Microsoft has finally fixed a major Windows 11 bug that prevented Windows 10 users from upgrading to the latest version of Windows. The problem appeared due to an Intel driver conflict. The tech giant, according to the latest Windows report, has now lifted the upgrade block on affected PCs, allowing these users to upgrade to Windows 11.
The issue, first reported in November 2021, caused recurring Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors for Windows 10 PCs running 11th Gen Intel Core processors with specific versions of the Intel SST driver (10.29. 0.5152 or 10.30.0.5152). To avoid the problem, Microsoft has applied a compatibility block preventing these systems from upgrading to Windows 11.
After more than a year, Microsoft updated the status of the bug to “resolved” on its health dashboard. The only solution was for users to manually update to the latest compatible Intel SST driver version from the manufacturer’s website before attempting to upgrade to Windows 11 – a tedious process for many.
Now, Microsoft will offer the latest Intel driver through Windows Update, after which affected users should see the option to upgrade to Windows 11 within 48 hours.
For those who do not automatically receive the driver update, Microsoft recommends contacting the device manufacturer to obtain the compatible version.
The resolution comes as Microsoft continues to struggle to convince users to adopt Windows 11. As of March 2024, Windows 10 remains the dominant operating system with 69.2% market share according to StatCounter, while Windows 11 is far away behind with only 26.71% adoption despite an adoption rate of 26.71%. Increase of 8% over one year.
Why you shouldn’t be excited
It’s a good thing that Microsoft finally fixed the long-known bug and allowed stranded Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11. However, this does not change the system requirements for the Windows 11 operating system. This means nothing has changed for unsupported Windows 10 devices.
The issue, first reported in November 2021, caused recurring Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors for Windows 10 PCs running 11th Gen Intel Core processors with specific versions of the Intel SST driver (10.29. 0.5152 or 10.30.0.5152). To avoid the problem, Microsoft has applied a compatibility block preventing these systems from upgrading to Windows 11.
After more than a year, Microsoft updated the status of the bug to “resolved” on its health dashboard. The only solution was for users to manually update to the latest compatible Intel SST driver version from the manufacturer’s website before attempting to upgrade to Windows 11 – a tedious process for many.
Now, Microsoft will offer the latest Intel driver through Windows Update, after which affected users should see the option to upgrade to Windows 11 within 48 hours.
For those who do not automatically receive the driver update, Microsoft recommends contacting the device manufacturer to obtain the compatible version.
The resolution comes as Microsoft continues to struggle to convince users to adopt Windows 11. As of March 2024, Windows 10 remains the dominant operating system with 69.2% market share according to StatCounter, while Windows 11 is far away behind with only 26.71% adoption despite an adoption rate of 26.71%. Increase of 8% over one year.
Why you shouldn’t be excited
It’s a good thing that Microsoft finally fixed the long-known bug and allowed stranded Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11. However, this does not change the system requirements for the Windows 11 operating system. This means nothing has changed for unsupported Windows 10 devices.
