Compatibility issues with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers and Windows 11
| Status | Originating update | History |
|---|---|---|
| Resolved External | N/A | Last updated: 2024-04-12, 15:36 PT Opened: 2021-11-15, 16:40 PT |
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. Windows 11 devices with the affected Intel SST driver might receive an error with a blue screen. The affected driver is named Intel® Smart Sound Technology (Intel® SST) Audio Controller under System Devices in Device Manager and is found with the file name 'IntcAudioBus.sys'. If this file is version 10.29.0.5152 or 10.30.0.5152, this issue can occur.
Only devices with both an Intel 11th Gen Core processors and an Intel SST driver version of 10.29.0.5152 or 10.30.0.5152 are affected by this issue.
To safeguard your upgrade experience, we have applied a compatibility hold on Windows 10 devices which have Intel SST driver versions 10.29.0.5152 or 10.30.0.5152. This will prevent those devices from being offered any version of Windows 11. If your organization is using Update Compliance, the safeguard IDs are:
- Windows 11, version 21H2: 36899911
- Windows 11, version 22H2: 41291788
- Windows 11, version 23H2: 49561482
Resolution: Devices which are encountering this issue will need to install newer versions of the Intel® SST Audio Controller drivers prior to updating to Windows 11. The issue is resolved by updating the Intel® Smart Sound Technology drivers to version 10.30.00.5714 and later, or 10.29.00.5714 and later. Please note that later versions of this driver might refer to only the last part of the version number. For the purpose of addressing this issue, 10.30.x versions are not newer than 10.29.x versions.
For most users, updated drivers can be installed via Windows update by checking for Windows updates on your device. This is the preferred method of installing these and other drivers. If your device still encounters this safeguard hold 48 hours after updating your drivers, it's possible drivers for this Audio Controller haven't been developed for your specific device hardware configuration. In this case, you will need to contact your device manufacturer (OEM) for more information on the necessary drivers. Microsoft works to make the latest compatible drivers available under Windows Update whenever developers have released them.
IT admins in organizations where devices are managed can refer to the following resources to deploy drivers using one of these tools:
- Windows Update for Business customers: Deploy drivers and firmware updates - Windows Update for Business deployment service
- Intune: Learn about Windows Driver updates policy for Windows 10 Windows 11 devices in Intune
- Autopatch: Manage driver and firmware updates - Windows Deployment
Once you have updated to a compatible version of the Intel® Smart Sound Technology drivers, you should be able to upgrade to Windows 11. Please note, if there are no other safeguards that affect your device, it can take up to 48 hours before the upgrade to Windows 11 is offered. We recommend that you do not attempt to manually upgrade using the 'Update now' button or the Media Creation Tool until you have performed the necessary driver updates.
Affected platforms:
- Client: Windows 11, version 23H2, Windows 11, version 22H2; Windows 11, version 21H2