Windows 11 24H2 Update: Ubisoft Games Suffer Crashes and Performance Issues

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If you're a gamer who has eagerly anticipated the latest Windows 11 24H2 update, you might want to pause your enthusiasm. Recent reports reveal a frustrating predicament for Ubisoft gamers who have installed the update: crashes and performance issues in some of their highest-profile titles. Popular games such as Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Star Wars Outlaws, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora are at the center of this storm, causing significant headaches for players and igniting discussions across forums like Reddit.

What's Happening?​

The troubles began when Microsoft rolled out its major fall 2024 update, Windows 11 24H2. Users quickly reported that after installing the update, these specific Ubisoft titles began to exhibit a range of disruptive symptoms. Whether it's crashing before even getting to the menu screen, experiencing lag that feels reminiscent of gaming in the 90s, or dealing with audio glitches—it's clear that the update has thrown a wrench into many gamers' experiences.
One user lamented their experience with Star Wars Outlaws, stating it went from smooth ultra settings to feeling like “a PC from the 1990s” overnight. Complaints ranged from black screens to freezing during crucial gameplay moments, like fast travel and menu navigation. If you've ever been deep in the excitement of gameplay, only to be thrust back to a desktop or greeted by a spinning wheel of death, you know how frustrating this can be.

Microsoft’s Response​

In direct response to these widespread issues, Microsoft confirmed the problems and took action. They announced that computers with affected Ubisoft games would be temporarily blocked from automatically updating to Windows 11 24H2. For those who are experiencing issues, the advice is straightforward: hold off on installing this update until a viable fix is released.
The games specifically mentioned include a noteworthy lineup:
  • Assassin's Creed Valhalla
  • Assassin's Creed Origins
  • Assassin's Creed Odyssey
  • Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
  • Star Wars Outlaws
Additionally, while Ubisoft has rolled out a hotfix for Star Wars Outlaws, it has drawn its own concerns regarding potential performance hiccups post-installation. So, even if you're keen on updating, be prepared for a mixed bag of results.

Understanding the Underlying Technology​

These issues are likely rooted in compatibility problems between the new Windows 11 update and specific game engines or drivers. Windows updates often introduce changes to how the OS interacts with hardware drivers, and in this case, it seems that adjustments made in the 24H2 update have not meshed well with Ubisoft's game optimization or the underlying DirectX components.

What to Do If You’re Affected​

  1. Rollback the Update: If you've already installed the 24H2 update, consider rolling back to the previous version (23H2). Many users have reported that this restores their games to normal functionality.
  2. Monitor Updates: Keep an eye on both Microsoft’s and Ubisoft’s communications on forums and social media. As both companies work towards a fix, updates will be flighted out and can help restore normalcy.
  3. Community Engagement: Participate in threads discussing your experiences. Sharing your findings can not only help developers pinpoint issues faster but also guide fellow gamers in discovering optimum play conditions.
  4. Patience is Key: With major updates, it’s common for glitches to emerge. History has shown that developers typically roll out patches to resolve these issues. Allow for some time before diving headfirst back into your favorite titles.

Conclusion​

The Windows 11 24H2 update saga highlights a significant aspect of modern gaming: the intricate dance between game developers and operating system providers. As we await effective remedies for these issues, let's hold onto our gaming sanity and engage in discussions to foster community support. In the meantime, maybe it’s time to revisit those offline single-player classics that don't need constant updates. After all, who could say no to a little nostalgic gaming while we await smoother sailing on the latest tech frontier? Stay tuned!

Source: PCWorld Ubisoft games are crashing on PCs with the Windows 11 24H2 update