Attention, Windows users: If your PC is running the newly minted Windows 11 24H2 update and suddenly feels cursed when gaming or operating USB-connected devices like scanners and printers, you’re not imagining things! Microsoft has officially taken the spotlight to admit that their recent 24H2 rollout has thrown some wrench-sized issues into the works. Let's delve into what’s happening, what's affected, and what you can do while waiting for patches and fixes from Redmond’s engineering wizards.
Avoid updating if you rely on the affected features, and take a moment to let Microsoft know that performance stability matters. It's about more than just shiny features—it’s making sure they don’t break what’s already working.
Have you encountered these or other Windows 11 24H2 quirks? Let us know your thoughts and experiences with the update (or the rollback struggle) on the forum. Together, we might just figure out the best ways to navigate the modern Windows wilderness!
Source: Windows Latest Microsoft admits Windows 11 24H2 is causing gaming issues, breaks USB connections
Gaming Nightmare: Ubisoft Titles vs. Windows 11 24H2
Here’s a depressing plot twist for gamers: several major Ubisoft titles seem allergic to the Windows 11 24H2 update. If you’ve been chasing Assassin's Creed villains or wandering the lush confines of Pandora in Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, chances are you’ve encountered issues like crashes, freezing, black screens, or games simply refusing to launch.The Affected Lineup
Believe it or not, the gaming trouble isn't limited to obscure titles. Microsoft has singled out several major Ubisoft games, including:- Star Wars Outlaws (received a workaround update promptly)
- Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
- Assassin’s Creed Origins
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Temporary Solutions for Gamers
If Ubisoft isn’t rushing to your rescue and you don’t feel like giving up your gaming marathons, here’s a survival guide:- Kill the Process: Open your Task Manager (
Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and force-close any stuck or frozen games. Then relaunch. - Rollback to 23H2: If it’s been less than 10 days since you updated, you can revert to Windows 11 23H2 for a more stable experience.
- Clean Installation: If you’ve passed the rollback grace period, a clean install of 23H2 might be your best bet.
Breaking USB Functionality: It’s Not Just About Gaming
Beyond the gaming fiasco, another major issue has landed squarely on the desks of office workers, graphic artists, and home users: broken USB eSCL device communication. This disruption renders devices such as printers and scanners completely undetectable if they rely on the eSCL protocol.Behind the Problem
eSCL—Electronic Simple Communication Layers—is a driverless protocol designed to locate and work with printers and scanners over USB or Wi-Fi. Windows 11 24H2, however, throws a spanner into this seamless system, leaving devices essentially invisible to computers. Mopria printers, which adhere to this standard, are among the hardest hit.Workaround for USB and eSCL Issues
Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn’t currently offer an official workaround. Here’s what they’re recommending (albeit indirectly):- Avoid Upgrading: If your system has printers or scanners that rely on eSCL, do not proceed with the Windows 11 24H2 update. Microsoft is actively blocking the update from affected systems, but if you bypass this block, you’re rolling dice with your hardware.
- Rollback Again: Similar to the gaming issue, your best bet to regain full functionality is reverting to 23H2. This isn’t a long-term fix but will stabilize functionality until new patches arrive.
Why This Stuff Matters
At the heart of these technical hiccups lie two major frustrations many Windows users know all too well:- Update Fatigue: Constant updates are meant to improve performance, add features, and squash bugs, but they often introduce new and equally irksome challenges.
- Broad Impact: The problem isn’t restricted to niche tools or obscure games—it hits essentials like productivity and leisure alike.
Who’s to Blame?
Without descending into a blame game, it’s clear there’s a disconnect between Microsoft, game developers like Ubisoft, and device manufacturers aligned on USB technology standards. It raises broader questions:- Are Microsoft’s aggressive feature updates outpacing the readiness of core third-party systems?
- Do gaming companies and device manufacturers need better communication pipelines with Microsoft?
Closing Thoughts
The Windows 11 24H2 update has certainly built buzz—but for all the wrong reasons. Between infuriated gamers and flummoxed office workers, its ripple effects showcase the precarious balance of modern software ecosystems. For now, users are stuck waiting for patches while reverting to older updates where possible.Avoid updating if you rely on the affected features, and take a moment to let Microsoft know that performance stability matters. It's about more than just shiny features—it’s making sure they don’t break what’s already working.
Have you encountered these or other Windows 11 24H2 quirks? Let us know your thoughts and experiences with the update (or the rollback struggle) on the forum. Together, we might just figure out the best ways to navigate the modern Windows wilderness!
Source: Windows Latest Microsoft admits Windows 11 24H2 is causing gaming issues, breaks USB connections
