Windows 11: It restricted Windows users for 2 years, now Microsoft is removing the upgrade lock

• Many Windows users have not been able to upgrade to Windows 11 for years due to a problem.
• A bug with Intel drivers caused an upgrade lock. It has finally been eliminated.
• However, the hardware must meet additional requirements for the update.

You won’t have much time left to switch to Windows 11. Support for Windows 10 will end in October 2025 and if you haven’t switched by that day, you’ll either have to make do with an operating system without security updates or pay for expensive Windows updates. But even if they wanted to, many were unable to carry out the Windows 11 update until a few days ago.

A problem with Intel’s audio driver prevented many from switching to Windows 11 for two years. When you tried to update to Windows 11, you caused a system crash in the form of a “blue screen”.

The bug was first discovered in November 2021. The affected driver “Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) Audio Controller” can be found under the file name “IntcAudioBus.sys” in the device manager. Previously, the problems mentioned occurred when the file had either version 10.29.0.5152 or 10.30.0.5152.

Microsoft then even went so far as to block updates for the systems in question. From now on, these Windows users were no longer offered an update to the new operating system if one of the driver versions was discovered on the PC. This problem could only be solved via a detour in the form of a manual driver update.

Now Microsoft is solving the problem itself

This is no longer necessary from now on. As Microsoft reports, the bug has now been fixed. This means that the upgrade lock no longer applies and affected users can finally switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

But problems can still arise. Because even if the upgrade lock is now gone, PCs must meet certain hardware requirements in order to carry out the Windows 11 update.

Windows 11: Hardware requirements

Microsoft shows a specific list of requirements for Windows 11 on the official support website. It is important that your computer runs with a 64-bit processor, has at least two cores, has at least 64 gigabytes of memory and 4 gigabytes of RAM and your graphics card supports DirectX 12 or higher.

Nevertheless, many computers that are a bit outdated can also meet these requirements. Of course, you don’t have to upgrade and you can continue to use Windows 10. However, since support for Windows 10 will be discontinued and updates will then be charged for, you should think carefully about this.

Windows 11: Even Microsoft’s ex-employees complain

The fact that a lot of things aren’t going well with Windows 11 has been a common thread throughout the last few weeks. The statement from a Microsoft employee who finds Windows 11 “ridiculously bad” in places also caused a stir.

Among other things, he refers to the start bar. Many Windows users on the short message service X agree with him and report similar difficulties.

Copilot issue affects both Windows 10 and Windows 11

A completely different problem is currently affecting both Windows 10 and Windows 11 users. This involves Microsoft Copilot, which suddenly installs itself on many PCs without being asked. Installing the Microsoft Copilot app raises some data protection concerns.

But you should also be careful with Microsoft’s Office package. Why? Because a new Windows malware is circulating that is hiding in an Office add-on.

Antivirus programs in comparison: These test winners give you security

If you install this carelessly, you will put your PC at great risk. An antivirus program offers you good protection against many types of viruses and hacker attacks. You should install this not only on your computer, but also on other devices such as your smartphone.

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