Windows 11 24H2 Update Causes Assassin's Creed Games to Freeze

If you're a fan of Ubisoft's iconic Assassin's Creed series, here's some potentially frustrating news: the latest Windows 11 24H2 update seems to be wreaking havoc on popular titles like Assassin's Creed Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla. Gamers across the board have been reporting frequent freezing and unplayable performance in these games, turning smooth adventures into glitch-ridden misadventures.
Are you about to rage-quit Windows 11, or is there light at the end of this update-induced tunnel? Here’s an in-depth look at the problem, where it might stem from, and potential fixes to get you back to climbing towers and performing stylish assassinations.

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The Issue: Why Are Assassin's Creed Games Freezing?​

For many fans, Assassin's Creed games represent the apex of cinematic storytelling coupled with open-world exploration. However, the Windows 11 24H2 update seems to have tripped up this gaming utopia. All three flagship titles (Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla) have been plagued by freezing and performance issues post-update.
So, why is this happening?

• Driver Conflicts: The Windows 11 24H2 update likely includes updates to DirectX, driver architectures, or system-surrounding resources like virtual memory management, which may not play nice with Ubisoft’s game engines.
• Game Optimization Delays: Ubisoft, like most game developers, periodically updates its titles for compatibility with new OS builds. If you’re a die-hard fan, you’ll know Ubisoft is no stranger to post-launch patches. Delays in game revisions can leave titles vulnerable to new OS-level changes.
• Unannounced Compatibility Breakdowns: Microsoft is notorious for rolling out seemingly benign updates that disrupt specific applications, from enterprise-grade software to AAA games.

The common thread? It’s likely not your fault as the player. The issue seems rooted in how the 24H2 update alters your system’s software landscape, likely without enough coordination with Ubisoft.

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Potential Fixes: What Can You Do?​

The freezing issues have turned Assassin’s Creed from an immersive experience to a crash-inducing ordeal. Unfortunately, neither Microsoft nor Ubisoft have offered direct fixes as of now. But all hope is not lost! Here are some temporary workarounds and possible repairs you can try:

1. Avoid Updating to Windows 11 24H2​

If you’re still on Windows 11 version 23H2 (or earlier), you can dodge this bullet completely by delaying the update. This ensures you won’t encounter the issues plaguing 24H2 users.
How to delay updates:

• Go to Settings > Windows Update > Pause Updates to temporarily hold off on installing new builds.
• Alternatively, use Group Policy Editor (for Windows Pro/Enterprise users) to defer feature updates for several months.

If only we could leap into the Animus and assassinate the 24H2 update, right?

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2. Rollback to Windows 11 23H2​

Already updated to 24H2 and feeling the pain? Consider reverting to the previous version of Windows 11. Here’s how you can roll back within the 10-day grace period after installing the update:

• Click the Start menu and open Settings.
• Navigate to System > Recovery.
• Under recovery options, click Go Back and follow the prompts.

Important Note: Rolling back can lead to compatibility issues with other programs. Always back up your data before reverting.

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3. Reinstall Older Versions with a Windows ISO (Post-10-Day Period)​

If it’s been more than 10 days since the update, the rollback option may no longer be available. Don’t worry—you can still revert by doing a clean install of Windows 11 23H2 using an ISO (disc image) file.
Steps:

• Download a trusted Windows 11 23H2 ISO file. Sadly, Microsoft’s official site only hosts the latest build, so you’ll need to find older files from third-party sources.
• Follow a fresh installation guide for Windows 11, ensuring you back up all important files.

Be mindful of the risks when downloading ISOs from unofficial sources. Stick to reputable sites known for clean software distribution.

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4. Wait for Patches​

Both Ubisoft and Microsoft are likely (fingers crossed!) aware of the issue and working on fixes. Historically, it’s just a matter of time before hotfixes or patches roll out to bring affected titles back to life.
Gamers who can exercise patience might want to wait this one out and rely on occasional updates to Windows or Assassin's Creed titles.

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5. Hardware and Software Tweaks​

If you’re stuck with 24H2 but keen to game on, here are more advanced solutions you can attempt:

• Update Graphics Drivers: Head to your graphics card manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and ensure you have the latest drivers installed. With new OS versions, updated GPU drivers are critical.
• Verify/Repair Game Files:
• Open your game launcher (Steam, Ubisoft Connect, etc.).
• Select the affected game, and run a Verify Files check to repair corrupted or mismatched files.
• Disable Resource-Hogging Features: Temporarily disable Windows 11’s new multitasking or performance-enhancing features, which could be contributing to game freezes.

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Is It Just Assassin’s Creed?​

Interestingly, reports suggest that other high-profile games, such as Star Wars Outlaws, are also struggling post-update. The issues seem broader than just Ubisoft titles and hint at a widespread compatibility problem with Windows 11 24H2.
The frustration is palpable for anyone gaming on a Windows-based machine. What was supposed to be the perfect blend of optimized hardware and software is devolving into a patchwork quilt of compatibility issues, making gamers question if newer Windows updates are worth the hassle.

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Final Thoughts: Should You Update or Wait It Out?​

For gamers, the decision is a tough one:

• Want the latest Windows 11 features? Brace yourself for potential hiccups.
• Prefer smooth gaming? Skip the 24H2 update until it’s officially patched.

It’s a classic case of risk vs. reward. As it stands, Ubisoft titles like Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla are the latest victims of Microsoft’s evolving operating system. A quick fix might not arrive overnight, so users should weigh their options carefully.
What’s your solution? Did rolling back help, or are forum discussions buzzing with secret remedies you’ve stumbled upon? Let’s get the conversation going—share your experiences or ideas about combating this Windows-induced debacle below.

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Source: Sportskeeda Assassin's Creed Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla freezing on Windows 11 24H2 update: Causes and possible fixes

 

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Imagine sitting down for a quiet evening of stealthy parkour and historical escapades in your favorite Assassin’s Creed game only to be met with blank screens, crashes, or an unplayable mess—this is what players of certain Ubisoft games experienced after the rollout of last October’s Windows 11 24H2 update. If this felt like a dagger in the heart of your gaming setup, you’re not alone. After months of chaos and an array of frustrated forum posts, it seems that Ubisoft and Microsoft have teamed up to mostly save the day. However, one notable exception lingers, like an unresolved plot twist in an Assassin's Creed storyline.
Here’s the full breakdown of what went down, what’s been fixed, and what still needs serious attention.

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What Happened? A Quick Recap of the Problem​

It all started with the Windows 11 version 24H2 update, a patch that promised system optimizations, new features, and the usual bells and whistles from Microsoft. Instead, it inadvertently gave gamers a headache. Upon updating, fans of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Origins, and Valhalla—and even some other Ubisoft titles like Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora—discovered that their games turned into unplayable artifacts. The issues ranged from:

• Instant crashes when attempting to launch games,
• Steady frame drops and stuttering,
• Black screens of infinity, leaving gamers trapped in digital limbo.

Game forums and communities lit up with complaints as frustrated gamers were left with no choice but to either roll back their systems or wait for fixes. Ubisoft stepped in with hotfixes for some titles but didn’t get around to fully resolving these Windows-induced woes until now—well, mostly.

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What’s Fixed?​

The good news first: Assassin’s Creed Origins and Valhalla—two entries in the franchise juggernaut—have finally received updates that solve their Windows 11 compatibility issues. The fixes were deployed directly to the Steam builds of these games, meaning you no longer have to jump through hoops or use workaround hacks just to get these games running smoothly on your updated PC.
Here’s why this matters:

• Assassin's Creed: Valhalla is one of Ubisoft’s most massively ambitious RPG experiences, blending Viking mythology, brutal combat, and expansive open-world exploration. A broken Valhalla meant a substantial portion of Ubisoft fans was left in the cold (pun intended).
• Assassin’s Creed Origins, on the other hand, is quite possibly one of the most visually captivating entries in the entire franchise, allowing players to explore the sprawling world of Ancient Egypt. Players who had updated to Windows 11 24H2 and encountered issues were essentially locked out of one of Ubisoft’s most iconic titles.

Thankfully, after what feels like forever—cue Ezio’s theme to set the mood—you can return to these dazzling worlds without using older operating system builds or compatibility settings.

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What’s Not Fixed?​

The fly in the ointment? Assassin's Creed Odyssey remains in gaming limbo. No updates or patches have been rolled out to fix its Windows 11 24H2 incompatibility issues, leaving this title as the odd one out in Ubisoft’s recent patching spree. This is frustrating, especially considering that Odyssey holds a pinnacle spot in the franchise for many fans. It was the game-changing title that introduced deeper RPG systems and allowed players to get truly lost in the magnificent landscapes of Ancient Greece.
Currently, Microsoft’s “Known Issues” page even flags Odyssey (alongside Origins and Valhalla in some cases) as problematic for users running 24H2. But Ubisoft has remained silent about when—or if—we’ll see a fix for this beloved game.

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The Compatibility Hold: What It Means for Your PC​

If you’ve got an affected Assassin’s Creed title installed on your system, Microsoft reportedly enforces a compatibility hold on your machine. This effectively blocks your automatic updates to Windows 11 24H2 to avoid further chaos until the situation is resolved. If you’re thinking, “I’ll just manually update my system to 24H2,” pump the brakes. Microsoft strongly recommends against it.
Why? Any attempt to force an update could result in your entire gaming library turning into a collection of digital paperweights. For now, patience is your greatest ally—just like sneaking around a restricted area in-game.

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Are Gamers Losing Faith in Windows?​

It’s incidents like this that make the gaming community question the reliability of Windows as the go-to OS for gaming. Let’s face it—Microsoft essentially has a monopoly on the PC gaming market. However, finicky updates like these make alternative gaming systems (like Linux, running SteamOS) look far more enticing. Case in point? The rising popularity of the Steam Deck, which runs on Linux-based software, allowing gamers to leave behind some of the compatibility headaches tied to Windows updates.
Let’s not go full conspiracy theory here—Windows isn’t losing its market share overnight. However, with each problematic update, they risk nudging gamers to explore other options. And if another issue of this magnitude arises, these “nudges” might turn into full-on shoves.

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So, What’s Next?​

Here’s where we stand:

• If you’re an Origins or Valhalla fan, fire up Steam, update those games, and jump back into the action.
• For those enthralled with Odyssey, your best bet for now is to hold off on updating to Windows 11 24H2 or switch to an older version if you’ve already updated. Hopefully, Ubisoft will grace us with a patch soon, but there’s no ETA.

Moving forward, Windows and Ubisoft need to get better at pre-empting events like this. More rigorous testing of game compatibility paired with quicker patches could go a long way in maintaining user trust. After all, no gamer wants to feel like they’re being stealth-assassinated by an OS update.

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Closing Thoughts: The Bigger Picture​

This saga is a sobering reminder for gamers of the challenges posed by living in a digital ecosystem that often updates faster than developers can adapt. But it’s not all grim; fixes like those for Valhalla and Origins show us that with enough community outcry, solutions do eventually roll out—even if it feels slower than climbing a synchronization point in Odyssey.
For now, Odyssey players remain underserved. Here’s hoping we can unlock the full patch “achievement” soon because nobody wants to leave Ancient Greece’s mesmerizing sunscapes untraveled for too long. Remember, patience is key, both in sneaking past enemies and waiting for software patches.
So, dear readers, what do you think? Does this make you rethink system updates, or has it shaken your loyalty to PC gaming on Windows? Let us know in the forums!

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Source: PCGamesN Multiple Assassin's Creed games broken by a Windows 11 update have been fixed, but one still remains