In a baffling turn of events, Microsoft has opted to halt the rollout of the much-anticipated Windows 11 24H2 update for PCs that have certain Ubisoft games installed. This decision stems from a slew of complaints from gamers who found themselves facing intense compatibility issues — crashes, black screens, and unresponsive gameplay have become unwelcome companions in their gaming experience.
In an official statement, Microsoft reassured users that, “We will provide more information when it is available.” Until a solution is rolled out, the company has advised gamers to temporarily work around this chaos by force-quitting the afflicted games via Task Manager.
Another user lamented the persistence of error codes like NTDLL.dll, saying, “Thousands of people are waiting for fixes and the ability to play their favorite games after updating to 24H2.” So, what’s behind this wave of crashes?
Additionally, users have reported that other gaming titles, particularly those using Epic’s Easy Anti-Cheat software, have encountered their own share of troubles post-24H2 update. This predicament echoes previous concerns, as Microsoft had previously dealt with multiplayer games that also suffered from similar incompatibility.
And as for Intel CPUs? Unfortunately, they too are experiencing compatibility woes with the new update, compounding the issue for countless users.
Source: PCMag Middle East Windows 11 24H2 Is Crashing Ubisoft Games
The Fallout from the Update
The trouble kicked off when users began reporting that after installing the 24H2 update, their beloved Ubisoft titles were crashing relentlessly. Notable games affected include major franchises such as Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Assassin's Creed Origins, Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Star Wars Outlaws, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Microsoft has acknowledged this troubling issue, noting that they are actively collaborating with Ubisoft to develop a fix and have urged players to refrain from manually installing the update.In an official statement, Microsoft reassured users that, “We will provide more information when it is available.” Until a solution is rolled out, the company has advised gamers to temporarily work around this chaos by force-quitting the afflicted games via Task Manager.
User Experiences and Complaints
Gamers have taken to forums and social media platforms like Reddit to voice their frustrations, with many recounting their experiences. One user expressed their disappointment, stating, "I just bought a new gaming laptop with RTX 4080, Intel i9 14900hx. I can’t play the game (Origins) even for 5 minutes because it crashes to a black screen, with audio, and the only way to close it is from task manager." It’s evident that this issue has significantly impacted the gaming experience for numerous players, leaving the community craving solutions.Another user lamented the persistence of error codes like NTDLL.dll, saying, “Thousands of people are waiting for fixes and the ability to play their favorite games after updating to 24H2.” So, what’s behind this wave of crashes?
Deconstructing the Issue
The crux of the problem seems to be linked to certain game properties and compatibility with the 24H2 framework. When operating systems undergo major updates, it’s not unusual for underlying APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) or libraries — such as those found in DirectX — to experience disruptions. Games rely heavily on these systems to run smoothly, and any alteration in the OS can trigger a cascade of compatibility problems.Additionally, users have reported that other gaming titles, particularly those using Epic’s Easy Anti-Cheat software, have encountered their own share of troubles post-24H2 update. This predicament echoes previous concerns, as Microsoft had previously dealt with multiplayer games that also suffered from similar incompatibility.
Potential Solutions in Sight
While Ubisoft has provided a temporary fix for Star Wars Outlaws, this patch may not completely resolve performance issues. Currently, users are encouraged to tread cautiously: avoiding the installation of 24H2 if they own any of the aforementioned titles.And as for Intel CPUs? Unfortunately, they too are experiencing compatibility woes with the new update, compounding the issue for countless users.
The Bigger Picture
As the gaming community holds its breath for a timely resolution, Microsoft and Ubisoft's collaboration will be scrutinized not only for its efficiency but also for how it will influence future updates. This incident underscores the delicate dance between operating system updates and software compatibility.What Can Windows Users Do?
- Avoid Manual Installs: If you play Ubisoft games impacted by this issue, steer clear of the 24H2 update for now.
- Community Forums: Keep an eye on community forums for updates, fixes, and shared experiences that might be helpful.
- Monitor Official Statements: Follow official channels from Microsoft and Ubisoft for the latest on compatibility fixes and updates.
Conclusion
The halt of the Windows 11 24H2 rollout for PCs with specific Ubisoft titles isn’t just a minor hiccup — it’s a significant reminder of the complexities involved in software updates. As we await further announcements from Microsoft, the current situation serves as a vital lesson on the interdependence between hardware, operating systems, and the software running on them. Stay tuned, and let’s hope for a swift resolution to get gamers back to problem-free play.Source: PCMag Middle East Windows 11 24H2 Is Crashing Ubisoft Games