In a puzzling development affecting the gaming community, Microsoft has announced a hold on the latest Windows 11 update—known as 24H2—specifically targeting PCs equipped with popular Ubisoft titles. Gamers hoping to take advantage of the newest features in Windows 11 will need to be cautious, as this latest compatibility issue could significantly affect their gaming experience.
Microsoft’s official statement has made it clear: “After installing Windows 11, version 24H2, you might encounter issues with some Ubisoft games. These games may become unresponsive while starting, loading, or during active gameplay.” In a bid to protect users from this frustrating experience, Microsoft has placed a compatibility hold on devices where these games are installed, halting the update through the standard Windows Update channel.
The issues aren't just limited to the fresh batch of games either; older titles like Far Cry and Need for Speed: Unbound have also been flagged as problematic post-update. If you’ve already rolled the dice and implemented the 24H2 update, the best course of action if you wish to continue playing these games might be to roll back to the previous version, 23H2, until a fix is confirmed.
The gaming community has strongly voiced its frustrations over these technical hurdles. Forums are filled with discussions and speculation regarding whether the fault lies within the software update itself, how it interacts with game code, or potentially something even deeper within the architecture of the operating system that doesn't play nice with Ubisoft's titles.
Source: PC Gamer Microsoft has blocked the latest Windows 11 update on PCs with Star Wars Outlaws and other Ubisoft games installed
The Issue at Hand
Reported initially by Bleeping Computer, the Windows 11 24H2 update is being blocked on devices that harbor a selection of recent Ubisoft games, including high-profile titles like Star Wars Outlaws, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Assassin's Creed Origins, Assassin's Creed Odyssey, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. The crux of the problem lies in persistent crashing issues that users are experiencing with these games.Microsoft’s official statement has made it clear: “After installing Windows 11, version 24H2, you might encounter issues with some Ubisoft games. These games may become unresponsive while starting, loading, or during active gameplay.” In a bid to protect users from this frustrating experience, Microsoft has placed a compatibility hold on devices where these games are installed, halting the update through the standard Windows Update channel.
The Impact on Gamers
As delightful as it is to fantasize about galaxies far, far away, the reality of gaming today sometimes resembles a real-world glitch. Imagine coming home after a long day, ready to immerse yourself in epic space battles or to undertake daring quests, only to be met with a recurring error message that sends you crashing back to desktop. It’s akin to being deflected by a Force push just as you’re about to claim victory.The issues aren't just limited to the fresh batch of games either; older titles like Far Cry and Need for Speed: Unbound have also been flagged as problematic post-update. If you’ve already rolled the dice and implemented the 24H2 update, the best course of action if you wish to continue playing these games might be to roll back to the previous version, 23H2, until a fix is confirmed.
Behind Closed Doors: What’s Really Happening?
What’s particularly striking about this situation is the apparent exclusivity of the compatibility hold. It raises critical questions about what might be happening behind the scenes between Microsoft and Ubisoft. With the continuous evolution of game design and software updates, such conflicts can arise, but the proactive stance taken by Microsoft is somewhat unprecedented.The gaming community has strongly voiced its frustrations over these technical hurdles. Forums are filled with discussions and speculation regarding whether the fault lies within the software update itself, how it interacts with game code, or potentially something even deeper within the architecture of the operating system that doesn't play nice with Ubisoft's titles.
Current Solutions and Future Outlook
While Ubisoft has rolled out specific hotfixes aimed at keeping Star Wars Outlaws operational under the new update, a more comprehensive solution for all affected games is eagerly awaited. Players are left holding their controllers, anxiously awaiting updates from either tech giant that may address the roots of the problem.Recommendations for Affected Users
- Roll Back the Update: If you're experiencing issues and have already updated to 24H2, consider reverting to the previous version (23H2) until patches are available.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on both Microsoft and Ubisoft’s official channels for any updates regarding fixes or changes to the compatibility hold.
- Backup Saves: Before attempting any changes, make sure you back up your game saves to prevent losing progress.
Conclusion
The blocking of the Windows 11 24H2 update on machines running specific Ubisoft titles has thrown a wrench into the plans of many enthusiastic gamers. While waiting for resolutions from both Microsoft and Ubisoft, players are encouraged to remain patient and proactive. After all, in the world of gaming, patience can sometimes be more vital than battery life. Stay tuned for updates, and may your gaming sessions be free of bugs and full of adventure!Source: PC Gamer Microsoft has blocked the latest Windows 11 update on PCs with Star Wars Outlaws and other Ubisoft games installed
