Many gamers now have the opportunity to upgrade to the most recent edition of Windows 11, as Microsoft has finally lifted the update ban
After a 10-month hold, Microsoft has finally lifted the compatibility block for gaming PCs with Intel Alder Lake (12th Gen Core) and newer processors running Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) software. This move allows these devices to safely upgrade to Windows 11 version 24H2.
The compatibility issue arose due to older EAC drivers causing Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with Memory_Management errors when Windows 11 24H2 was installed. This issue specifically affected devices on the Intel vPro platform and prevented them from upgrading to the latest version of Windows.
Microsoft collaborated closely with Epic Games, the developer of Easy Anti-Cheat, to develop updated drivers compatible with Windows 11 version 24H2. These new drivers were included in the July 2025 Patch Tuesday update (KB5062553), effectively resolving the compatibility problem.
Gamers who were previously unable to upgrade to Windows 11 version 24H2 due to this issue can now do so, as the compatibility hold has been removed. However, some devices might still display a warning regarding an incompatible version of Easy Anti-Cheat. In such cases, updating frequently played games should resolve the issue as the anti-cheat software updates are handled by game publishers.
This collaboration and update have resolved the previous EAC-related compatibility issues for gaming PCs upgrading to Windows 11 24H2. With the compatibility hold lifted, more PCs are now able to upgrade to this version of Windows, which is reportedly the most reliable version yet, according to Microsoft.
Key Points
- Devices blocked: PCs with Intel Alder Lake+ (12th Gen Core and later) processors, especially Intel vPro.
- Cause: Incompatible older Easy Anti-Cheat drivers caused BSOD errors with Windows 11 24H2.
- Impact: Prevented upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 and caused crashes in games like Fortnite.
- Resolution: Microsoft and Epic Games released updated EAC drivers included in July 2025 patch (KB5062553).
- Update unblock date: Compatibility holds removed on July 24, 2025; upgrades are now available to eligible devices.
[1] Microsoft Support: Updating Easy Anti-Cheat for Windows 11 24H2 compatibility [2] Epic Games: Easy Anti-Cheat and Windows 11 24H2 Compatibility [3] Windows Central: Windows 11 24H2: Everything you need to know [4] Tom's Hardware: Windows 11 24H2: What's New and How to Install [5] The Verge: Microsoft lifts Windows 11 24H2 compatibility hold for Intel Alder Lake PCs
- Gamers can now safely upgrade their gaming PCs equipped with Intel Alder Lake (12th Gen Core) and newer processors, which were previously blocked, to the Windows 11 version 24H2.
- The bottleneck in compatibility was due to older Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) drivers leading to Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with Memory_Management errors during the installation of Windows 11 24H2.
- The collaboration between Microsoft and Epic Games has led to the development of updated EAC drivers that are compatible with Windows 11 version 24H2.
- These updated drivers were included in the July 2025 Patch Tuesday update (KB5062553), resolving the compatibility issues that prevented many devices from upgrading to Windows 11.
- Despite the resolution of the main issue, devices with incompatible versions of Easy Anti-Cheat may still show a warning, and users may need to update their frequently played games to resolve the issue.
- With the compatibility holds removed, various gadgets, such as laptops, desktops, and even gaming PCs with newer processors, can now upgrade to the reportedly most reliable version of Windows to date.
- For more detailed information on Windows 11 24H2, users are advised to refer to Microsoft Support, Epic Games, Windows Central, Tom's Hardware, and The Verge.
