Windows 11 seems to be having a rough year. Just when users thought the bugs couldn’t get any worse, the latest update—Windows 11 24H2—has turned out to be particularly troublesome. Microsoft has confirmed a major issue with PCs using Dirac Audio technology, rendering audio output completely broken. If that wasn’t bad enough, the beloved Auto HDR feature for gamers appears to be faltering as well. Here’s the full breakdown of what’s going on, why it’s happening, and what you can do about it.
This isn’t just a technical hiccup—it’s a stark reminder of the challenges that come with striking the balance between innovation and stability.
Have thoughts about this? Head to our WindowsForum.com discussion threads and let us know how you’re managing these issues!
Source: Windows Latest Microsoft admits Windows 11 24H2 PCs with Dirac audio cannot play sound
Dirac Audio: Silence Is NOT Golden
Picture this: You excitedly update your Device to the Windows 11 24H2 version, only to discover your PC has turned into a glorified typewriter—no sound at all. This nightmare scenario is exactly what some users are experiencing, particularly on machines outfitted with Dirac Audio.What’s the Problem?
Dirac Audio, a specialized sound optimization technology designed to enhance your listening experience, has hit a compatibility wall with the latest Windows 11 update. The root of the issue lies in the cridspapo.dll file, which is critical for Dirac Audio’s functionality. Unfortunately, this file is no longer compatible with Windows 11 24H2, effectively muting your entire audio ecosystem. That means no music, no notifications, and no soundtracks for your favorite Netflix shows. Even external audio devices like Bluetooth speakers aren’t immune to this problem.What Caused This Mess?
Dirac’s advanced audio processing relies heavily on proprietary drivers. With the release of Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft introduced changes to the underlying driver architecture, inadvertently “breaking” older or less updated audio drivers. While Microsoft is aware of the problem and has applied a compatibility block for affected devices, this leaves users with significant limitations.What Can You Do?
- Rollback to Windows 11 23H2: The simplest solution for now is to downgrade to the previous stable version, where Dirac Audio compatibility remains intact.
- Wait for a Fix: According to Microsoft, Dirac’s manufacturer is working on an updated driver that will resolve this issue. Once ready, the fix will be pushed as a system update.
- System Safeguard Message: Users on 23H2 will see a new notification in the Windows settings app that states: “Upgrade to Windows 11 is on its way to your device. There is nothing that requires your attention at the moment.” While frustrating, this safeguard feature explains that the upgrade isn’t being offered until a working patch is available.
Auto HDR: A Gaming Feature That’s Gone Dim
If you’re into gaming, chances are you’ve used or at least heard of Auto HDR. The feature automatically enhances the dynamic range of supported games, breathing life into visuals by amplifying color and brightness. However, in the 24H2 update, Auto HDR appears to be as unreliable as a quest-giving NPC with a glitch.What’s the Issue?
Microsoft has confirmed that enabling Auto HDR introduces a host of performance problems in some games:- Gameplay appears murky, dull, and devoid of the color pop you’d normally expect.
- In some instances, games outright crash when this feature is active, often booting players back to the desktop mid-session.
Why Is This Happening?
Auto HDR relies on intricate interactions between the game’s rendering engine, the GPU, and Windows’ software stack. Changes introduced in Windows 11 24H2 appear to have unintentionally disrupted these interactions, leading to instability.What’s the Solution?
Until Microsoft deploys a fix, here’s what you can do:- Turn Off Auto HDR Completely: You can disable Auto HDR either game-by-game or globally, but we recommend the latter to avoid crashing during gameplay.
- Steps to Disable Auto HDR Globally:
- Open Settings > System > Display.
- Select HDR.
- Toggle Auto HDR off.
- Stick with 23H2: Much like the Dirac issue, this additional safeguard means affected PCs won’t be prompted to upgrade until the Auto HDR issues are resolved.
The Bigger Picture
The Windows 11 saga with its 24H2 release doesn’t reflect well on Microsoft’s update process. The company has been rolling out updates at a breakneck pace, which is admirable for an iterative improvement model but disastrous when quality control takes a back seat. Between Ubisoft game crashes, Dirac Audio failures, and Auto HDR struggles, users are caught in the awkward position of having a shiny new update that isn’t quite ready for primetime.This isn’t just a technical hiccup—it’s a stark reminder of the challenges that come with striking the balance between innovation and stability.
What Could Microsoft Do Better?
- Stronger Partner Communication: Situations like the Dirac Audio issue highlight a lack of coordination between Microsoft and hardware/software partners. Better communication could lead to synchronized updates where driver compatibility is vetted before the rollout.
- Opt-In for Major Updates: Every update introduces potential risk. Allowing users to opt-in for advanced notifications of major changes—and their known risks—could reduce headaches.
- Beta Testing Expansion: While the Windows Insider Program already exists for beta testing, extending it to include a wider user base (with more non-technical users) might help catch widespread bugs earlier in the development cycle.
Your Takeaway Checklist
For affected users, here’s what you need to remember:- If you have Dirac Audio, either stay on Windows 11 23H2 or seek guidance on rolling back if you’ve already updated to 24H2.
- Gamers using Auto HDR should turn the feature off to avoid crashes and visual downgrades.
- Always ensure your drivers are up to date. Check with your manufacturer for any available patches for audio or GPU-related issues.
Have thoughts about this? Head to our WindowsForum.com discussion threads and let us know how you’re managing these issues!
Source: Windows Latest Microsoft admits Windows 11 24H2 PCs with Dirac audio cannot play sound