If you’re a gamer, rejoice might be far from your vocabulary right now—because the Windows 11 24H2 update has tossed a wrench into your gaming rig’s smooth operation. Specifically, Microsoft’s buzzy feature for gaming visuals, Auto HDR, is causing crashes in certain games, effectively transforming epic gaming nights into frustrating tech battles.
This isn’t the first time Windows updates have given gamers the cold shoulder, but if you’ve been eagerly updating your system and love the luminous magic of HDR, buckle up because this one stings.
But, with power comes responsibility—or in this case, drawbacks. Post-update, gamers have reported issues from minor color distortion to game-crashing calamities. Titles like Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare are notably affected, bricking gameplay entirely when Auto HDR is switched on. Microsoft, to its credit, has acknowledged the issue but so far offered only temporary workarounds. Let’s dissect what this all means for you:
But let’s not beat around the bush: disabling Auto HDR downgrades visual fidelity; you’ll lose those bright, popping visuals that made games like Skyrim or Cyberpunk 2077 look mesmerizing.
But what happens when the software layer applying all that sheen and glory gets its wiring crossed? Chaos. That’s what the Auto HDR bug in 24H2 boils down to: a fantastic feature suddenly glitching and tanking the very games it’s supposed to elevate.
On the bright side, if this has you eyeing better displays or dreaming about brighter gameplay, maybe now’s also a good time to explore other ways to elevate your rig’s performance—sans the glitches.
What do you think, Windows warriors? Have you been hit by this Auto HDR bug? Share your story or battle-tested solutions in the comments below!
Source: PCGamesN There’s a new Windows 11 update bug causing game crashes, no fix available yet
This isn’t the first time Windows updates have given gamers the cold shoulder, but if you’ve been eagerly updating your system and love the luminous magic of HDR, buckle up because this one stings.
What’s Going On? The Bug Breakdown
The issue lies in the Windows 11 24H2 update, which has sparked havoc for gaming setups that depend on Auto HDR. Now, for those unfamiliar, Auto HDR (High Dynamic Range) is one of the dazzling stars of Windows 11. It allows regular, non-HDR games to embrace vivid, more dynamic lighting, richer color palettes, and deeper contrast—pumping artificial life into otherwise standard visuals. Think of it as slapping a Hollywood-level Instagram filter on your video games.But, with power comes responsibility—or in this case, drawbacks. Post-update, gamers have reported issues from minor color distortion to game-crashing calamities. Titles like Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare are notably affected, bricking gameplay entirely when Auto HDR is switched on. Microsoft, to its credit, has acknowledged the issue but so far offered only temporary workarounds. Let’s dissect what this all means for you:
- Faulty Behavior: Games may fail to load properly, crash mid-session, or experience performance issues when Auto HDR is left enabled.
- Confirmed Bug: Currently, this is an issue explicitly tied to Windows 11 24H2. If you’re still running an older version of Windows or have HDR disabled, you’re in the clear—for now!
Disabling Auto HDR: The Temporary Band-Aid
For those immersed in the chaos, there’s a way to sidestep the madness—at least until Microsoft rides in with a permanent fix. Disabling Auto HDR is your best bet, and, fortunately, it’s simple enough to do:Steps to Disable Auto HDR:
- Open Settings.
- Select System > Display.
- Locate the HDR section.
- Toggle off Auto HDR.
But let’s not beat around the bush: disabling Auto HDR downgrades visual fidelity; you’ll lose those bright, popping visuals that made games like Skyrim or Cyberpunk 2077 look mesmerizing.
But, Wait—Why Does Auto HDR Even Matter?
Before we grab our pitchforks and blame Auto HDR entirely, let’s remind ourselves why it’s such a sought-after tool. HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is the superhero of visual technologies for gamers. Older games weren’t built with HDR in mind, but Auto HDR uses Windows 11’s magic wand to apply HDR features to them anyway. This results in:- Enhanced Brightness and Contrast
- More Lifelike Colors
- Deeper Shadows and Textures
But what happens when the software layer applying all that sheen and glory gets its wiring crossed? Chaos. That’s what the Auto HDR bug in 24H2 boils down to: a fantastic feature suddenly glitching and tanking the very games it’s supposed to elevate.
What Does Microsoft Recommend?
To mitigate the issue, Microsoft has suggested two strategies:- Avoid Updating to Windows 11 24H2: If you haven’t updated to the latest version yet, say your prayers and hit that pause button. Prevent automatic updates from sweeping in and wreaking havoc.
- Disable Auto HDR: The earlier-mentioned fix is officially recommended for users who’ve already updated and are in the midst of this crisis.
Broader Context: Windows 11’s Shaky History with Updates
Let’s not sugarcoat it—this isn’t Windows 11’s first rodeo with update-induced misery:- Storage Bug: Just a few months back, the same Windows 11 24H2 update began inexplicably gobbling up gigabytes of free storage for no apparent reason.
- Performance Issues: Earlier this year, certain updates throttled gaming performance, leaving top-tier gaming PCs operating at visibly reduced efficiency.
What Gamers Can Do Right Now
While we wait for Microsoft to iron things out, here’s a quick list of pointers for gamers in the trenches:- Roll Back Your Update: If you’ve only recently updated to 24H2 and the hassles are unbearable, roll back your operating system version (Settings > Recovery > Go Back to a Previous Version).
- Enable Automatic Updates Strategically: Keep updates turned off until explicit word from Microsoft signals that Auto HDR issues are resolved.
- Check Alternatives: Consider tweaking other display settings or using HDR-capable monitors to ensure awesome gameplay even with Auto HDR disabled.
- Monitor News: Stay glued to official news channels for announcements (or keep checking here at WindowsForum.com).
The Final Verdict: Where’s the Light at the End of the Tunnel?
For all its groundbreaking promises, Auto HDR wasn’t crafted to become a source of frustration. Yet, with the 24H2 update, that’s exactly what’s happening—a misstep that’s souring the goodwill built amongst Windows 11’s gaming community. While a short-term fix like toggling Auto HDR off is helpful, there’s no doubt that gamers need a stable solution. The big question now: how quickly can Microsoft deliver?On the bright side, if this has you eyeing better displays or dreaming about brighter gameplay, maybe now’s also a good time to explore other ways to elevate your rig’s performance—sans the glitches.
What do you think, Windows warriors? Have you been hit by this Auto HDR bug? Share your story or battle-tested solutions in the comments below!
Source: PCGamesN There’s a new Windows 11 update bug causing game crashes, no fix available yet
