- A year-long Intel SST driver bug blocked Windows 11 24H2 upgrades for 11th gen Intel PCs.
- Microsoft imposed a compatibility hold to prevent crashes and Black Screen of Death errors.
- Intel released a fixed driver (versions ending in 5714) on September 26, 2025.
- Users must install the updated driver via Windows Update or contact their PC maker.
Many Windows 11 users with Intel’s 11th generation processors can finally breathe a sigh of relief. A stubborn bug that blocked them from upgrading to Windows 11 version 24H2 has now been fixed. The issue, caused by a problematic Intel audio driver, persisted for nearly a full year before Intel provided a solution.
Microsoft first flagged the problem on September 30, 2024. Affected computers would crash with a dreaded Black Screen of Death whenever they tried to upgrade. This prompted Microsoft to place a compatibility hold on these devices, stopping them from getting the 24H2 update.
Intel Smart Sound Technology Driver Was the Culprit
The problem stemmed from certain versions of the Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) driver. This audio controller was not compatible with Windows 11 24H2, making systems with Intel Rocket Lake and Tiger Lake processors ineligible for the upgrade.
Unlike many Windows issues, this one was not caused by Microsoft. The company had to wait for Intel to fix the SST driver. After a long delay, Intel finally released an updated driver that resolves the compatibility problem. On September 26, 2025, Microsoft marked the issue as officially resolved.
How to Get the Windows 11 24H2 Update
If you own a PC with an Intel 11th generation processor and have been blocked from upgrading, there is now a clear path forward. You will need to install the updated Intel SST driver. The required version is 10.30.00.5714 or 10.29.00.5714, depending on your system.
Microsoft says the driver should appear automatically in Windows Update. After installing it, check for updates again. You should then be offered the long-awaited Windows 11 24H2 upgrade.
If the driver does not appear, your device may need a custom version developed by the manufacturer. In that case, you will have to contact your PC maker for guidance.
History Repeats for Intel’s Audio Bug
This is not the first time Intel’s SST driver has caused headaches for Windows users. A similar issue emerged in 2022, blocking upgrades to Windows 11 22H2 and even the original release, 21H2. Many users migrating from Windows 10 at the time faced delays because of the same audio controller.
It is surprising to see the bug resurface for the 24H2 update. Users and analysts hope it will not appear again in the upcoming Windows 11 25H2 release.
Millions Potentially Affected
Intel’s 11th generation Rocket Lake chips still power a significant share of Windows PCs. Estimates suggest they account for around 10 to 15 percent of all Windows computers in use today.
This means millions of users may have been stuck on older versions of Windows 11 for months, unable to benefit from the new features and improvements in 24H2.
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