How to update Windows 10 if you run a Conexant audio driver

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Key notes

  • Devices with a Conexant audio driver can now try a workaround to update to the latest Windows 10 version.
  • A couple of specific Conexant audio drivers aren't working on Windows 10 after an OS update. 
  • Microsoft has released a workaround meant to allow these devices to bypass the issues.
  • Despite the software conflicts, updating is still recommended sooner or later. 
conexant driver issue workaround

More than one month after the last update regarding Windows 10 update issues for devices with Conexant ISST audio drivers, Microsoft releases a workaround, yet not the full solution.

It is known that devices with Conexant drivers can’t install newer Windows 10 versions (v2004 or 20H2) due to confirmed incompatibilities between the two.

Consequently, the workaround implies a driver update via the manufacturer or an update rollback.

Windows 10 update, still preferable, despite the conflict

Devices that run Conexant ISST audio driver and need to install Windows 10, version 2004 (the Windows 10 May 2020 Update) will still experience bugs during or after the installation, even with the proposed workaround.

The affected drivers – Conexant ISST Audio or Conexant HDAudio Driver – can be found in the Device Manager, under the Sound, video and game controllers section.

There, one should look for file names uci64a96.dll through uci64a231.dll and a file version of 7.231.3.0 or lower.

The solution found by Microsoft, until investigations reveal other solutions, is to contact your driver manufacturer and ask for an updated driver version, if available.

Since in most cases it is possible that your device already runs on the latest driver version, the solution is to roll-back your Windows 10 and attempt another update to v2004 at another time.

Additionally, updating will be rolled out cautiously, for some devices, Microsoft added:

As of January 14, 2021, we are adjusting this safeguard to allow certain devices with the affected driver to update to Windows 10, version 2004 or Windows 10, version 20H2.

The recommendation to avoid manually updating via the Media Creation Tool or the Update Now button is still available.

You could try using professional third-party software designed to perform automatic updates and keep your Windows OS healthy. The tool can perform an in-depth scan and find the right drivers for your PC within minutes.

⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater

A final fix for the incompatibility issue is expected in the next Windows 10 release, this spring.

Did you manage to update your device yet although you’re running Conexant ISST drivers? Tell us how it went in the comments.

More about the topics: Windows Update