After more than two years, Microsoft has finally resolved a compatibility issue that had prevented certain Windows 10 devices from upgrading to Windows 11. The bug, related to an Intel SST driver, had caused crashes and forced Microsoft to impose an upgrade block. However, the company has now released a fix and removed the restriction, allowing affected customers to upgrade.

The specific driver versions affected were 10.29.0.5152 and 10.30.0.5152, known as Intel SST Audio Controller in the Device Manager. These versions were found to cause Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) crashes when used with Windows 11. To resolve the issue, Microsoft recommends updating to driver versions 10.29.00.5714 and 10.30.00.5714, which can be obtained through Windows Update.

While Microsoft is actively encouraging users to upgrade to Windows 11, the company acknowledges that some customers may still be unable to do so due to unsupported hardware. Additionally, there are other users who have been blocked from receiving the update due to niche bugs and issues.

To ensure a smooth transition to Windows 11, Microsoft advises against using the "Update Now" button or the Media Creation Tool (MCT) until the affected drivers have been updated. It is crucial for users to install the recommended driver versions and allow up to 48 hours for the Windows 11 upgrade prompt to appear. If the prompt does not appear, it may indicate that the drivers have not been developed for the specific hardware configuration. In such cases, users are advised to contact their device's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for the necessary updates.

IT administrators tasked with managing Windows updates across organizations are encouraged to refer to Microsoft's documentation to ensure a successful deployment. By following these guidelines, users can mitigate potential issues and experience a smooth transition to Windows 11.

This fix marks an important step for Microsoft in resolving long-standing compatibility issues, demonstrating the company's commitment to addressing customer concerns and ensuring a seamless user experience.