Microsoft Pauses Windows 11 24H2 Update for Ubisoft Games: Compatibility Issues Responsible

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In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft has announced a pause on the distribution of the Windows 11 24H2 update for users who have installed specific Ubisoft games. It appears that a critical compatibility issue between the update and the affected games has led to a frustrating experience for gamers, resulting in unresponsive applications, black screens, and other unwanted behavior.

What's Happening?​

Since the rollout of the Windows 11 24H2 update, users have reported significant problems when trying to launch or play particular Ubisoft titles. These titles include well-known franchises like Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Assassin's Creed Origins, Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Star Wars Outlaws, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Gamers have described situations where the games either freeze upon starting or become unresponsive during gameplay, severely impacting the gaming experience.
In response to these complaints, Microsoft has implemented a compatibility hold on devices running these titles. Such a measure ensures that systems installed with the problematic games will not receive the Windows 11 24H2 update. This proactive approach is designed to prevent further issues while both Microsoft and Ubisoft work toward a solution.

Background on the Issue​

The sequence of events can be traced back to the release of the Windows 11 update, which was expected to bring improvements and new features. However, as many Windows users often know, updates can sometimes bring unforeseen complications—especially with third-party applications. The affected Ubisoft titles appear to clash with the new update, causing functionality issues that disrupt gameplay.
Ubisoft has also acknowledged the issue and has released a temporary fix for Star Wars Outlaws, enabling some level of playability. However, users should still expect potential performance degradations.

Not Just for Gamers​

This situation is advantageous for IT administrators employing Windows Update for Business, as they can reference the safeguard IDs—54437462 and 54580160—to identify affected devices within their networks. It's critical for businesses reliant on gaming software or specific applications to stay informed and prevent disruptive updates from affecting productivity.

Recommendations for Affected Users​

If you find yourself in a situation where you're trying to play one of the affected titles on a Windows 11 device, Microsoft has made several recommendations:
  1. Avoid Manual Updates: Users are advised against attempting to force the 24H2 update through the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or using the media creation tool until further notice.
  2. Managing Crashes: If you're already experiencing issues, the best immediate course of action is to use the Task Manager to terminate the non-responsive game. This is a rather temporary fix but can alleviate some immediate irritation until a permanent solution is in place.
  3. Stay Tuned: Microsoft and Ubisoft are collaborating to resolve these issues, and updates will be provided as solutions are developed.

The Bigger Picture​

This incident brings to light ongoing challenges in the gaming and software industries—especially the synergy (or lack thereof) between operating systems and game developers. The huge demand for gaming in today’s market means that updates and patches must be both robust and compatible across multiple platforms.
From a broader perspective, this temporary halt presents an opportunity to critique how software updates are managed across industries. With the rapid pace at which technology is advancing, one has to wonder: will there be a time when seamless updates become the norm, or will hiccups like these continue to plague Windows users and gamers alike?

In Conclusion​

As Microsoft and Ubisoft work toward a resolution, users affected by the Windows 11 24H2 update pause should remain patient and vigilant. Keeping your system updated is essential, but when stark compatibility issues arise, ensuring a smooth gaming experience becomes the primary objective.
Stay engaged on WindowsForum.com for the latest updates, tips, and discussions on how to navigate through these challenging tech terrains!

Source: Wccftech Microsoft Puts Windows 11 24H2 Update on Hold for Users with Certain Ubisoft Games