In a disheartening turn for gamers and Windows enthusiasts alike, Microsoft has acknowledged that its latest operating system update—Windows 11 version 24H2—is riddled with issues that particularly hinder certain Ubisoft games. This technical misstep has led to game crashes and unresponsiveness, igniting concerns among users and gamers who were hoping for a smooth experience with the new update.
The company has recommended that users refrain from manually forcing the update to 24H2 via the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or the media creation tool until a more stable version is released. As an interim solution, gamers have been advised to use the Task Manager to force-close applications if they become unresponsive.
On another front, certain budget ASUS laptops, specifically the X415KA and X515KA models, have fallen victim to blue screen errors during the update process. This has prompted Microsoft to apply a compatibility hold on these devices as well, indicating the broader scope of the 24H2 update's issues, which affect a variety of hardware configurations.
Source: MSPoweruser Windows 11 24H2 is so buggy that it crashes some Ubisoft games
What's Going Wrong?
As reported, players have encountered severe pitfalls when launching popular titles like Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, and Star Wars Outlaws. These games have reportedly experienced black screens and unresponsive gameplay, particularly during initial startup or loading sequences. Microsoft's confirmation of these problems carries a bitter weight for those who upgraded in anticipation of enhanced gaming experiences.Temporary Fixes and Compatibility Holds
In response to the uproar, Microsoft has issued a temporary fix specifically for Star Wars Outlaws, though performance hiccups may linger despite this patch. Moreover, the tech giant has proactively placed compatibility holds on devices that have suffered from these gaming issues, essentially blocking the 24H2 update from reaching affected systems. This measure aims to safeguard users from engaging with an update notorious for causing crashes rather than enhancing their gameplay.The company has recommended that users refrain from manually forcing the update to 24H2 via the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or the media creation tool until a more stable version is released. As an interim solution, gamers have been advised to use the Task Manager to force-close applications if they become unresponsive.
Beyond the Crashes: Additional Issues with 24H2
The troubles with Windows 11 24H2 extend beyond just Ubisoft games. Reports have surfaced of audio-related irritations, such as volume spikes that can abruptly shoot to 100%. This perplexity primarily affects gaming systems equipped with external USB digital audio converters (DACs), complicating things further when systems wake from sleep or when devices are rapidly attached and detached. Microsoft has acknowledged that these volume spikes stem from a timing issue with the AudioEndpointBuilder service.On another front, certain budget ASUS laptops, specifically the X415KA and X515KA models, have fallen victim to blue screen errors during the update process. This has prompted Microsoft to apply a compatibility hold on these devices as well, indicating the broader scope of the 24H2 update's issues, which affect a variety of hardware configurations.
Broader Implications
The rocky rollout of Windows 11 24H2 serves as a critical reminder of the complexities inherent in software updates, especially in a world where online gaming expectations are ever-increasing. With many users banking on this version to enhance performance and compatibility, the backlash highlights the importance of rigorous testing and quality control before releasing updates to the public.A New Approach to Update Rollouts?
Could this situation prompt Microsoft to reevaluate its update strategy? Perhaps. The prevalence of issues has led to a growing discourse within the community about the need for more staggered rollouts and rigorous beta testing before widespread deployment. For users, this could mean a shift in how updates are adopted—no longer viewing them as mere enhancements but potentially as risky endeavors.The Takeaway for Windows Users
If you are a Windows user who has yet to upgrade to 24H2 or have experienced problems with Ubisoft games post-update, here are a few tips:- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on Microsoft’s official channels for updates regarding fixes or changes to the rollout strategy.
- Avoid Manual Updates: Resist the temptation to enforce the update manually. Instead, let the compatibility holds protect your system until a stable version is available.
- Report Issues: If you experience crashes or other significant problems, report them through the Feedback Hub within Windows to help Microsoft address them.
Source: MSPoweruser Windows 11 24H2 is so buggy that it crashes some Ubisoft games
