Microsoft’s latest update for Windows 11, known as 24H2, is creating unexpected issues for certain hardware users. If you have a Western Digital NVMe SSD or an Intel system with outdated audio drivers, you might want to hold off on installing it, as users are reporting frequent blue screen errors.
Western Digital SSDs Hit Hard by Increased Memory Usage
Owners of specific Western Digital SSDs, especially models like the Black SN770 and Blue SN580, have encountered severe problems after upgrading to Windows 11 24H2. The issue seems to arise from a mismatch in how the update handles Host Memory Buffer (HMB) on DRAM-less drives.
These drives depend on HMB to borrow a portion of system RAM for caching, but the 24H2 update allocates too much memory—up to 200MB instead of the usual 64MB. This excessive memory usage is causing instability and frequent crashes, with affected users reporting their systems falling into an endless loop of blue screens.
It seems that the previous version of Windows, 23H2, managed memory allocation correctly, which is why users have found some relief in rolling back to this version. If your SSD is affected, a quick fix might involve editing your registry settings to limit the memory allocated for HMB or turning it off completely. The solution might slow down your SSD during data-heavy operations, but it could keep your system running until Microsoft releases a more permanent fix.
Intel Smart Sound Technology Drivers Face BSOD Issues
On the other side, Intel’s Smart Sound Technology (SST) drivers are also causing their own set of problems for Windows 11 24H2 users. Systems running the 11th-gen Intel Core processors with outdated SST drivers are being blocked from upgrading to the new version due to blue screen crashes.
These crashes occur if your SST driver is stuck on versions 10.29.0.5152 or 10.30.0.5152, with Microsoft adding a safeguard hold on systems using these drivers to prevent them from upgrading.
Intel’s SST, which handles tasks like audio processing and voice recognition, can lead to system crashes if not updated to at least version 10.30.00.5714 or 10.29.00.5714. Microsoft is advising users to update these drivers through Windows Update or contact their device manufacturer for help if newer drivers aren’t available.
Additional Apps and Devices Facing Update Blocks
In addition to issues with SSDs and Intel SST, Microsoft has identified further conflicts in the Windows 11 24H2 update, particularly with certain applications and devices. Systems running the game Asphalt 8 or the Easy Anti-Cheat software are now being prevented from upgrading, due to compatibility issues that can cause crashes.
Devices equipped with some fingerprint sensors or the Safe Exam Browser are also facing update blocks, as Microsoft works to resolve issues with incompatible firmware. As a precaution, users who experience any of these problems are advised not to attempt a manual update using the Media Creation Tool or Windows Installation Assistant until these bugs are addressed.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 2:34 pm CET
