Windows 11 Update Blocked These Popular Apps Could Be the Reason
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| Some apps may block the upcoming Windows 11 update |
Microsoft Blocks Windows 11 Upgrade for Users with Specific Apps
As Windows 11 continues to evolve Microsoft is preparing to release its next major update version 24H2 expected later this year However users running certain third party applications may find themselves locked out of the upgrade process
Why Microsoft cites security and performance concerns as the primary reasons If your PC has one or more of these flagged apps installed Windows Update will refuse to install the new version Worse still users are often left confused receiving only vague error messages without any clear indication of what is causing the block
Whats on the Blocklist A Mix of Utility and Driver Apps
Microsofts internal configuration file app raisersdb is used to evaluate systems for upgrade eligibility This file includes a blacklist of software that could interfere with the update process While not all versions of each app are blocked certain versions are considered incompatible with the upcoming Windows 11 release
Here are some of the most notable applications that may block the update
Ease US Disk Copy
A popular disk cloning and backup tool
Start All Back
A Start menu customization utility for Windows 11
Explorer Patcher
A utility used to tweak the Windows File Explorer and taskbar behavior
iCloud Servi cesexe
Apples iCloud background service for Windows
Radeon Soft ware exe
The AMD Radeon Settings app often used to control GPU performance and settings
Intel IntcOEDsys and Intel Intc Audio Bussys
These are Intel drivers related to audio and system performance
Realtek 8192su
A Realtek WiFi driver used on some older devices
Merge Sdb
Interestingly this is a Microsoft tool itself used for compatibility management
Solidworks PDM
Part of the Solidworks suite used for product data management in engineering environments
VLC Media Player Windows 7 version only
While the app itself is not blocked universally the older version designed for Windows 7 appears on the list
This block is not always comprehensive across all versions of an app In some cases only specific outdated builds are being flagged not the software as a whole
Why Microsoft Is Blocking the Update for These Apps
Microsofts justification revolves around potential performance and security issues Some of the applications interfere with how Windows 11 operates under the hood especially when it comes to system level customizations or outdated drivers that could cause crashes incompatibility or reduced system integrity
For example
StartAllBack and ExplorerPatcher modify core elements of the Windows 11 UI
Old VLC versions may rely on deprecated libraries that are no longer supported
Device drivers from Intel AMD and Realtek may not align with new architecture or driver standards in the 24H2 update
Microsoft has a track record of trying to preserve the integrity of updates by preemptively identifying potential conflicts But unfortunately this means some users will not know what is going on until they dig deeper into logs or community forums
What Happens If You Try to Update Anyway
Users with blocked apps installed will receive an error message when trying to install the update The message is typically non specific saying only that the update cannot be installed or your device is not ready yet There is no direct reference to the conflicting app making troubleshooting difficult unless you already know about the appraisersdb blocklist
Is There a Workaround
Surprisingly yes at least for now
Users in online forums have discovered that uninstalling the conflicting app performing the Windows 11 update and then reinstalling the app often works In the case of StartAllBack some users report that simply renaming the installer file after the upgrade can bypass the block entirely
For example
Uninstall Start All Back before attempting the update
Once the update is successful download the latest version of Start All Back
Rename the installer file to something like Install SAB exe and reinstall the app
This method effectively sidesteps Microsofts compatibility block but there is no guarantee it will continue to work Microsoft could patch this workaround in future builds
Should You Be Concerned
If you rely heavily on one of these apps it is understandable to be concerned Many of them serve critical functions from backup and recovery to UI customization The decision to block updates due to app incompatibility is meant to protect users but it also disrupts workflows and frustrates power users who know what they are doing
Still it is better to be aware of the issue and take proactive steps than to be blindsided by failed update attempts
What Should You Do
Here are some steps you can take if you are affected
Check for updates to the conflicting apps
Developers may release new versions that are compatible with Windows 11 24H2
Uninstall conflicting software before attempting the Windows update
Use community tested workarounds cautiously understanding the risks
Watch for updates from Microsoft
The company may refine or lift these restrictions as they approach the final release
Backup your system before making any major changes
Final Thoughts
Microsofts move to block certain applications from running alongside the Windows 11 24H2 update underscores a broader effort to maintain system integrity While the intentions are valid the execution has left many users frustrated and confused
As always staying informed is your best defense If you are using any of the apps listed take action now to avoid disruption later Whether that means updating uninstalling or temporarily working around restrictions being proactive will ensure you stay ahead of the curve and fully updated