Windows 11 Upgrade Restrictions Removed Following Resolution of Safe Exam Browser Issues

Microsoft has removed the upgrade restriction that previously prevented certain users of Safe Exam Browser from upgrading to the Windows 11 2024 Update due to compatibility issues.

Safe Exam Browser is an open-source tool utilized by educational institutions, certification bodies, and businesses to create secure environments for online examinations. It minimizes opportunities for dishonesty by prohibiting access to unauthorized applications, resources, and websites during assessments.

The initial compatibility restriction was imposed in September to avert potential problems for users of Windows 11, version 24H2, affected when launching Safe Exam Browser version 3.7 or earlier.

Microsoft has announced that the developers behind Safe Exam Browser have addressed the existing compatibility issues and recommends that customers update to the latest version of the application (version 3.8 or higher). Users affected by the previous restriction should ensure they update their Safe Exam Browser app prior to upgrading their systems to Windows 11 24H2.

Additionally, if any device continues to experience this safeguard hold 48 hours after updating to the latest version of the application, users are encouraged to contact Safe Exam Browser Support for further assistance.

For those attempting to install Windows 11 version 24H2 via the media creation tool, the installation process can proceed by following the prompt instructions displayed during the installation.

In the context of broader rollout plans, Microsoft recently confirmed that the Windows 11 24H2 feature update is ready for distribution to all compatible devices, with exceptions for systems still subject to safeguard holds. The company has addressed other known issues that were blocking the update from being facilitated through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) following the installation of the April 2025 security updates.

Furthermore, Microsoft resolved a latent code issue that led to some systems being upgraded to Windows 11 despite existing Intune policies meant to restrict such upgrades.

In recent months, Microsoft has also eliminated other upgrade restrictions affecting the Windows 11 24H2 update, which previously applied to specific ASUS devices with particular hardware components, as well as certain users running AutoCAD and players of Asphalt 8: Airborne.

However, several upgrade restrictions due to incompatible hardware and software remain in place. These affect systems utilizing integrated cameras, Dirac audio enhancement software, and the Easy Anti-Cheat application.

The rollout of Windows 11 24H2 initiated in May 2024 for enterprise users engaged in testing through the Windows Insider Release Preview Channel, and the full release for eligible devices running Windows 11 22H2/23H2 occurred in October.