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Microsoft has finally resolved a two-year-old problem that prevented certain Windows 10 PCs from upgrading to Windows 11.
In November 2021, the company discovered that some PCs triggered the Blue Screen of Death when trying to install Windows 11. Microsoft tracked the problem to drivers (version 10.29.0.5152 or 10.30.0.5152) for Intel's Smart Sound Technology, which is designed to handle voice interactions with a PC.
Although Microsoft identified the issue, the company placed affected PCs on a "compatibility hold," which prevented them from upgrading to Windows 11. To bypass the hold, users had to manually install updated drivers for Intel’s Smart Sound technology.
For those who weren't aware of that workaround, however, the compatibility hold has been in place for more than two years. But on Friday, Microsoft quietly released an update that should make it easier for affected PCs to upgrade to Windows 11.
In a support document, the company says the updated Intel drivers "can be installed via Windows update by checking for Windows updates on your device. This is the preferred method of installing these and other drivers."
The compatibility problems only affect PCs running Intel’s 11th generation Core processors. Most users should be able to receive the Intel drivers through the Windows update feature, although it can "take up to 48 hours" before the Windows 11 upgrade offer appears.
"We recommend that you do not attempt to manually upgrade using the 'Update now' button or the Media Creation Tool until you have performed the necessary driver updates," Microsoft says.
Affected users who don’t receive the updated Intel drivers may be stuck with Windows 10. "If your device still encounters this safeguard hold 48 hours after updating your drivers, it's possible drivers for this Audio Controller haven't been developed for your specific device hardware configuration. In this case, you will need to contact your device manufacturer (OEM) for more information on the necessary drivers," Microsoft says.
This comes as the company has mainly blocked Windows 10 PCs released before late 2017 from receiving the Windows 11 update, forcing users to buy new laptops or desktops if they want the newest Microsoft OS.