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Gamers are wielding their keyboards and venting their frustrations in bold, biting reviews of Assassin’s Creed Origins on Steam—a case study of what happens when a beloved game collides with the pitfalls of modern operating system updates. Released in 2017, the standout title of Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise finds itself in the crossfire of tumult widespread enough to send ripples through the gaming community. What’s happening? Blame Windows 11 (specifically, the 24H2 update) and the unfortunate timing of a Steam sale.
Let’s break down what’s causing all the chaos and discuss how you, as a Windows user, can stay ahead of these issues.

Dual monitors display a desert-themed video game scene in a dimly lit room.The Perfect Storm: Windows 11 Update Meets a Classic Game

Around November 2024, Microsoft rolled out its Windows 11 24H2 update. Their goal? Boost performance, roll out visual tweaks, and chip away at the usual bug squashing. However, for some unfortunate reasons, this update inadvertently turned its sights on some beloved games, including Assassin’s Creed Origins. Ubisoft’s magnum opus—a revolution in the franchise thanks to its RPG shift and sprawling landscapes—quickly became collateral damage.

The Root of the Problem: Game Stability Issues

Starting with the update’s release, users began reporting problems when running Assassin’s Creed Origins on Windows 11. Here's the player's woe in exhaustive detail:
  • Stuttering and Lag: Sudden and frequent stuttering transforms Bayek’s fluid movements across Ancient Egypt into a choppy nightmare.
  • Crashes and Freezes: Whether scaling pyramids, battling foes, or exploring tombs, the game suddenly seizes up or outright crashes to the desktop without warning.
  • Black Screens: Players booting up the game are faced with ominous black screens, forcing restarts and testing patience.
  • Overall Instability: The game’s performance became unpredictable, marbling its technical presentation with frustrations instead of awe.
Though Ubisoft partnered with Microsoft to create temporary workarounds and patches for some affected titles (Star Wars Outlaws being one), Assassin’s Creed Origins remains stubbornly problematic for many players.

When the Sales Backfire

December’s holiday sales should have been a triumphant moment for Origins. Ubisoft slashed its price by a whopping 90% on Steam, hoping fresh excitement would ignite new interest. Instead, what they got was a spotlight on its problems. New players flooded Steam’s storefront, leaving scores of negative reviews, fueled by players who were already struggling and compounded by first-timers bewildered by the technical issues.
Steam reviews shifted overnight from nostalgia-filled testaments to the game’s storytelling brilliance, iconic open-world design, and vital influence on successors (Odyssey, Valhalla) to blistering critiques zeroing in on performance woes.
One particularly sharp irony? These issues didn’t seem to plague owners of Valve’s Steam Deck. Running a Linux-based OS, the device appears to sidestep compatibility issues, offering a clean playthrough that’s become the envy of PC users struggling to get Origins working right on their Windows machines.

Temporary Fixes for the Desperate Gamer

Gamers aren’t known for giving up easily, and when tech falters, we adapt. The buzz around fixing these issues has led to some tried-and-true advice:
  • Rollback Your Windows Update: Microsoft allows users to revert to a previous version of Windows (within a limited time window). Rolling back from the 24H2 update can eliminate the compatibility conflicts affecting Origins. If you’ve updated, find this feature in Settings > System > Recovery > Go Back.
  • Delay Future Updates: Prevention is the best medicine. The 24H2 update may have sparked current headaches, but pausing updates altogether avoids new landmines Microsoft might unintentionally toss your way. Navigate to Windows Update settings to pause automatic updates.
  • Update GPU Drivers: Outdated drivers make bad problems worse. Make sure NVIDIA or AMD drivers are fully updated, as patched graphic driver support occasionally circumvents OS conflicts.
  • Disable In-Game Overlays: The combination of Ubisoft’s overlay tools (Uplay) and Windows overlay services reportedly compounds performance quirks. Disabling them eases some load on processing.
  • Steam Deck Anyone?: Yes, it’s a niche solution, but the Linux-based Steam Deck has hilariously emerged as a safer harbor if you’re looking to bypass a tumultuous PC experience. Its compatibility triumph in this ongoing saga suggests Linux enthusiasts are getting the last laugh.

Lessons Learned From the Fallout

Operating system updates can be double-edged swords. Microsoft’s intentions with 24H2 were likely driven by improvements—they didn’t set out with a dartboard of Ubisoft franchises in mind—but this scenario highlights some broader lessons for Windows users:

1. The Patch Cycle Conundrum

Microsoft’s aggressive update schedule for Windows 11 ensures that the OS introduces new standards quickly—whether users want them or not. Occasionally, this leads to what can best be described as “unintended side effects.”
Games, particularly older ones like Assassin’s Creed Origins, frequently sit at the mercy of this cycle, because the developers are often working on future titles (e.g., Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the 2025 dual-protagonist entry) rather than updating legacy games for compatibility. But this means these updates can—intentionally or not—upend your gaming experiences.

2. Steam Review Culture Amplified

Review bombing isn’t new, but 2024’s Origins fiasco demonstrates the peculiar visibility games receive during sales. The flood of discounted digital downloads created a wave of feedback—unfortunately highlighting bugs rather than content.

3. The Linux-Based Paradox

As the gaming community debates Windows' sprawling OS and its quirks, there’s something poetic about Linux on Steam Deck quietly running without a hitch. It serves as a reminder that in the sea of proprietary compatibility issues, open-source systems often play the role of unsung heroes. Could this signal a future where Steam Deck influence grows, nudging developers to pay more attention to making Linux-ready games?

The Future: Will Microsoft and Ubisoft Resolve This?

Whether Ubisoft can address these issues in Origins remains anyone’s guess; the priority seems to be on future titles. Windows users, on the other hand, are at the mercy of Microsoft’s update structure. The question remains—are you willing to sacrifice cutting-edge OS advancements for the sake of stable gaming?
Meanwhile, as attention shifts toward Assassin’s Creed Shadows in 2025—and its dual protagonists Naoe, a shinobi, and Yasuke, the African samurai—Ubisoft has a chance to win back goodwill. By ensuring performance stability across platforms, the gaming giant can ensure the next title doesn’t repeat Origins’ current misfortune.
Whether Ubisoft or Microsoft resolves this disruption soon or leaves users to fend for themselves (with rollbacks, Steam Decks, or sheer stubbornness), one thing is clear: Windows users and gamers alike can’t afford to stay quiet when tech gets in the way of art. After all, poorly timed updates can feel as impactful as an assassin’s blade—silent but deeply felt.
Got any tips for resolving Assassin’s Creed Origins performance issues on Windows 11? Share them in the comments below. Let the troubleshooting roll on!

Source: Khaleej Times Gamers review bomb 'Assassin’s Creed Origins' on Steam due to Windows 11 update issues
 
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Ah, Assassin's Creed Origins. Once upon a time, it was a crowning jewel that rejuvenated Ubisoft's long-running Assassin’s Creed franchise. The game gave players a chance to explore ancient Egypt with a modern RPG twist, crafting an epic experience that still draws countless fans years after its release. But who would’ve thought that in the twilight of 2024, this beloved title would find itself in the crosshairs of angry gamers, triggered not by the game itself, but by a seemingly harmless Windows update! Buckle up, because this tale of tech tribulations is nothing short of dramatic.

The Origins of the Problem

Steam users are up in arms, wielding their frustration in the form of scalding negative reviews that have been flooding Assassin’s Creed Origins' store page. Why? Because for many, the game has been rendered unplayable—crippled by severe black screens, constant crashes, and freezing issues.
The culprit: Microsoft's Windows 11 24H2 update. This rollout has evidently broken compatibility for Assassin’s Creed Origins alongside an assortment of other high-profile titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, and Forza Horizon 5. The update went full wrecking ball on gamers’ experiences, leaving many scratching their heads while staring at the dreaded crash logs.
If you’ve just snagged the game during its tantalizing 90%-off sale, you’d understandably expect smooth gameplay—a chance to sync with ancient Egyptian gods in peace. Instead, you might find yourself feeling cheated, eyeing a growing library of games that no longer work on your spiffy Windows 11 machine.

Ubisoft in the Line of Fire

To add fuel to the fire, Ubisoft, the maker behind Assassin’s Creed Origin's sprawling Egyptian odyssey, has yet to officially address the issue. According to frustrated reviews, the company has either overlooked or ignored user complaints—at least so far. This has created a PR nightmare they probably didn’t anticipate while toasting to Q4 earnings.
Ubisoft's silence is particularly damning given the franchise’s track record of fending off controversies over the years, from Assassin’s Creed Unity’s infamous launch bugs to its microtransaction-heavy later installments. Whether or not Ubisoft is actively working with Microsoft to resolve this debacle remains unclear. And let’s be honest—when silence gets louder than grumbling, fans assume the worst.

Microsoft's Role in Game Night Sabotage

Still, an equal share of the blame is falling on Microsoft. Look, we get it—operating systems evolve. Windows 11 is a sleek, forward-facing OS, but its 24H2 update showcases a harsh truth about modern software ecosystems: major updates can bring major disruptions.
Windows updates, even those embedding shiny new features, tend to throw a wrench into the gears of compatibility, especially for older software. However, bricking beloved games due to system updates doesn’t just sting—it outright burns. Whether an API change, a gaming optimization failure, or some obscure Windows kernel tweak caused the issue remains a mystery. But one thing’s for sure, gamers aren’t forgiving when their cherished titles transition from playable to “broken beyond repair.”

Where Did It All Go Wrong?

Delving deeper, it’s crucial to understand what likely caused this issue. Assassin’s Creed Origins is seven years old—a relatively recent game, but in software terms, that might as well be ancient history. Gaming often relies on underlying frameworks such as Visual C++ Redistributables, DirectX APIs, or low-level graphics drivers to function.
  • Windows 11’s 24H2 update may have introduced changes to any of these components.
  • Compatibility quirks between Ubisoft’s decade-old DRM (yes, Denuvo is understandably a pain point here) and newer Windows optimizations could also be to blame.
  • Another potential cause might involve GPU drivers, which also interact heavily with Microsoft’s updates.
Regardless of which gremlin is wreaking havoc, the result for gamers is the same: despair-inducing crashes and overall frustration while troubleshooting.

How Are Players Fighting Back?

In true 2020s fashion, disgruntled Steam users opted to voice their disdain through the most democratic platform of all: reviews. As of now, Assassin’s Creed Origins is drowning under an avalanche of negative reviews, with players lamenting its unplayable state on Windows 11 systems. Even though rolling back to the Windows 11 23H2 update helps solve the issue for many, that’s hardly an ideal solution.
Picture this: someone finally spends their free time catching up on their backlog only to face hours of rolling back Windows updates, reconfiguring settings, and hoping their files haven’t gone the way of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Not exactly the relaxing gaming session they’d planned, right?
To make matters worse, rolling back an OS update carries risks. You lose important security patches and features—basically trading peace of mind for compatibility.

What Can Be Done?

Here are your practical steps if you’ve fallen victim to this issue:
  • Rollback Windows Update: Rolling back to the Windows 11 23H2 build is your safest bet. However, proceed cautiously as doing so could compromise security.
  • Navigate to Settings > System > Recovery and click "Go Back" (if the prior version is still available).
  • Reinstall the Game: A clean reinstall has reportedly worked for some users.
  • Update GPU Drivers: Nvidia, AMD, and Intel regularly issue patches whenever Windows updates wreak havoc on gaming performance. Check their respective support pages for the latest drivers.
  • Check Ubisoft Forums: Ubisoft may be slow to react, but these forums often have savvy users sharing community-driven fixes.
  • Enable Compatibility Mode: Try running AC Origins under compatibility mode for Windows 10 (Right-click the executable → Properties > Compatibility).
  • Disable Anti-cheat/DRM Software Temporarily (if safe to do so): It’s doubtful Denuvo is playing nice with the update, and some suggest disabling it fixes random issues.

Broader Implications: Can Microsoft Stop Breaking Games?

Look, gamers across the world have faced this issue—compatibility breaking between software/game developers, OS designers, and hardware manufacturers is far too common. The Assassin’s Creed Origins debacle isn’t an isolated incident; it’s indicative of a deeper problem in how updates are tested, verified, and rolled out without fanfare.
From a systems perspective, software modernization and legacy compatibility will always be at odds. That’s why it’s vital for companies like Microsoft to collaborate more closely with large gaming studios (cough cough looking at you, Ubisoft) to ensure smoother transitions during updates.

Final Thoughts: Something’s Rotten in the Windows Kingdom

The Assassin’s Creed Origins review bomb saga encapsulates a perfect storm of modern gaming annoyances: legacy software, unforgiving updates, and radio silence from developers. It’s a stark reminder that while the tech industry marches forward, the user experience often gets caught in the crossfire.
Gamers shouldn’t have to overcome digital archaeology every time an update lands. Whether it’s patch parity between Microsoft and Ubisoft or revolutionary backup testing mass-deployed pre-rollout, the industry clearly needs better coordination.
The philosophical question here is: Will Ubisoft and Microsoft step up before Pyramid memes overtake Twitter? Time will tell, my dear gamers. But while we wait, maybe it’s time to revisit good old Stardew Valley—a simpler game where even farming potatoes feels less buggy.
Let us know your thoughts on the matter in the forum comments! Are you willing to roll back the update or hold out for a fix? Or perhaps, like many others, you’re over it entirely? Engage with us—and help bring clarity (or vent) to this patchwork chaos.

Source: Tech4Gamers Assassin's Creed Origins Review Bombed On Steam After Becoming Unplayable For Windows 11 Users
 
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In a scene straight out of a gamer's worst nightmare, Windows 11's latest 24H2 update has done something truly disruptive—it has gone face-to-face with Ubisoft’s iconic Assassin’s Creed Origins, and let's just say the results are... less than harmonious. More than a handful of dollar-counting Steam users are sounding the alarm after snatching up the game during a ridiculously tempting 90% off sale, only to discover their adventures in ancient Egypt now crash faster than a buggy chariot.
Naturally, the uproar isn’t confined to the halls of Reddit. Windows 11 24H2's pesky issues with Assassin’s Creed Origins have not only tanked the game’s ratings on Steam but also kicked off a firestorm of angry reviews. Let’s dive into why this all happened, who is to blame (Microsoft? Ubisoft? Steam?), and more importantly, how you can possibly salvage your beloved gaming experiences.

The Bug at the Center of the Saga

Microsoft’s Windows 11 24H2 update—which rolled out as the latest and greatest for the operating system—is riddled with a bug that causes Ubisoft games like Assassin’s Creed Origins to crash at an alarmingly high rate. How bad is it? In the worst cases, players are met with:
  • Crashes During Gameplay: Imagine scaling pyramids one second and staring at your desktop wallpaper the next.
  • Unresponsive Launch Attempts: Some folks can’t even load the game; instead, they get stuck in a black screen limbo. Yeah, super fun.
  • General Freezing: For some unlucky souls, the game just hangs up in the middle of ancient-Egyptian antics, practically inviting the Alt+F4 rage quit.
This isn't just a passing annoyance—it renders the game completely unplayable for affected users.
It's key to note that both Microsoft and Ubisoft are aware of the problem. As a precautionary measure, the Windows 11 24H2 update now includes an “upgrade block” on certain PCs where Ubisoft games like Assassin’s Creed Origins are known to exist. But here’s the catch: this safeguard only kicks in if the game was installed prior to your Windows update. If you’re one of the Steam shoppers who hit “buy” after updating to 24H2? Well, you’re basically out of luck unless you take more drastic measures (hint: rollback time).

Steam Reviews: The Great Fallout

Over on Steam, the fallout has been catastrophic—negative reviews are piling up faster than inventory in your in-game stash. Out of 80 reviews posted over the holidays, nearly 30 point fingers squarely at the Windows 11 24H2 update and performance issues. Comments range from frustrated pleas to outright rage:
  • Pro-Microsoft Blamers: "It’s Microsoft’s fault for breaking compatibility; rollback your system or go back to Windows 10."
  • Pro-Ubisoft Blamers: "Why is Ubisoft letting steamdiscount games when their product doesn't even work?"
  • Sarcastic Realists: "Brilliant holiday gift: purchase a discounted game, and it’s actually just a desktop screensaver launcher."
Still, some gamers are cutting through the negativity, saying Origins is a “masterpiece” when it works. If only…

Technical Breakdown: What’s Going Wrong?

Let’s peel back the code and figure out why this disaster is happening. Without official confirmation from Microsoft or Ubisoft just yet, here are educated industry assumptions:
  • Compatibility Issues with the Rendering Engine: Assassin’s Creed Origins uses Ubisoft’s proprietary Anvil game engine, which likely relies on certain APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) that haven't quite paired up well with tweaks introduced in Windows 11 24H2. Think of it like a bad blind date between the OS and the game engine—awkward and often messy.
  • DirectX Shenanigans: Windows 11 24H2 includes updates to DirectX (Microsoft’s suite for gaming and multimedia operations), which gamers depend on for rendering graphics. If this update alters memory allocation or shader compilation routines, it could disrupt compatibility.
  • System Resource Management Changes: This one is tricky, but operating system updates often come with adjustments in how CPU or GPU resources are allocated. Assassin’s Creed Origins is notorious for being resource-hungry, particularly with its DRM-heavy design (hi there, Denuvo!).
And there you have it: technical chaos wrapped in what’s likely a perfect storm of rushed patches.

What Are Microsoft and Ubisoft Doing?

The good news is that both companies are on the case, according to official statements.
  • Microsoft's Take: Microsoft’s temporary remedy is the so-called “upgrade block”, which restricts systems running incompatible versions of Windows 11 from completing the 24H2 upgrade. They’ve also acknowledged the issue in documentation and are likely working on incorporating fixes in an upcoming cumulative update—stay tuned to Patch Tuesdays.
  • Ubisoft’s Input: Ubisoft’s developers have promised that the problem has been officially flagged. They’re reportedly collaborating with Microsoft engineers to isolate what exactly is causing these crashes. No timeline has been given yet, however, emphasizing the need for patience.

So... What Can You Do?

Feeling the sting of not being able to Roman-roll through Origins? Here’s a list of actionable steps to troubleshoot this issue:

1. Revert Your Version of Windows

Microsoft’s advice for affected users might not sound glamorous, but it’s effective:
  • Rollback to Windows 11 23H2: Use the built-in recovery options under Settings > System > Recovery > Go back to previous version of Windows.
  • Downgrade to Windows 10: If this bug’s too much, consider retracing your steps to Windows 10 for a temporary fix.

2. Skip 24H2 Updates for Now

Delaying feature updates can be a lifesaver. Head to:
Settings > Windows Update and pause updates.

3. Look Out for Game Patches

Ubisoft may eventually release a compatibility patch for Origins. Be sure to frequently update both Uplay and Steam Library files.

4. Get Refunds

If none of these options appeal to you and you recently purchased Assassin’s Creed Origins on Steam, you may still qualify for a refund, provided you’ve played less than two hours total.

Final Word: Whose Fault Is This?

The blame game between Microsoft, Ubisoft, and Steam is making the rounds, and honestly? It’s a bit of everyone’s fault. Players argue that Microsoft should’ve performed better QA testing, Ubisoft should’ve been more transparent about known issues, and Steam? Well, maybe consider taking the affected game off 90% discount next time.
Is this the price users pay for running the bleeding edge of updates and netting holiday discounts? Possibly. Watch this space—solutions are bound to arrive (eventually). Until then, may your gaming experiences be smooth elsewhere.
Let us know—how do you think this situation fits into the bigger picture of OS updates versus user satisfaction?

Source: Windows Latest Windows 11 24H2 crashes Assassin’s Creed Origins, Steam ratings drop as users rage
 
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WindowsForum users, brace yourselves: the latest report from Passionategeekz indicates that the much-awaited Windows 11 24H2 update is wreaking havoc on the gaming world. In the crossfire of this operating system debacle is Ubisoft’s iconic title, "Assassin’s Creed: Origins", which has faced a storm of negative reviews on Steam due to major compatibility issues. Let’s dissect this troubling scenario, understand the root causes, and offer insights for users caught in this technological tug-of-war.

The Windows 11 24H2 Update: What Went Wrong?

Released as part of the iterative feature updates to Windows 11, the 24H2 version was supposed to enhance user experience, tighten security, and provide under-the-hood improvements. Instead, it arrived with a host of game-breaking bugs, hitting Ubisoft titles particularly hard. Among the casualties, "Assassin's Creed: Origins" stands tall as the most severely impacted game. According to reports, players began experiencing frequent crashes, freezing during gameplay, and even black screens at startup after installing the update.

Symptoms Observed in "Assassin's Creed: Origins":​

  • Game Crashes: Sudden termination of the game while in session.
  • Freezing: The game becomes unresponsive during tutorials or missions.
  • Black Screens at Startup: A complete inability to load the game.
  • Performance Issues: Lag and slowdowns, making gameplay almost impossible.
Microsoft has acknowledged the issue, confirming that the update affects the execution of some Ubisoft titles. Ubisoft, on its part, mentioned in developer comments that they are "aware of the situation and working with Microsoft to resolve the problem." For those curious about the back-end of the problem, the issues are likely tied to DirectX API calls or memory handling functions that conflict with how Windows 11 24H2 architecture handles resources post-update.

Steam Sale: From Opportunity to Backlash

Now, here’s where it gets interesting: Ubisoft and Steam decided to run a significant discount on "Assassin’s Creed: Origins" during their Steam Holiday Sale, slashing the game’s price by a jaw-dropping 90%, from 298 Yuan to 29.8 Yuan. Sounds like a steal, right? But there’s a catch—many users who bought the game on sale discovered they couldn’t play it due to the Windows 11 compatibility issues.
Cue the avalanche of negative reviews.

The Fallout:​

  • User Frustration: Players vented their irritation at Ubisoft for offering the game while being fully aware of its problems on Windows 11 24H2.
  • Blame Game: Some users pinned the failure squarely on Microsoft for releasing an unstable update, while others criticized Ubisoft for its lack of urgency in releasing a fix.
  • Steam in the Crosshairs: Players also took to Steam, demanding explanations for promoting a game that clearly doesn’t function properly on a popular operating system.
One reviewer lamented: "Why allow a game with obvious known issues to go on sale? It's an absolute mess. Either roll back Windows 11 to 23H2 or kiss your gaming experience goodbye."
Another frustrated commentator quipped: "Ubisoft has tens of thousands of employees but couldn’t patch the game in 3 months? Really drives home how much of a priority gamers are to them."

Microsoft and Ubisoft's Emergency Measures

As the magnitude of the problem became apparent, Microsoft tried to mitigate the damage by blocking the Windows 11 24H2 update on PCs that already had "Assassin’s Creed: Origins" installed. However, as expected, this fix arrived with a set of conditions:
  • Preconditions for the Block: The block only works if users owned the game before installing the 24H2 update.
  • New Purchases Post-Update: If a user purchases the game after updating to Windows 11 24H2, the game remains unplayable unless the user reverts back to the previous version of Windows (23H2). Rolling back requires a complete OS reinstall, which is a massive inconvenience for most users.
To complicate matters further, other games have also suffered under the 24H2 update. Reports have surfaced about crashes, sluggish performance, and rendering issues on various DirectX 12-supported titles.

So, Who’s Actually to Blame?

The whole debacle has fired up a fierce debate among gamers. Let’s assess the key players:

1. Microsoft’s Role:

Arguably, Microsoft is the root cause here. By releasing an apparently under-tested Windows update, they’ve destabilized a core use case—gaming. With gaming being a critical aspect of Windows’ ecosystem, such a misstep shakes user confidence. Should Microsoft have delayed the release until full testing was complete?

2. Ubisoft’s Responsibility:

Despite the fingers pointed toward Microsoft, Ubisoft’s delayed response leaves something to be desired. Known bugs present a huge problem for the gaming experience, and Ubisoft—aware of the issues since the update was rolled out three months ago—has yet to deliver a hotfix. Should a company of their scale have acted faster?

3. Steam’s Accountability:

Steam, acting as the platform, took flak for hosting a sale featuring the title with unresolved issues. Steam’s Quality Control team could have halted the sale or, at the very least, added a disclaimer.

How Can Affected Gamers Mitigate the Issue?

For those cherishing their "Assassin's Creed" escapades in ancient Egypt but are currently held hostage by the 24H2 update bug, here’s a potential survival guide:

Option 1: Roll Back to Windows 11 23H2

If you’re desperate to play the game, rolling back to the previous version of Windows is your best bet. However, be prepared for:
  • A time-consuming OS reinstallation.
  • Possible loss of data, so ensure backups are made.
  • Reconfiguring personalized settings post-installation.

Option 2: Wait for a Patch

Ubisoft has pledged to work with Microsoft on a solution. However, given the slow response so far, this may not be a quick fix.

Option 3: Downgrade to Windows 10

For gamers who are fed up with Windows 11’s instability altogether, reverting to Windows 10 offers a more stable gaming environment. Windows 10 is fully supported until late 2025, giving some breathing room to re-think upgrade decisions.

Bigger Picture: What This Means for Windows 11 Users

This issue highlights a critical flaw in Microsoft’s Windows update strategy—prioritizing release deadlines over exhaustive testing. Windows is a primary option for PC gamers globally, and cases like these make alternatives like Linux gaming (via Steam Deck or Proton) and even Macs (thanks to Apple Silicon) seem more appealing. Can Windows continue to hold its iron grip on the PC gaming market amidst more such hiccups?

Closing Thoughts

"Assassin’s Creed: Origins" crashing after your treasured holiday purchase is undoubtedly frustrating, but it also serves as a cautionary tale. Gamers, be wary of adopting the latest updates unless absolutely necessary—early adoption often comes with risks. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Microsoft and Ubisoft to patch things over before disgruntled fans lose patience for good.
Sound off below, WindowsForum members: Have you experienced issues with the Windows 11 24H2 update? Should companies prioritize software stability over feature releases? Let us know your thoughts and frustrations right here!

Source: Passionategeekz.com Unable to play on Win11 24H2 and even discounted, “Assassin’s Creed: Origins” was bombarded with negative reviews on Steam – Passionategeekz.com
 
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Imagine booting up your PC, ready for a thrilling adventure back to Ancient Egypt with Assassin’s Creed Origins, only to encounter a crash that slams the door shut on your gaming escapade before it even begins. That's the frustrating reality that many gamers are facing after the latest Windows 11 update—specifically version 24H2.
Windows users might already be acquainted with the puzzling dance of updates and patches, which can alternately bring enhancements or havoc. The recent brouhaha involves Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed series, where Assassin’s Creed Origins has particularly felt a digital disturbance in the force, earning the ire of its player base.

The Review Bombing Phenomenon​

For the uninitiated, "review bombing" is a consumer-driven backlash where swarms of negative reviews flood a product's profile—in this case on Steam. Assassin’s Creed Origins, amidst a wave of distress signals from its fans, has seen its ratings plummet from the positive to the mixed zone. This cascading critique accelerated after players realized that post-update, the game was more 'crash and burn' than 'run and leap'.
Many users, like Steam user Hard-joe, found themselves in a sale-induced conundrum. Despite enticing discounts in December, the game remained hopelessly unplayable, leading frustrated buyers to vent publicly about the perceived injustice. The critique crescendo continued with complaints that Ubisoft's “resolution” suggestions, such as rolling back to a previous Windows version, served up more irritation than solutions.

The Crux of the Compatibility Clash​

The root of this digital dissonance lies in compatibility issues presented by the new Windows 11 24H2 update. For a technical step back, updates like these can modify core elements of operating systems—sometimes to the detriment of software that depends on prior iterations. Here, the update essentially bricks the game, forcing gamers to gaze forlornly at an unresponsive launch screen or tackle mid-game crashes.
Even though Ubisoft has hinted at hope by stating its engineers are collaborating with Microsoft for a fix, players are stuck in limbo with nary a patch in sight. Until then, those who’ve braved the update waters are advised to steer clear of manual installations for version 24H2 using the Windows Installation Assistant or media creation tool.

Deja Vu with Other Titles​

This isn't the first time Ubisoft has found itself embroiled in such a fiasco. Similar hiccups have beset other titles like Star Wars Outlaws and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. As developers race against time to unfurl patches pretending to be professional problem solvers, the gaming community clings to the hope that corporate communication channels will lead them out of the woods.

What Next for Gamers?​

With Windows 11 updates turning into a mysterious cocktail of features and fumbles, it's understandable why some folks cling to the comfort of earlier versions. However, turning back time on your OS also means sacrificing newer capabilities that Microsoft offers with lashings of enhanced functionality and bolstered security.
For the savvy user, this stands as a inflection point, a prompt to assess whether to pursue the update or preserve their gaming playgrounds. Keeping an eye on official updates from Ubisoft and Microsoft could offer a roadmap to resolution.
In Summary: Until patches transform bugs into bygones, patience (and a handy Task Manager for forced closures) may be your best allies. As for Ubisoft, the expectation to manage a swift resolution looms larger than ever, not unlike the pyramids towering over Origins’ opulent landscapes. Until then, the quest for a bug-free gaming experience continues.
If you’ve had any experience with similar crashes post-Windows update, share your thoughts and recovery tactics on WindowsForum.com—your fellow gamers could use the guidance and camaraderie as we navigate these technical mazes together.

Source: GosuGamers Assassin’s Creed Origins gets review-bombed on Steam for being unplayable after Windows 11 update | GosuGamers
 
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Ah, the bittersweet symphony of tech updates — a chorus we’ve all groaned to at some point. Imagine you’re Ubisoft, unveiling a beloved fan-favorite, Assassin’s Creed Origins, to eager gamers. Then, bam! Windows 11’s 24H2 update lands and obliterates the experience. What is supposed to be an epic journey through ancient Egypt for gamers has turned into a frustrating exercise in crash recovery.
Microsoft’s Windows 11 version 24H2 has impressively managed to score the title of “Chief Killjoy” here, introducing a slew of compatibility issues that gamers definitely didn’t have favoriting their itineraries. If you’re wondering how a Windows update could unleash such chaos, strap in, as we’re about to unpack this messy situation.

The Perpetrator: Windows 11 24H2

Version 24H2 of Windows 11 was intended to be a feature-enhancing, shiny upgrade to Microsoft’s flagship OS. Or at least, that’s what we were promised. But instead, it rolled out stumbling, bringing with it enough bugs to make an entomologist blush.
What does this have to do with Assassin’s Creed Origins? Well, this specific Windows update has significantly impacted gaming stability, throwing a temper tantrum of crashes and freezes — and Assassin’s Creed Origins appears to be its biggest victim.

Auto HDR Buggy Shenanigans

A sneaky culprit in the saga is the Auto HDR feature of Windows 11. While this tool is designed to enhance visuals by applying high dynamic range effects to previously incompatible games, in this update, it’s causing them to hang, crash, or even freeze entirely. It’s like giving your car an unnecessary turbo feature and then finding it can’t even start properly.
Disabling Auto HDR has been noted as a potential fix, but if you’ve already paid for all the bells and whistles of a tech-packed game plus the latest Windows upgrade, are you really going to be satisfied with downgrading your visual experience?

Users’ Fury: Gamers Take to the Digital Battlefield

For gamers, paying $60 for a game that markets epic adventures and precise gameplay — only to find it completely incompatible with your system — feels infuriating. Annoyance has spilled over onto Assassin’s Creed’s Steam reviews, with the game dropping from “Mostly Positive” to the precarious “Mixed” category. The reasons?
  • Game Crashes: Players report that Origins straight-up refuses to run on machines updated to Windows 11 24H2.
  • Discount Drama: Ubisoft, offering massive discounted sales, further enraged users as they found themselves unable to even launch the game. One disgruntled reviewer snapped, “Why give a big discount when the game isn’t even playable on Windows 11 24H2?”
  • Acknowledgment, But Minimal Action: While Ubisoft has humbly admitted to the problem and assured users that they're collaborating with Microsoft for a solution, their acknowledgment doesn’t fix things right now.
Let’s not forget the rising irritation bubbling from the lack of real-time updates. Gamers feel stuck waiting for these two corporate giants to hash things out.

Why It Happened: A Technical Breakdown

When updates fail spectacularly, collaboration gaps between hardware, OS developers, and software teams are often to blame.
  • DirectX and GPU Handling
    Assassin’s Creed Origins leverages DirectX, Microsoft’s API that handles multimedia tasks such as rendering visuals and running complex in-game physics. Updates like 24H2 tweak these systems and sometimes introduce breaking changes. Origins, optimized for older versions at launch, appears particularly vulnerable.
  • Unoptimized Compatibility Layers
    With any major update, developers must ensure backward compatibility of their software. Ubisoft may not have been fully prepared for how Origins would interact with 24H2 adjustments, particularly across a variety of GPU drivers.
  • Auto HDR Failures
    HDR (High Dynamic Range), a stunning feature meant to improve visuals, isn’t playing nice with the title. This critical enhancement should improve lighting contrasts and create immersive environments, but, in this case, all it’s doing is aggravating performance issues across Windows. Not the glow-up Ubisoft needs in this debacle.

What You Can Do to Save Your Gameplay?

If you’ve already fallen victim to this mess, fear not! There are workarounds to reclaim your stolen adventures:
  • Revert to a Previous Windows Version
    Roll your system back to a pre-24H2 state using Windows System Restore. While not ideal, this method allows gamers to dodge the update altogether until fixes roll out. To do this:
  • Head to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
  • Select Go Back, and follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Disable Auto HDR
    If Auto HDR is the source of your freezing woes, switch it off:
  • Navigate to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode > Graphics Settings.
  • Turn Auto HDR to “Off.”
  • Request a Refund
    Newly purchased but non-functional games can often qualify for refunds. Steam’s refund policy, for instance, works if the gameplay time is under two hours.
  • Patience Is Key
    Ubisoft and Microsoft claim to be working on a resolution. While waiting may not be rewarding now, a prospective patch could stabilize the gameplay environment.

Bigger Picture: A Lesson in Timely Updates

The timing of this disaster highlights a major lesson about launch coordination. Ubisoft, Microsoft, and other creators in the industry must preemptively address potential compatibility glitches by testing software updates against existing titles. Could this blunder have been avoided had testing pipelines functioned more robustly?
Moreover, it raises an important question for all gamers: Should we immediately jump into OS upgrades that promise shiny new features without awaiting community consensus? The answer, at least in this case, looks like a resounding no.

Looking Beyond the Software Crash

Despite the current backlash, Assassin’s Creed Origins remains the visual masterpiece it always has been. Coupled with Microsoft eventually ironing out 24H2’s issues, it’s reasonable to hope future players will once again experience the rich tapestry of ancient Egypt without tech interruptions.
For now, if the 24H2-shaped elephant in the room has made you avoid updating your OS or you’ve sidestepped the game sale entirely, fret not. There’ll certainly be patches on this horizon to smooth everything out. Let's hope for Ubisoft and Microsoft's sake that the fix comes sooner rather than later — and that no one forgets how much trouble a poorly executed update can cause.
For updates, fixes, and discussions, drop your thoughts in the WindowsForum comments below — we’re here to journey through these glitches with you.

Source: Windows Report Assassin's Creed Origins takes a huge blow due to the Windows 11 24H2 update
 
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