Microsoft can’t seem to catch a break with its Windows 10 October update (version 1809). After pulling the update for a month due to reports of users losing files after installing the new version, Microsoft re-released it on November 13. The 1809 update has since been wreaking more havoc; users have complained of the new version breaking iCloud, bugging Windows Media Player, and affecting ZIP files. Now reports have come in that Windows 10 1809 doesn’t play nicely with some Intel display drivers.
An update block was placed earlier this week and prevents certain users from upgrading to Windows 10 1809, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 1809. The problem lies in incompatibilities with some Intel display drivers, specifically v. 24.20.100.6344 and v. 24.20.100.6345, that Intel “inadvertently released” to OEMs, according to Microsoft. Users with these display drivers have reported that audio playback from a connected monitor or TV does not work.
The effect isn’t device-breaking but would be an annoyance for affected users. Some people rely on the built-in audio of their monitor or TV as their sole audio source, and this issue effectively kills audio playback through these avenues. Microsoft is “working with Intel to expire these display drivers” and should provide a patch in “an upcoming release.”
This problem is the latest in a string of issues plaguing the Windows 10 October update. While every OS update comes with bugs, the sheer number and severity of bugs identified in Windows 10 1809 has led many to question Microsoft’s quality control practices. Considering the company had to pull the update and is now blocking specific user groups from updating may underpin more serious problems at Microsoft.