While there are still some known issues with the Windows 11 22H2 update, most of the ‘safeguards’ have been removed. The latest safeguard Microsoft Corporation 454,46 +2,87 +0,64% has removed was manly impacting gamers using NVIDIA GeForce GPUs. This issue was resolved with KB5020044 (December Preview Update) which also fixed slow network file copying, but did cause display issues with the task manager for some users (which has now been resolved). The safeguard was removed on December 14th.
“This issue was resolved in KB5020044 and the safeguard hold has been removed as of December 14, 2022,” Microsoft said on the Windows Health dashboard.
“Please note, if there are no other safeguards that affect your device, it can take up to 48 hours before the update to Windows 11, version 22H2 is offered.”
Existing safeguards for Windows Hello, Printing Issues and XBox Game Bar have all been removed. At this point it appears the only outstanding safeguard is with Intel Smart Sound Technology with older drivers causing a BSOD. This issue has been marked as “mitigated external” meaning Microsoft has put the reasonability on the hardware manufacture (Intel). Users who are still unable to update need to check to see if there is an updated Intel Smart Sound Technology driver (versions 10.29.00.5714 or 10.30.00.5714 and later). This safeguard only applies to drivers versions 10.29.0.5152 or 10.30.0.5152. If users are able to update to then they should be able to install the Windows 11 22H2 update after 48-hours of updating their drivers.