Microsoft just made it easier to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11

Microsoft is working toward moving Windows 10 users over to Windows 11 as the company recently announced it was officially ending support for Windows 10, it's most popular operating system.

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Before the announcement of ending support for Windows 10, Microsoft implemented a compatibility hold on Windows 10 users that prevented them from upgrading to Windows 11. The problem was traced back to specific drivers for Intel Smart Sound Technology, and according to reports these drivers would cause Windows 11 to bluescreen. In response to the problem Microsoft put a compatibility hold on those Windows 10 users, preventing them from being able to upgrade. Until now.

Microsoft has announced via its website that it has lifted the compatibility hold as it has resolved the issue, meaning those restricted Windows 10 users can now simply open up their Windows Update, check for updates, download, and install them. After that is complete, wait 48 hours, and there should be an offer for an upgrade to Windows 11.

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"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."

"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," writes Microsoft

It's currently unknown how many users were prevented from upgrading to Windows 11 because of this issue, but reports indicate that the change won't dramatically affect the market share situation between Windows 10 and Windows 11.