Microsoft explains why it blocked Windows 11 24H2 on some Asus PCs

There are no shortage of guides on the internet explaining how users can force update their PCs to Windows 11 version 24H2, even in cases where the update is not delivered via Windows Update. The process mostly involves tweaking some Group Policy or Registry settings.

However, if you are using an Asus device and are not receiving the update, it is because Microsoft has prohibited you from implementing the mandatory installation process for the new Windows 11 update, as the upgrade block has been intentionally put in place. In simple terms, both Microsoft and Asus have acknowledged some hardware-related incompatibility issues with some of the Taiwanese manufacturer's branded hardware devices.

The issue was first reported when users reported that some PCs were unable to complete the update and encountered a blue screen of death (BSOD). So far, two Asus X415KA and X515KA laptop models are known to be affected by the hardware compatibility issue. The X415KA model runs on the Intel Pentium Silver N6000 Vivobook 14 chip, while the X515KA uses the Celeron N4500 Vivobook 15 processor. However, Microsoft has not yet revealed exactly which hardware component is causing the problem. The Redmond company said:

After attempting to update to Windows 11 version 24H2, some ASUS devices, specifically the X415KA and X515KA models, may encounter an issue that prevents the system from completing the update. During the update, the devices may encounter a blue screen with an error message, and the installation of version 24H2 may not be completed.

This issue was identified through a joint collaboration between Microsoft and ASUS, and is related to compatibility with certain hardware components in these models.

To protect your update experience, we have applied a compatibility pause to devices using this app. These devices will not be supported for installing Windows 11 version 24H2 through the Windows Update release channel. IT admins using Windows Update for Business reporting can check for this issue using the reporting Protection ID: 54157480.

You can find the problem information listed on Microsoft's official Windows health dashboard website.