Windows 11 22H2 blocked due to blue screens on some Intel systems

Microsoft is now blocking the Windows 11 22H2 update from being offered on some systems with Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) audio drivers.

Redmond also put a safeguard hold in place because this known issue triggers blue screens of death (BSODs) on affected systems.

"Intel and Microsoft have found incompatibility issues with certain versions of drivers for Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) on Intel 11th Gen Core processors and Windows 11," Microsoft said in a Windows Health dashboard update.

"Windows 11 devices with the affected Intel SST driver might receive an error with a blue screen."

Intel SST is an integrated audio DSP (Digital Signal Processor) that enables the company's latest Core and Atom processors to handle audio, voice, and speech interactions without a performance hit.

Microsoft recommends not to manually update affected systems to Windows 11 22H2 using the Media Creation Tool or the 'Update now' button until the problem is addressed and the safeguard is removed.

"The affected driver will be named Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) Audio Controller under System Devices in Device Manager and have the file name IntcAudioBus.sys and a file version of 10.29.0.5152 or 10.30.0.5152," Microsoft explained.

The same issue is behind a compatibility hold blocking customers from upgrading to Windows 11 21H2 since November 2021.

Microsoft added that some of the impacted Windows 11 customers might be able to work around this issue by checking if Intel has an updated driver for their systems.

"To mitigate the safeguard, you will need to check with your device manufacturer (OEM) to see if an updated driver is available and install it. This issue is resolved by updating the Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers to a version 10.30.00.5714 and later or 10.29.00.5714 and later," Microsoft said.

"Once you have updated to a compatible version of the Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers, you should be able to upgrade to Windows 11."

If you cannot find an updated driver that addresses this issue, you need to contact your device manufacturer (OEM) for more information.

After updating the affected Intel SST audio driver, it can take up to 48 hours before you can install the Windows 11 2022 Update.

:story: Bleeping Computer