Microsoft has finally resolved a major Windows 11 bug that has been plaguing Windows 10 users for over a year. The issue, caused by an Intel driver conflict, prevented users with specific versions of the Intel SST driver from upgrading to the latest version of Windows. However, after months of frustration, Microsoft has lifted the upgrade block on affected PCs, allowing users to finally make the jump to Windows 11.
The bug, first identified in November 2021, led to recurring Blue Screen of Death errors for Windows 10 PCs running Intel’s 11th-generation Core processors with certain versions of the Intel SST driver. To address the problem, Microsoft enforced a compatibility block that prevented these systems from upgrading to Windows 11.
After a long wait, Microsoft has now updated the bug’s status to “resolved” on its health dashboard. The only solution for affected users was to manually update to the latest compatible Intel SST driver version from the manufacturer’s website before attempting the Windows 11 upgrade – a tedious process for many.
Now, Microsoft will offer the latest Intel driver through Windows Update, allowing affected users to upgrade to Windows 11 within 48 hours. For those who do not receive the driver update automatically, Microsoft recommends contacting the device’s manufacturer for the compatible version.
While this resolution is a positive step for Windows 10 users looking to upgrade to Windows 11, it does not change the system requirements for the new operating system. Unsupported Windows 10 devices will still not be able to make the switch to Windows 11. Microsoft continues to face challenges in convincing users to adopt Windows 11, with Windows 10 maintaining a dominant market share despite the availability of the newer version.