iCUE:How to fix conflict between iCUE audio equalization and Windows 11
If you are experiencing a conflict with iCUE audio equalization (EQ) after recently updating to Windows 11 version 22H2 or version 21H2, such as audio drivers not working properly or iCUE EQ not responding, the issue may be due to a conflict with a specific audio driver.
Microsoft is aware that this audio driver is causing issues, and the information provided below comes from their website, which you can see here.
What is causing the issue?
Intel and Microsoft have found incompatibility issues with certain version of Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) drivers on Intel 11th Gen Core processors and Windows 11.
You can find this affected driver, Intel(R) Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) Audio Controller by opening Device Manager > System Devices. Its file name is IntcAudioBus.sys and, if it is affected by this issue, should be one of the file versions below:
- Version 10.29.0.5152
- Version 10.30.0.5152
Only devices with both an Intel 11th Gen Core processor and an Intel SST driver with the above versions are affected by this issue.
Microsoft has applied a compatibility hold on devices with the affected Intel SST drivers from being offered on Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 21H2. If you or your organization use Update Compliance, the safeguard IDs are:
- Windows 11, Version 21H2: 36899911
- Windows 11, Version 22H2: 41291788
How do I resolve this issue?
To work around the safeguard, check with your device manufacturer (OEM) to see if there is an updated driver available for installation. Check if the following Intel SST drivers versions are available:
- Version 10.30.00.5714 or later
- Version 10.29.00.5714 or later
NOTE: "Later versions" only refer to the last part of the version number. For this issue, version 10.30.X is not newer than 10.29.X.
If an updated and compatible driver is available, download and install it.
If you are still encountering issues after downloading an updated driver, you will need to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.
What if an updated driver is not available?
If you encounter the safeguard hold and an updated driver is not yet available, contact your device manufacturer for more information on when an update is available.