In a move that’s sure to have gamers feeling a bit uneasy, Microsoft has issued a warning about performance issues related to the latest Windows 11 24H2 update. The new version has been tied to widespread crashes in the popular mobile racing game Asphalt 8 and troublesome blue screens of death (BSOD) linked to the Easy Anti-Cheat gaming application. Let's dive into what this means for your gaming experience.
The situation worsens with Easy Anti-Cheat, a common safeguard against cheating in online multiplayer games. The incompatibility issues mainly affect devices built on Intel’s Alder Lake+ processors and those leveraging the vPro platform. Players with these setups have reported facing not only game freezes but dreaded blue screens displaying MEMORY_MANAGEMENT errors. Talk about ruining the fun—especially for competitive gaming sessions!
Most of the affected setups are using older versions of the Easy Anti-Cheat drivers that pre-date April 2024. While updating your games may resolve some of the issues—if the update includes a compatible version of Easy Anti-Cheat—until those updates materialize, players might be left in the lurch.
And while issues persist, Microsoft has pledged to rectify these problems in an upcoming update. The tech giant is currently working diligently to develop a patch aimed at resolving the issues surrounding both Asphalt 8 and Easy Anti-Cheat.
For gamers and everyday users alike, this latest saga serves as a reminder of the intricate dance between hardware and software compatibility in today’s tech landscape. Stay vigilant out there, Windows users! Your next gaming adventure awaits—hopefully with fewer crash landings.
Source: BleepingComputer Microsoft warns of Windows 11 24H2 gaming performance issues
The Crux of the Problem
Beginning with the Asphalt 8 bug, Microsoft has confirmed that players might experience significant disruptions while using or exiting the game. Reports indicate that the game tends to freeze intermittently, forcing startled racers to restart the game entirely just to regain control. Microsoft's acknowledgment of this issue came with a clear definition: "After installing Windows 11, version 24H2, you might face issues with Asphalt 8 (Airborne). The game might stop responding with an exception while you are using or exiting it, and you will have to restart the game to recover," they explained.The situation worsens with Easy Anti-Cheat, a common safeguard against cheating in online multiplayer games. The incompatibility issues mainly affect devices built on Intel’s Alder Lake+ processors and those leveraging the vPro platform. Players with these setups have reported facing not only game freezes but dreaded blue screens displaying MEMORY_MANAGEMENT errors. Talk about ruining the fun—especially for competitive gaming sessions!
Most of the affected setups are using older versions of the Easy Anti-Cheat drivers that pre-date April 2024. While updating your games may resolve some of the issues—if the update includes a compatible version of Easy Anti-Cheat—until those updates materialize, players might be left in the lurch.
Microsoft’s Response and Preventive Measures
In an effort to mitigate these gaming disruptions, Microsoft has put in place what they call “safeguard holds.” These are essentially blocks preventing the Windows 11 24H2 upgrade from being offered to devices that show signs of these issues. The safeguard IDs (52796746 and 52325539) will prevent automatically upgrading systems that might otherwise face these gaming issues. If you try to upgrade using the Media Creation Tool or the Windows 11 Installation Assistant while using incompatible drivers, you may see a pop-up message informing you that your device isn’t ready for the new version.And while issues persist, Microsoft has pledged to rectify these problems in an upcoming update. The tech giant is currently working diligently to develop a patch aimed at resolving the issues surrounding both Asphalt 8 and Easy Anti-Cheat.
The Bigger Picture: What Does This Mean for Windows 11 Users?
Gaming performance issues might seem narrowly focused, but they reflect a broader concern with software compatibility following major updates. Users can harness their rights to remain informed about issues affecting their experience, especially with the introduction of new features or alterations that can inadvertently disrupt the status quo.What Can Affected Users Do?
- Stay Updated: Regularly check the Windows release health page where Microsoft shares ongoing updates regarding status and fixes related to Windows releases.
- Update Drivers: Ensure your gaming-related software and drivers are up-to-date. If you're experiencing these errors, updating your Easy Anti-Cheat driver may provide temporary relief.
- Backup Your Data: Before considering any substantial changes like a Windows upgrade, back your data up to mitigate potential losses.
The Silver Lining
The constant refinement of Windows 11 shows Microsoft's commitment to enhancing user experience, even if hiccups like these arise. Remember—every version comes with its quirks, and the path to a stable gaming experience often includes navigational detours.For gamers and everyday users alike, this latest saga serves as a reminder of the intricate dance between hardware and software compatibility in today’s tech landscape. Stay vigilant out there, Windows users! Your next gaming adventure awaits—hopefully with fewer crash landings.
Source: BleepingComputer Microsoft warns of Windows 11 24H2 gaming performance issues
