Positive Grid Spark Firmware Updates Can Fail on Windows 11 25H2

Positive Grid has published model-specific support notices confirming that its desktop firmware updater can fail when used with Windows 11 version 25H2 (Build 26200 or later). The confirmed scope covers the Spark 40, Spark MINI, Spark GO and Spark NEO.

The amplifiers' existing firmware and normal Spark App connection are not described as broken. The problem affects the USB MIDI exchange used during a firmware update.

Issue ID: SPL-PGR-SPK-001
Status: workaround-available
Evidence level: E3 — four official Positive Grid support notices
Affected models: Spark 40, Spark MINI, Spark GO, Spark NEO
Affected computer environment: Windows 11 25H2, Build 26200 or later
Affected-unit rate: Unknown
Last checked: 1 September 2026

What happens on Windows 11 25H2

Positive Grid says the firmware updater communicates with each Spark product over USB MIDI. During an update, the software must detect the connected device, switch it into bootloader mode and transfer the firmware.

On Windows 11 25H2, the company documents three possible failure points:

• the updater becomes unresponsive after detecting the device;
• the Spark product is not recognized after entering bootloader mode;
• the transfer stalls or fails before completion.

Positive Grid attributes the behavior to changes in the Windows 11 25H2 MIDI subsystem and stricter USB audio-class handling. The company says its firmware team reproduced the problem and shared diagnostic information with Microsoft's Windows Music Dev team.

That attribution is a manufacturer diagnosis. SoundPath Lab has not independently reproduced the fault or confirmed the cause with Microsoft.

What is and is not affected

The official notices make an important distinction: the problem is with the firmware-update path, not with ordinary operation of the four products.

Positive Grid says:

• the existing firmware continues to operate normally;
• the Spark App can continue to connect and work;
• users who do not urgently need a firmware update can remain on the installed version;
• recent firmware releases contain minor fixes and improvements rather than missing critical functionality.

This means buyers should not interpret the notice as evidence that every Spark 40, Spark MINI, Spark GO or Spark NEO becomes unusable on Windows 11 25H2. The documented limitation is narrower: a Windows 11 25H2 computer may not be able to complete the desktop firmware-update process reliably.

Official workaround

Positive Grid's recommended approach is to stay on the currently installed firmware unless an update is necessary.

If an update is required, the detailed workaround sections list these environments:

• Windows 10;
• Windows 11 version 23H2 or earlier;
• macOS 10.13 or later.

Users can check the installed Windows version by pressing Win + R, entering winver and reviewing the displayed version and build number.

Windows 11 24H2 remains pending verification

The four official pages are internally inconsistent about Windows 11 24H2. Their quick summaries mention 24H2 as an update option, while the detailed “What Works Today” lists name Windows 11 23H2 or earlier and omit 24H2.

SoundPath Lab therefore does not classify Windows 11 24H2 as a confirmed workaround at this time. Owners who need to update immediately should use one of the environments consistently listed in the detailed instructions, or contact Positive Grid support for current guidance.

Buyer impact

The practical risk is highest for an owner who needs a specific firmware fix and has access only to a Windows 11 25H2 computer. That owner may need another computer or may need to postpone the update.

For a buyer considering one of these models:

• normal amplifier and Spark App use is not identified as affected;
• the limitation matters if firmware servicing must be performed from a Windows 11 25H2 PC;
• access to Windows 10, Windows 11 23H2 or earlier, or macOS 10.13+ provides an official workaround;
• there is no published failure-rate estimate, affected serial-number range or hardware-revision boundary.

Positive Grid expects the updater to work again after Microsoft supplies a relevant Windows update. No confirmed Microsoft fix date is published in the cited notices.

Verification record

Official sources

• Positive Grid: Spark 40 — Windows 11 25H2 firmware update issues
• Positive Grid: Spark MINI — Windows 11 25H2 firmware update issues
• Positive Grid: Spark GO — Windows 11 25H2 firmware update issues
• Positive Grid: Spark NEO — Windows 11 25H2 firmware update issues

See the Product Issues & Limitations registry for other active compatibility records and the Firmware & App Update Tracker for current software releases.

Revision history

• 1 September 2026: Initial publication. Added four manufacturer-confirmed model records, documented the Windows 11 25H2 trigger and workarounds, and marked Windows 11 24H2 compatibility as Pending verification because Positive Grid's pages contain conflicting statements.

Editorial disclosure: SoundPath Lab has no commercial relationship with Positive Grid identified for this record. This page separates manufacturer statements, editorial interpretation and unknown information. Corrections and manufacturer evidence are welcome through the site's published editorial contact channel.