Windows 11 24H2 Update Breaks Compatibility with Ubisoft Games: What You Need to Know

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As if gaming enthusiasts needed more turmoil in their digital lives, the latest installment in Microsoft's Windows 11 saga has turned into a hotbed of frustration for players just looking to explore the galaxy or embark on Viking adventures. On November 21, 2024, the latest Windows 11 update, designated version 24H2, was rolled out. Initially, it appeared to be just another routine enhancement, but it quickly revealed its true colors: causing significant compatibility issues with some of Ubisoft's biggest titles, including Star Wars Outlaws and Assassin's Creed Valhalla.

The Fallout: What Went Wrong?​

Despite the excitement surrounding Star Wars Outlaws finally becoming available on Steam, the elation was short-lived. As players eagerly booted up their systems, they were greeted with unexpected pain points—games crashing during loading sequences, freezing or becoming unresponsive, and in worst-case scenarios, displaying nothing but a black screen. These bugs have earned a disturbing confirmation from Microsoft, which cautioned users through a warning that detailed the potential issues.

A List of Unhappily Incompatible Titles:​

  • Star Wars Outlaws
  • Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
  • Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
  • Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
  • Assassin’s Creed Origins
Curiously, these unfortunate titles fall under the open-world umbrella of Ubisoft games, raising eyebrows and suspicions about the interaction between the new Windows update and the game code developer.

Microsoft's Response: Pressing Pause​

In light of the chaos, Microsoft has issued a compatibility hold. This preemptive measure halts the rollout of the update on any PCs harboring the identified titles. Furthermore, they assure users that they are collaborating with Ubisoft to pinpoint and resolve the underlying issues—a partnership that many gamers hope will yield quick results.
However, while the software giant works behind the scenes, many players are left in a gaming limbo, their new adventures thwarted by what should have been a routine update.

Ubisoft’s Countermeasures: Hotfixes on the Horizon​

While Microsoft has hit the brakes, Ubisoft isn’t sitting idly by either. The renowned publisher has rolled out a patch designed to alleviate the issues plaguing Star Wars Outlaws. According to their patch notes for version 1.4.1, the fix aims to relieve performance problems that players might encounter due to Windows 11’s unwelcome surprise.
Despite these efforts, players are cautioned against expecting a one-size-fits-all solution with this hotfix. Ubisoft warns of "performance issues" as they continue to pursue a more permanent fix. It’s akin to putting a Band-Aid on a wound that requires surgical attention—necessary, but far from adequate.

Understanding the Broader Implications​

For many, this incident raises broader questions regarding the ongoing stability of Windows 11's updates and their knock-on effects on popular software. In an age where gaming has become increasingly intertwined with productivity applications, the threshold for disturbance is lower than ever. Every update holds the potential for compatibility conflicts, causing ripples across the software ecosystem.
This situation is especially troubling considering the surge of online connectivity and gaming, fuelled partly by big titles dropping on platforms like Steam. What happens when one half of the ecosystem—namely, the operating system—struggles to keep up with the other half—the applications? For gamers, it might mean recalibrating expectations, keeping an ear to the ground for updates from both Microsoft and Ubisoft, and most importantly, storing up patience as the industry works to untangle this mess.

Final Thoughts: Waiting for the Fix​

While players affected by this unfortunate episode wait for Microsoft and Ubisoft to resolve these issues, patience may be the only virtue left to cling to. For now, those eager to jump into the vivid worlds of Star Wars or take to the Viking seas in Valhalla may have to look elsewhere—or find themselves booting up a different title.
To all you steadfast Windows users out there, consider it a call to arms: Stay tuned, stay informed, and always be prepared for the unexpected turns of the gaming road. Don't hesitate to check back for updates, and share your own experiences on the forums; after all, we’re all in this epic quest together. May the force of stability be with you!

Source: Kotaku Star Wars Outlaws And Assassin's Creed Valhalla Don't Work With The Latest Windows Update At The Worst Possible Time