Windows 11 24H2 Update: Gamers Face Bugs, Dell Shutdown Issues Persist

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Microsoft's Windows 11 24H2 update has recently made headlines, but not for the right reasons. Gamers and Dell users alike are encountering a slew of vexing bugs that are ruining the user experience. From freezing Ubisoft games to critical shutdown issues in some Dell laptops, the latest version of the operating system is turning into a cacophony of frustration.

A Gamer’s Nightmare: Bugs Abound​

For PC gamers, the last thing you want during an intense session is an unresponsive game. Unfortunately, the latest patch seems to have major issues, particularly with popular titles from Ubisoft. Players are reporting that games like Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Assassin's Creed Origins, Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Star Wars Outlaws, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora have been freezing up unexpectedly. These hiccups can begin right at the start, during loading screens, or in the middle of gameplay—leading to dreaded black screen crashes.

Ubisoft's Response​

Ubisoft has acknowledged the issue and rolled out a patch for Star Wars Outlaws, but players are still facing unspecified performance problems. You might find that while the game no longer freezes, you could still notice those frustrating frame rate drops—turning what should be an epic adventure into a sluggish and tedious trek.

USB and Dolby Issues​

The adversity doesn't stop there. Windows 11 24H2 is also affecting traditional USB devices, especially standalone scanners, which are no longer functioning as intended. To top it off, the familiar Dolby Digital sound support is another casualty in the patch. If you're doing a fresh install, you'll need to hunt down the Dolby Audio decoders and install them manually—creating an unnecessary hurdle for users.

Dell Laptops: Shutdown Woes​

While the gaming community wrestles with performance bugs, Dell laptop users are facing a different dilemma: shutdown issues. A critical bug is preventing certain Dell PCs from sleeping or shutting down, a major inconvenience. This problem primarily affects business-class laptops running older versions of the Dell Encryption application (v11.9 and earlier). Dell has confirmed that these versions are incompatible with the 24H2 update, and a patch is needed for a smooth operation.

The Advisory from Dell​

In official support documentation, Dell cautioned that users with older encryption app versions should not install the 24H2 update until they upgrade to version 11.10 or later. A failure to heed this advice could lead to an unresponsive laptop—definitely not the situation one wants at the end of a long workday.

Microsoft's Oversight​

More troubling is the fact that, at the time of writing, Microsoft had not yet issued a block on the rollout of the 24H2 update for machines running the incompatible Dell Encryption version. This oversight could leave unsuspecting users in a bind, unable to turn off or hibernate their devices. Gaming users fare better, as Microsoft has implemented a precautionary measure to potentially block these users from the 24H2 update until the issues are resolved.

What’s Next?​

With these persistent issues, it's evident that Microsoft has significant work to do to rectify the problems plaguing the 24H2 update. The precarious state of Windows 11 certainly raises questions about quality control and the overall user experience.
For Windows enthusiasts, this may be a reminder to tread cautiously with updates—especially those that arrive with considerable fanfare. Check for compatibility and ensure your critical applications are updated before hitting that install button.

Final Thoughts​

In an industry where ease of use and seamless experiences are crucial, Microsoft finds itself grappling with the real-world implications of tech rollouts. As Windows 11 matures, hopefully the behind-the-scenes work will lead to smoother updates in the future. Until then, patience is key for users navigating this rocky road.
So, hang tight, gamers and Dell users—fixes are on their way, and hopefully, smoother sailing is ahead for all.

Source: TechRadar Windows 11 24H2’s latest bugs are proving a nightmare for PC gamers (again) and are stopping some Dell laptops from shutting down