Microsoft is expanding the rollout of Windows 11 version 21H2 over the coming weeks due to a “high rate of positive update experiences”. At the same time, Microsoft has confirmed two new issues in the operating system: Blue Screen of Death caused by compatibility issues with Intel driver and Microsoft Installer (MSI) failure affecting app updates or repair.
Windows 11 BSOD has been caused by Intel SST drivers, though the bug is only affecting folk using certain versions of Intel SST drivers. Microsoft says version 10.29.0.5152 and earlier or 10.30.0.5152 of Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) are particularly affected by Blue Screen errors.
Thankfully, Microsoft is working with Intel on a new version of drivers compatible with Windows 11. For now, Microsoft has now placed an upgrade block on affected PCs and suggested users to update drivers as soon as possible. If the driver update is not offered by OEM, you should install it manually from Intel’s website.
Updating to new drivers is the easiest way to remove upgrade blocks and prevent Blue Screen of Death errors on Windows 11. You can verify if you’ve Intel Smart Sound Technology in Device Manager > System.
“We recommend that you do not attempt to manually upgrade using the Update now button or the Media Creation Tool until this issue has been resolved,” Microsoft said.
Windows 11 app crashes
Additionally, it looks like Windows 11 has suffered another hitch for some users with the operating system’s November 2021 cumulative update. The problem, which reportedly affects certain apps including some apps from Kaspersky, prevents app updates or repair using Microsoft Installer (MSI).
If your Windows 11 installation has run into issues with Microsoft Installer (MSI), some unknown apps might fail to open, update or repair.
In a support bulletin, Microsoft said users need to uninstall the affected app manually from Settings or Control Panel, then install the latest version to fix crashes.
Surprisingly, the bug also appears to be hitting Windows 10 and Microsoft is looking into the reports. The software giant has promised a resolution and fixes will be published in an upcoming release.
Apparently, there are other problems affecting the performance of Windows 11 and File Explorer, but that won’t be fixed anytime soon.
