Microsoft Blocks Windows 11 24H2 Update Amid Gamer Crashes

In a striking move that has left many gamers scratching their heads, Microsoft announced plans to block the Windows 11 24H2 update on select PCs, particularly those running demanding titles like Star Wars Outlaws and Assassin's Creed. The late November announcement has triggered conversations around the compatibility between the latest Windows update and certain high-profile games. Here’s a closer look at the issue, the technology involved, and what players can do about it.

The Issue at Hand​

The chaos began when users reported frequent crashes, freezing, and a host of unplayable issues after upgrading to Windows 11 24H2. Complaints flooded in from gamers whose beloved titles failed to launch, crashed unexpectedly, or froze during gameplay. Some players even experienced annoying black screens that rendered their systems unresponsive.
These problems are alarming for anyone who cherishes gaming on Windows. According to reports and user feedback, the following Ubisoft games have been heavily impacted:

• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
• Assassin’s Creed Origins
• Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
• Star Wars Outlaws
• Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

Interestingly, the reports indicated that issues began surfacing well before the official release of the update, with public user reports dating back to nearly four months prior. It wasn't until the problems reached a critical mass that Microsoft decided to intervene.

The Culprit Behind the Chaos​

Questions arise—could the issues stem from the Denuvo Digital Rights Management (DRM) software commonly used in Ubisoft’s games? While that seemed plausible for some titles, players reported similar crash issues with games devoid of Denuvo, such as Far Cry, Call of Duty Infinite Warfare, and Fallout 76.
Upon digging deeper, speculation directed attention towards a specific file known as NTDLL.DLL. This crucial component interacts with the Windows Native API for memory and processor operations. The implication here is quite serious: the issue may be rooted in Windows itself rather than individual games or their DRM systems.
A gaming enthusiast reminisced about a time they faced lag spikes in Assassin's Creed Origins due to a troublesome NVIDIA driver update. Unfortunately, this scenario doesn’t appear similar; the apparent depth of the current issue suggests a fundamental flaw linked to Windows rather than third-party drivers.

Temporary Solutions and Future Fixes​

As frustrations mounted, Microsoft urged users to avoid the manual installation of the 24H2 update if they had any of the aforementioned titles installed. In the meantime, the only suggested workaround was to open the Task Manager, locate the game's executable file, and select "End Task." While this may help in freeing up resources, it's hardly a fix for the underlying problem. The prospect of downgrading back to Windows 11 23H2 feels like an even less appealing option for many.
Ubisoft, in an apparent act of goodwill, acknowledged the gaming woes on their Steam community forums and is actively working to release patches. Although they rolled out update v1.4.1 for Star Wars Outlaws, which claims to fix some issues, it warned of potential performance hiccups—a stark reminder that fixes can sometimes introduce new problems.

What Does This Mean for Windows Users?​

This situation casts a shadow over the Windows 11 24H2 rollout, raising several critical questions:

• User Trust: Can gamers trust Microsoft to handle such issues more efficiently in the future?
• Windows versus Gaming: With Windows 10 nearing its end-of-life support, are users forced into a convoluted upgrade path that compromises their gaming experience?
• The Gaming Community’s Role: How can the gaming community advocate for more thorough testing between major Windows updates and popular gaming titles?

In summary, as Microsoft navigates these turbulent waters, users must be cautious when considering the 24H2 update, especially avid gamers reliant on the aforementioned titles. It serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between software upgrades and compatibility—an ever-relevant theme in the world of technology.

Final Thoughts​

While Microsoft’s blockage of the 24H2 update may come as a disappointment to many Windows users, it reflects the growing complexity of software ecosystems. In a world where consumer expectations soar, it's crucial for tech giants to prioritize seamless integration between gaming experiences and operating system updates.
Are you a gamer affected by these issues? Have you opted to delay your Windows 11 update? Share your thoughts with the community, as insights from real users will help shape how we tackle these upgrades moving forward!

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Source: gHacks Technology News Microsoft blocks Windows 11 24H2 update on PCs with Star Wars Outlaws and Assassin's Creed