Solved W11 21H2 offered no update 21H2>22H2s and now fails to upgrade to 23H2

OAT · Mar 31, 2024

Judiver said:
So it is Windows11 version 10.
So confusing...

So, if you want to remove all those audio drivers, go ahead.
(screenshot below represents what to do, it does not represent which driver(s) you have to remove)
Take your time, don't be afraid, there is nothing you are going to break here.
Make sure you have a backup/restore point.
Confirm the deletion of the drivers. DO NOT REBOOT.

Once the drivers are deleted,
Launch the setup.exe again after mounting the image.

If that fails, drivers will install again if you do a refresh of your devices &/or go windows update.

Whatever the outcome, could you post a screenshot of msinfo32 (sound device)
start/run/msinfo32
Also look for issues in DXDiagnostics
start/run/DXDiag

Judiver · Mar 31, 2024

The US Acer forum does have a handful threads from people having problems with drivers or their micro after updating to W11, but there are not too many discussions in all, so that may explain it... (that's also why I do not end up there when looking to address a problem). But I came across the mention of a certain "compatibility list".
Also if I enter my serial n° on that site, it says I have OS W10 64-bit, with no further options in the roll-down menu...
That got me wondering...

So had a look at the Dutch Acer site. I bought my laptop in The Netherlands (I'm Dutch). It's a Dutch (or European?) model, and it says:
"If your product model is not listed in the table below, Acer has not tested the device and the drivers have not been updated for that model."
Well, my A517-51G doesn't show up in that list!
Will it ever?

No wonder all the drivers say they're all "up to date, latest install". Yes up to date for W10, not updated to handle W11.

It is strange I was able to update to W11 21H2 in May 2022. I wonder what the policy is... MS allows to update when your pc has the minimum requirements? But if your manufacturer hasn't updated its drivers for W11, your further updates fail because MS checks their compatibility? Or worse, you run into problems with conflicts and devices not working properly.

I think that this is why my updates fail.
THANK YOU OAT for pointing me to the Acer website...

OAT · Mar 31, 2024

Judiver said:
The US Acer forum does have a handful threads from people having problems with drivers or their micro after updating to W11, but there are not too many discussions in all, so that may explain it... (that's also why I do not end up there when looking to address a problem). But I came across the mention of a certain "compatibility list".
Also if I enter my serial n° on that site, it says I have OS W10 64-bit, with no further options in the roll-down menu...
That got me wondering...

So had a look at the Dutch Acer site. I bought my laptop in The Netherlands (I'm Dutch). It's a Dutch (or European?) model, and it says:
"If your product model is not listed in the table below, Acer has not tested the device and the drivers have not been updated for that model."
Well, my A517-51G doesn't show up in that list!
Will it ever?

No wonder all the drivers say they're all "up to date, latest install". Yes up to date for W10, not updated to handle W11.

It is strange I was able to update to W11 21H2 in May 2022. I wonder what the policy is... MS allows to update when you're pc has the minimum requirements? But if your manufacturer hasn't updated its drivers for W11, your further updates fail because MS checks their compatibility? Or worse, you run into problems with conflicts and devices not working properly.

I think that this is why my updates fail.
THANK YOU OAT for pointing me to the Acer website...

Ouch, that is a tough one.
This is the problem with OEM drivers, if they don't choose to update them, you are stuck.
I had the same issue with my Sony VAIO years back.
I am sure that MS has created generic drivers though. You won't know until you try...
But it might be dead in the water from the start, see Windows 11 is all about 64 bit stuff while Windows 10 could still accommodate both 32/64 bit legacy components & drivers.

Judiver · Mar 31, 2024

Who knows what kind of additional problems I may run into if I do manage to install further updates...

I can ask Acer if they do plan on updating the drivers for my model some day.
But I have a feeling they will think the laptop is too old, so don't bother.

In that case I'll just have to continue as is until MS won't support my Windows version any longer.
For in my mind my laptop is not old at all, and to my wallet it is brand new... (bought it Summer 2019... that was... yesterday...).

Updates: always trouble!

Thank you all for your reactions and suggestions. I appreciate.
I am glad there is such a forum as Eleven Forum with people willing to spend their time helping others.

OAT · Mar 31, 2024

Judiver said:
For in my mind my laptop is not old at all, and to my wallet it is brand new... (bought it Summer 2019... that was... yesterday...).

I know but 5 years in the software/hardware world is a long time as things move very quickly.
There is no such thing as a future proof product in that field.
It has been a pleasure helping you and I wish there was a better outcome.

Judiver · Apr 1, 2024

I know, helas.

But for a laptop bought in 2019, fitting MS W11 requirements perfectly, you would think that they would update drivers if MS plans to release W11 in Oct 2021... I sent them a message this morning asking if they plan on updating the drivers for my system. Let's see.

By the way Acer is pretty slothful. The list of drivers they produce if I specify my serial n° gives many outdated drivers. My machine has more recent ones than listed there.

This all is bad support to people who bought one of their computers. No attempt is made to extend the useful life of their sold products. They focus on the sale of a new pc.

We only have 1 planet to waste and I regularly find myself in the position of having to speed that process up... The things I need to throw away are not the oldest products but the new ones. Cannot have them repaired either. Example: integrated keyboards fixed with plastic rivets... such a stupid design!

I'll mark my thread as solved, even if it isn't. We found the origin of the problem, not the solution. Thank you all.

Judiver · Apr 2, 2024

Reaction from Acer:
"We are sorry, but this device has not been tested for the desired operating system and the manufacturer does not expect it to support Windows 11 in the future.".

My next laptop will not be an Acer.

Ghot · Apr 2, 2024

Judiver said:
Reaction from Acer:
"We are sorry, but this device has not been tested for the desired operating system and the manufacturer does not expect it to support Windows 11 in the future.".

My next laptop will not be an Acer.

Well... I just removed ACER from my list of decent "customer oriented" companies. ^^

Berton · Apr 2, 2024

A little history may help explain, some time ago Gateway bought eMachines to have a 'value' line then Acer bought Gateway. Don't see much about Gateway and eMachines lately.