Last week, Microsoft reintroduced the Windows 10 October 2018 Update (version 1809) to the masses. The update returned after a month-long hiatus after Microsoft paused it due to several issues. Now the company is facing another issue and is actively blocking the installation of the October 2018 Update.
Some adopters of Windows 10 version 1809 are experiencing audio loss through HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C connected monitors. This seems to have been caused by the October 2018 Update.
Microsoft says the issue is caused by Intel’s new Display Driver. This was released in September but is not compatible with Windows 10 version 1809. Redmond confirms that the problem is due to “OEMs that accidentally turned on unsupported features in Windows.”
Intel Display Driver versions affected include 24.20.100.6344 and 24.20.100.6345. Because of the problem, Microsoft has blocked users running these drivers from updating to Windows 10 October 2018 Update.
So, this is in effect another mini-pause for the update, albeit only for select users. For users already with version 1809 and suffering problems because of the incompatible drivers, Microsoft says they should contact support or visit this page. The company will provide a runnable file that turns off the features in the driver.
To know if your PC is running these Intel Display Drivers:
- Open Device Manager in Windows 10
- Select Display Adapters and expand it,
- Right click on Intel UHD graphics device and select Properties, click driver tab
- Check the driver version
Fault
The question here is whether this is Microsoft’s fault. Clearly Intel should be testing drivers in preview as like all developers it has access to Insider builds. To release a new driver in September ahead of a known Windows update in October, and not have compatibility for said update, is a bit negligent.
On the other hand, Microsoft still has a responsibility to ensure the stability of Windows through a release build. Maintaining good driver support should be a basic underpinning of achieving a stable platform.
