Windows 11 24H2 Update: Compatibility Issues with Ubisoft Games

In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft has announced a compatibility hold on the Windows 11 24H2 update for machines running a selection of Ubisoft games, including popular titles such as Star Wars Outlaws, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. This decision was initially reported by Bleeping Computer and aims to address widespread issues that players have encountered after updating to the latest version of Windows.

The Crashing Conundrum​

Users of these Ubisoft games have reported experiencing persistent crashes, rendering the games unplayable. Many faced unresponsive states when starting or loading, and others encountered problems during gameplay. Microsoft has acknowledged these compatibility concerns in an official statement: “After installing Windows 11, version 24H2, you might encounter issues with some Ubisoft games. These games might become unresponsive while starting, loading, or during active gameplay.” To mitigate the disruption, Microsoft has proactively blocked the update from being deployed on systems with the affected titles installed.

Why the Halt?​

You may wonder what type of technical sorcery would lead to such drastic measures. The crux lies in the interplay between the operating system and the games. An array of Reddit posts and comments on Microsoft’s own support forums indicated that numerous players faced these issues well before widespread awareness. Even prior to the full rollout of 24H2, problems were reported during the Windows Insider Program, raising questions about the testing process for compatibility with critical gaming titles.
The games specifically cited by Microsoft include:

• Assassin's Creed Valhalla
• Assassin's Creed Origins
• Assassin's Creed Odyssey
• Star Wars Outlaws
• Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

Interestingly, reports from players indicated that several other Ubisoft titles, including Far Cry and Need for Speed: Unbound, might be experiencing similar issues, suggesting a broader compatibility complication that hinges on Ubisoft’s game engines or their interaction with Windows updates.

The Community Response​

As anticipated, this situation has sparked a wave of frustration among players, many of whom are eager to play their favorite games without encountering disruptive errors. Ubisoft has begun to roll out a hotfix aimed at restoring functionality for Star Wars Outlaws on the 24H2 update. However, players who are still afflicted by the crashing issues are being advised to roll back to the previous 23H2 version until a more comprehensive solution is provided by either Microsoft or Ubisoft.

Should I Roll Back My Update?​

If you find yourself in a similar predicament—enthusiastically anticipating the features of the 24H2 update, but faced with game-breaking issues—reverting to an earlier version might be your best bet for now. While rolling back your update can be straightforward, it’s essential to consider the implications. Follow these steps to revert to Windows 11 version 23H2:

1. Open Settings: Begin by navigating to the Start menu and selecting 'Settings'.
2. Go to System: Click on the 'System' tab and then 'Recovery'.
3. Previous Version: Under 'Recovery options', look for 'Go back', where you should see the option to revert to an earlier build of Windows.
4. Choose Reason: Select a reason for reverting, which might help Microsoft improve future updates.
5. Follow Instructions: Follow the prompts to restore the previous version.

The Broader Implications​

This incident raises significant questions about the relationship between tech giants and the gaming community. It underscores the complex nature of software compatibility in an age where rapid updates are commonplace. So is this an oversight on Microsoft's part, or does the fault lie with Ubisoft and their game testing process? One thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher for developers and publishers to ensure that their products work collaboratively with the OS upon which so many gamers rely.

Final Thoughts​

As you navigate these turbulent update waters, patience and communication will be key. Keep an eye on forums and update blogs for news on resolutions, and don’t be afraid to engage in discussions within the community. With any luck, this compatibility hold will pave the way for smoother sailing in the future, leaving more room for enjoyable gaming fuelled by updated technology—without the risk of sudden crashes.
As always, if you have lingering thoughts about this compatibility challenge or any other Winodws 11 updates, feel free to share your experiences in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going!

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Source: PC Gamer Microsoft has blocked the latest Windows 11 update on PCs with Star Wars Outlaws and other Ubisoft games installed