
What to Do if Windows 11 24H2 is Paused on Your Device
Microsoft advises users not to attempt a manual update using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or the media creation tool on devices impacted by compatibility holds. Instead, check for updates to specific software or hardware drivers that could be triggering the hold, as these may eventually lift the block on the update.
Each compatibility hold will be lifted over time, and forcing the upgrade could lead to significant issues, including blue screen errors.