Microsoft's Windows 11 Update 24H2 might’ve initially seemed like it got an uninvited "Desync Error" in the world of PC gaming, particularly affecting Ubisoft's beloved Assassin's Creed Origins and Valhalla. Many gamers were left scratching their heads (and possibly fuming) as their favorite historical adventures suddenly stopped working with the shiny new Windows update. But fear not, fellow gamers, Ubisoft just pressed “Synchronize Animus” and rolled out patches to save the day.
Let’s dive deep into what this means for you and the gaming landscape of Windows 11.
Why? Well, the source article itself notes that it’s still a mystery. Neither Microsoft nor Ubisoft explicitly disclosed the technical causes of this compatibility issue. However, Windows patches sometimes tweak how the operating system interacts with software libraries, memory allocation, or GPUs—a likely culprit. Perhaps certain DirectX libraries or system calls the games relied on went out of sync.
While Ubisoft has remained tight-lipped about the exact changes made, it’s safe to assume they’ve adjusted the game engines or their interaction mechanisms with new OS-level behaviors. Ubisoft games leverage proprietary engines like AnvilNext (used by Origins and Valhalla), which can require specific optimizations or adjustments based on OS demands.
This means, if you plan on staying immersed in high-octane worlds like Pandora anytime soon, you might want to hold off on the 24H2 update. “But what if I’m curious about updating anyway?” you ask. Well, proceed with caution, and perhaps prepare to roll back if you encounter issues. Windows does offer rollback functionality for 10 days post-update—your safety net if things go awry.
To make matters trickier, gamers with a preference for Windows 10 aren’t seeing much incentive to make the jump to Windows 11 right now. In fact, many have noted that Windows 10 offers similar, if not better, gaming performance at this stage, especially considering hiccups like these.
Key potential reasons for issues like these include:
If you dabble in titles like Star Wars: Outlaws or Avatar, consider biding your time before hopping on the update bandwagon. For now, the smartest approach for PC gamers is to strike a balance between diving into cutting-edge updates and preserving a rock-solid gaming experience—we all want performance without the pain.
So, gamers, are you sticking to Windows 10 or braving 24H2? Sound off in the forums, and happy gaming!
Source: DSOGaming Assassin’s Creed Origins & Valhalla will now work with Windows 11 24H2
Let’s dive deep into what this means for you and the gaming landscape of Windows 11.
The Windows 11 24H2 Compatibility Drama
For context: when Microsoft unleashed the Windows 11 24H2 update, it brought with it not just system tweaks but also a rather unexpected and unwelcome feature—broken compatibility with Ubisoft’s Assassin's Creed Origins and Valhalla. Players who updated their systems discovered that the games, two of Ubisoft’s biggest flagships, simply refused to cooperate. This wasn’t just a random glitch either; many were left staring at error messages or perpetual loading screens.Why? Well, the source article itself notes that it’s still a mystery. Neither Microsoft nor Ubisoft explicitly disclosed the technical causes of this compatibility issue. However, Windows patches sometimes tweak how the operating system interacts with software libraries, memory allocation, or GPUs—a likely culprit. Perhaps certain DirectX libraries or system calls the games relied on went out of sync.
Ubisoft’s Patch Rescue
Ubisoft swiftly stepped up and rolled out small but crucial patches for both Assassin's Creed Origins and Valhalla. If you own these games on Steam, the updates should already be queued for download. Once installed, voilà—you’re good to leap off synchronizing towers and plunge daggers into unsuspecting Templars again on Windows 11 24H2.While Ubisoft has remained tight-lipped about the exact changes made, it’s safe to assume they’ve adjusted the game engines or their interaction mechanisms with new OS-level behaviors. Ubisoft games leverage proprietary engines like AnvilNext (used by Origins and Valhalla), which can require specific optimizations or adjustments based on OS demands.
What About Other Ubisoft Titles? Star Wars: Outlaws and Avatar Fans Beware
While Origins and Valhalla are back on the menu, it’s worth noting that reports suggest other Ubisoft games—namely Star Wars: Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora—might also be grappling with stability issues on Windows 11 24H2. Ubisoft hasn’t patched these titles yet, leaving gamers who are excited for their space and vibrant alien adventures stuck in limbo.This means, if you plan on staying immersed in high-octane worlds like Pandora anytime soon, you might want to hold off on the 24H2 update. “But what if I’m curious about updating anyway?” you ask. Well, proceed with caution, and perhaps prepare to roll back if you encounter issues. Windows does offer rollback functionality for 10 days post-update—your safety net if things go awry.
Microsoft’s Mixed Bag of Advice
It’s rare when Microsoft implicitly advises gamers to hesitate on updating their systems, but in this case, caution has become the mantra. The 24H2 update does come with improvements like expanded WinGet functionality, better HDR display calibration accuracy, and UI tweaks, but for gamers, the cost of disrupted compatibility might outweigh the benefits—especially if your main gaming rig is also your primary workhorse.To make matters trickier, gamers with a preference for Windows 10 aren’t seeing much incentive to make the jump to Windows 11 right now. In fact, many have noted that Windows 10 offers similar, if not better, gaming performance at this stage, especially considering hiccups like these.
Taking a Step Back: Windows & Gaming Compatibility Issues
One has to wonder why these compatibility issues keep cropping up. After all, PC gaming as a platform owes much of its strength to its adaptability. These incidents act as sober reminders that even subtle, well-intentioned changes in the interplay between operating systems and game engines can trigger chaos.Key potential reasons for issues like these include:
- DirectX Adjustments: Windows updates often bring subtle updates to DirectX and GPU APIs. If applications aren’t optimized for these changes, they could hit bottlenecks or errors.
- Kernel Changes: The kernel—the core of any operating system—might be updated for better efficiency, security, or new features, but it’s also a delicate house of cards. Gaming engines depend on particular behaviors of memory management and virtualized resources; disruptions can break them.
- Deprecated System Hooks: Sometimes, older programming libraries and calls get retired. If Ubisoft hadn’t maintained modern adaptations of their code, this could be a reason behind the struggle.
Should Gamers Stick with Windows 10 for Now?
It’s certainly tempting, especially if all you care about is stable performance. The fact remains that, on most gaming rigs, Windows 10 holds its own against its successor. Does Windows 11 offer advantages? Sure, but mostly for productivity workflows, better threads handling on hybrid CPUs like Intel’s Alder Lake series, and modern UI improvements. All of that is nice but hardly essential for gamers set on smooth frame rates and reliable compatibility.A Quick Guide to Stay Gaming-Ready on Windows 11:
- Update Cautiously: Before jumping into any major Windows update, always ensure your favorite games and apps remain supported. Research forums for known bugs or warnings.
- Maintain Backups and Restore Points: Keep backups of critical files and verify you have restore points configured. This step makes it easier to revert if an update disrupts your gaming experience.
- Monitor Game Updates: Companies like Ubisoft might be caught off guard momentarily but often address major issues promptly. Keep your game clients updated to avoid unnecessary mishaps.
The Final Verdict
For now, fans of Assassin’s Creed Origins and Valhalla can breathe a sigh of relief—Ubisoft has ensured that their historical and Viking adventures are once again accessible on Windows 11’s 24H2 update. However, Microsoft and Ubisoft still need to fine-tune their coordination with emerging technology to avoid such disruptions in the future.If you dabble in titles like Star Wars: Outlaws or Avatar, consider biding your time before hopping on the update bandwagon. For now, the smartest approach for PC gamers is to strike a balance between diving into cutting-edge updates and preserving a rock-solid gaming experience—we all want performance without the pain.
So, gamers, are you sticking to Windows 10 or braving 24H2? Sound off in the forums, and happy gaming!
Source: DSOGaming Assassin’s Creed Origins & Valhalla will now work with Windows 11 24H2