In an ongoing effort to smooth out compatibility hurdles with Windows 11, Microsoft has lifted safeguard blocks for users running certain Assassin’s Creed titles—namely, Valhalla, Origins, and older entries like Odyssey. This update comes after Ubisoft released patches earlier this week to resolve Windows 11 version 24H2 compatibility issues that had plagued gamers with a frustrating array of crashes, freezes, and dreaded black screens.
If you've been holding off on upgrading your system to Windows 11's latest version because you were terrified of wasting hours of gameplay progress, consider those worries officially put to bed. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what happened, how it was resolved, and why this move is relief-worthy for gaming and Windows fans alike.
Here’s what users had to put up with when attempting to game on updated machines:
Rather than let users shoulder the frustration, Microsoft did what it often does in these situations: it deployed safeguard holds. These essentially prevent people with affected software (in this case, the games) from upgrading their Windows versions until fixes have been released. Safeguard ID 54437462 was designated for this issue, and upgrading was not an option until further notice.
Here’s a quick takeaway guide for gamers:
As for Ubisoft and Assassin’s Creed fans, this should feel mostly like turning a new leaf. Major titles are free from compatibility woes—at least for now. While hiccups of this scale may occasionally resurface, the lesson here is clear: proactive patch management and quick collaboration between developers and OS giants determine how smoothly things unfold.
What do you think? Have you experienced crashes with Assassin’s Creed games on Windows 11? Are there other Windows updates or gaming compatibility issues on your radar? Join the conversation below and share your experiences on WindowsForum!
Source: BleepingComputer Microsoft removes Assassin’s Creed Windows 11 upgrade blocks
If you've been holding off on upgrading your system to Windows 11's latest version because you were terrified of wasting hours of gameplay progress, consider those worries officially put to bed. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what happened, how it was resolved, and why this move is relief-worthy for gaming and Windows fans alike.
What Went Wrong?
As far back as November, Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft’s latest update, wasn’t playing well with some of Ubisoft's most-loved gaming franchises. Players of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Assassin’s Creed Origins, and other titles like Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora began reporting chaotic performance issues.Here’s what users had to put up with when attempting to game on updated machines:
- Sudden crashes immediately after launching the game,
- Freezes during gameplay, especially in high-action scenarios,
- Completely unresponsive systems displaying a black screen,
- And erratic behaviors—essentially a dice roll of what would go wrong next.
Rather than let users shoulder the frustration, Microsoft did what it often does in these situations: it deployed safeguard holds. These essentially prevent people with affected software (in this case, the games) from upgrading their Windows versions until fixes have been released. Safeguard ID 54437462 was designated for this issue, and upgrading was not an option until further notice.
A Fix in Sight: Ubisoft to the Rescue
Fast forward to January 2025: Ubisoft has finally delivered! Earlier this week, patches addressing Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Origins, and Odyssey compatibility with Windows 11 were released. According to the Windows health dashboard, these fixes largely resolved:- The unexpected crashes,
- Freezes during gameplay,
- And all those mysterious performance hiccups.
Microsoft’s Response
Microsoft acted quickly to include these resolutions into their ecosystem:- Compatibility Safeguards Removed: The aforementioned safeguard hold ID (54437462) has been deactivated as of January 16, 2025.
- Automatic Updates Resumed: Eligible Windows users—particularly those using Home and Pro editions running previous versions like 22H2 or 23H2—can now upgrade without fear.
- 24-Hour Rollout Timeline: Updates should land within 48 hours for most systems. If you’re in a rush, a quick system restart might accelerate the process. If you’re not seeing the update yet, double-check Windows Update later.
Who Else Was Affected?
Microsoft acknowledged that the Assassin’s Creed series wasn’t the only game or software encountering issues. Other titles and applications tangled with compatibility woes include:- Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora: Both had comparable gameplay issues but were patched earlier by Ubisoft.
- Asphalt 8 (Airborne): Enthusiasts of this arcade racer also reported glitches with Auto HDR post-update.
- ASUS Devices: Specific hardware configurations with integrated cameras and other components hit snags.
- Dirac Audio Enhancement Software: Some users were met with audio management conflicts.
- Safe Exam Browser & Easy Anti-Cheat Applications: Primarily used in academic or professional settings, these apps saw freezes or failures during use.
Windows 11’s Safeguard Holds: What Are They, Exactly?
For readers unfamiliar with the term, Microsoft’s safeguard holds are like roadblocks. When major Windows updates encounter game-breaking or software-disrupting bugs, Microsoft prevents affected systems from upgrading until a verified solution is available. Think of it as a safety mechanism to prevent unstable updates from wreaking further havoc. Once the issue is resolved—typically via patches released by third parties like Ubisoft or Microsoft itself—the block is lifted, and upgrades resume.Broader Implications for Gamers
The Assassin’s Creed debacle serves as an interesting case study in the dynamic between gaming developers and Windows troubleshooting. Titles developed before the rapid evolution of new OS versions like Windows 11 often struggle with the latest updates, even as Windows continuously improves its gaming framework. For instance, features like Auto HDR, DirectStorage, and enhanced driver performance are all designed to make PC gaming a delight—but only when compatibility is seamless.Here’s a quick takeaway guide for gamers:
- Watch for Safeguard Notices: Enabling “optional” updates might not always be the best choice if your favorite games/applications are crashing.
- Stay Updated with Patches: Monitor forums and patch notes from developers like Ubisoft or Microsoft. Fixes won’t roll out equally fast for every problem.
- Safe Mode: If something feels off after big updates, gaming in Safe Mode can sometimes stabilize performance temporarily.
Looking Ahead
Windows 11 24H2 remains an important step forward, with significant improvements under the hood. Yet its rocky rollout underscores the challenges of harmonizing brand-new OS updates with legacy or partially optimized games/software.As for Ubisoft and Assassin’s Creed fans, this should feel mostly like turning a new leaf. Major titles are free from compatibility woes—at least for now. While hiccups of this scale may occasionally resurface, the lesson here is clear: proactive patch management and quick collaboration between developers and OS giants determine how smoothly things unfold.
What do you think? Have you experienced crashes with Assassin’s Creed games on Windows 11? Are there other Windows updates or gaming compatibility issues on your radar? Join the conversation below and share your experiences on WindowsForum!
Source: BleepingComputer Microsoft removes Assassin’s Creed Windows 11 upgrade blocks