Windows 11 24H2 Update: Gaming Issues and Compatibility Holds

When it rains, it pours, and for Windows 11 users eager to embrace the latest 24H2 update, it seems the forecast calls for an unexpected deluge of gaming woes. Hot off the release last week, Microsoft has had to hit the brakes on the rollout for specific systems due to significant compatibility issues affecting popular titles like Asphalt 8 and certain older versions of Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC). Yes, game time might be painfully cut short for some until a fix arrives.

The Nature of the Woes​

According to Microsoft's official release health page, the 24H2 update is causing two notable problems for gamers:

1. Asphalt 8 Crashes: Players report that the popular mobile racing game crashes upon installation of the new Windows update, leaving vehicular enthusiasts stranded on the digital roadside.
2. MEMORY_MANAGEMENT BSOD Errors: Users who have versions of EAC released before April 2024 are confronted with the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), specifically triggered by a MEMORY_MANAGEMENT error. If you've ever met the irate blue screen, you know it’s one of those moments when your heartbeat spikes and you must brace for potential data loss.

Due to these gaming-related mischiefs, systems running these applications have been placed on a compatibility hold. This means that Windows Update will turn up its nose at your futile attempts to download and install the feature-rich 24H2 – you can forget about any self-upgrades here; a stern warning from Microsoft will remind you that your rig isn’t quite ready for the hot new features.

What Can You Do?​

While the flag has been raised, there’s no need for total despair. Microsoft is in talks with the app developers to resolve these issues. Meanwhile, they recommend ensuring your games are updated in hopes of reaping the benefits from the latest versions of EAC bundled in those patches.

The Bigger Picture​

This isn’t just a routine hiccup in Microsoft’s update strategy—it exposes the broader challenges Microsoft faces in updating its operating system across a vast array of hardware configurations. Unlike Apple, which enjoys the luxury of a limited number of devices under its macOS ecosystem, Windows has to contend with an almost infinite variety of hardware setups. It's a bit like herding cats while riding a unicycle on a tightrope.
Historically, updates can create turbulence. Just a day before 24H2, the optional KB5043145 preview update landed with a thud, reportedly causing its fair share of unintended restarts and BSODs. Microsoft had to roll back this problematic update, which serves as a reminder of the trials and tribulations of maintaining robust software across millions of platforms.

What Lies Ahead?​

As gamers, we’re anxiously waiting for Microsoft to roll out a fix that enables us to get back to racing through the streets in Asphalt 8 without crashing, quite literally. There's hope on the horizon, as we can expect corrective measures from Microsoft soon, allowing players to dive back into their favorite digital landscapes with Windows 11 24H2's fresh features.
So, while you're waiting for the green light, take a moment to ponder: what would you do without your beloved games? Would your PC still be worthy of its title as a "gaming machine"? Fortunately, once the issues are resolved, your machine will not only feel refreshed but perhaps a bit more polished with the latest Windows offerings.
Stay tuned, keep those drivers updated, and cross your fingers—relief may be just around the corner for frustrated gamers everywhere.
Source: Tom's Hardware Windows 11 24H2 update faces gaming issues — devices with Asphalt 8, older versions of Easy Anti-Cheat on compatibility hold