Windows 11 Version 24H2: Issues with Ubisoft Games and Audio Problems

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.

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.

While the promise of Windows 11 was to blend cutting-edge technology with user-friendly interfaces, this incident underscores the reality that not all updates are created equal. The road ahead for gamers and Windows users may be bumpy, but attention to feedback and community resilience can pave the way for smoother digital voyages in the future.

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Source: MSPoweruser Windows 11 24H2 is so buggy that it crashes some Ubisoft games

 

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Introduction​

In what can only be described as a digital disaster for gamers, Windows 11 version 24H2 has been thrown into the spotlight for its inability to play nice with select Ubisoft titles. If you’ve been trying to immerse yourself in the expansive worlds of Star Wars Outlaws, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, or any of the iconic Assassin’s Creed series, you might be finding yourself hitting some frustrating walls—literally, black screens included. Microsoft has confirmed these issues, adding to the anxiety of gamers everywhere.

The Problem at Hand​

The trouble seems to be quite prevalent, with Microsoft acknowledging that specific Ubisoft games are becoming unresponsive during various stages, whether that’s starting up, loading, or, worst of all, during gameplay. The titles that have been identified as affected by this compatibility glitch include:

• Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla
• Assassin’s Creed: Origins
• Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey
• Star Wars Outlaws
• Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

Players have reported running into blank canvases, accompanied by an overwhelming sense of despair as they watch their gaming sessions fall apart.

Microsoft and Ubisoft: A Joint Response​

In a rare show of unity, Microsoft has decided to implement a "compatibility hold" on devices where these games are installed. What this means for you is that if you own any of the affected titles, your device will not be offered the Windows 11, version 24H2 update through standard Windows Update channels. Microsoft has also issued a warning against manually updating if you have any of these games installed, suggesting that the stability of your gaming experience is not worth the risk of potential meltdown.
Ubisoft isn’t just sitting idly by, either. They’ve released a temporary fix for Star Wars Outlaws, although Microsoft caveats that users may still experience some performance hiccups. Isn’t that just the cherry on top of this frustrating sundae?

The Broader Implications​

This incident has larger implications beyond just inconvenienced gamers. It serves as a reminder of the fragility of software ecosystems. With every update, particularly major releases like 24H2, there’s always the potential for unforeseen issues. The interconnected nature of modern gaming and operating systems makes it clear that one small bug can send ripples across a vast landscape, impacting thousands—if not millions—of users.

What Can You Do?​

So, what should gamers do in the meantime? Here are some helpful steps:

• Stay Updated (but Not Too Updated): Keep an eye on announcements from both Microsoft and Ubisoft. They’ll likely provide further patches or updates to rectify these issues.
• Avoid Manual Updates: If you have any of the affected titles, resist the urge to manually upgrade to Windows 11 version 24H2. Staying at your current version is advisable until the dust settles.
• Engage with Support: If you run into issues while trying to play these games, don’t hesitate to engage with Ubisoft support. Reporting your issues helps developers understand the scale of the problem.
• Explore Alternative Options: Consider diving into other titles that aren’t impacted by this compatibility hiccup while you wait for a resolution.

Conclusion​

While it’s disheartening to see major updates like Windows 11 version 24H2 disrupt gaming experiences, it’s essential to remember that the tech landscape is ever-evolving. Both Microsoft and Ubisoft are aware of the situation and are actively working to mitigate the damage. In the meantime, patience, understanding, and a willingness to pivot to other games will be your best allies. After all, in the world of gaming, every setback can sometimes be an opportunity for discovery—or at least a hilarious story to share with friends.
Stay tuned for updates, and happy gaming!

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Source: Stevivor Windows 11 version 24H2 breaking select Ubisoft games

 

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If you're one of the many gamers out there juggling a Windows 11 PC and a passion for Ubisoft titles, you may have recently hit a frustrating snag. Reports are flooding in regarding serious performance issues affecting some of Ubisoft's most celebrated games, including Star Wars Outlaws, various Assassin's Creed titles, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, following the recent Windows 11 version 24H2 update.

What’s Happening?​

According to articles from reliable gaming sources, players have found that these particular titles have become "almost unplayable" after the update. Issues reported include the games becoming unresponsive during startup and gameplay, along with bothersome black screens appearing at seemingly random points. This feedback has been coming in for several weeks, with early complaints surfacing as far back as October.

The Affected Games:​

• Star Wars Outlaws
• Assassin's Creed Valhalla
• Assassin's Creed Origins
• Assassin's Creed Odyssey
• Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

These issues seem to be confined primarily to the games listed above, as there have been no significant reports of similar disruptions affecting other titles from Ubisoft or different publishers.

Microsoft's Response​

In light of these widespread problems, Microsoft has taken steps to address the situation. They've implemented a safeguard that places a compatibility hold on devices where these affected games are installed, blocking the automatic update of Windows 11 version 24H2. This is a proactive measure recommended for players to sidestep any potential performance fallout while they work toward a permanent solution.

Ubisoft's Temporary Fix​

While Microsoft has stepped in, so too has Ubisoft. They released a temporary mitigation for Star Wars Outlaws via the game’s fourth update, yet they’ve cautioned players that issues may still arise. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been an equivalent fix for the other affected games, leaving players in a somewhat frustrating limbo.

What Can You Do?​

If you’re facing these issues, Microsoft suggests managing your gameplay experience by utilizing the Task Manager when games become unresponsive. This is a workaround to exit problematic games more smoothly, although not an ideal solution by any means.

Key Steps to Consider:​

• Avoid Updating: If you enjoy playing the affected games, it’s best to avoid upgrading to Windows 11 version 24H2 as the issues persist.
• Task Manager Usage: Use Task Manager for an emergency exit when you encounter unresponsive gameplay. Simply press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch the Task Manager.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on both Ubisoft and Microsoft channels for updates regarding permanent fixes. They’re actively working on solutions and promise to share more when it’s available.

Broader Industry Implications​

This incident sheds light on the complexities involved in gaming and OS interactions. With game titles continuously evolving—seeking enhanced graphics, improved performance, and more complex mechanics—the interdependence between game developers and operating system creators has never been more pronounced.
Compatibility issues often arise after major updates, but seeing such a significant impact on frontrunner titles can have ripple effects throughout the industry. As games mature and technology advances, the need for seamless integration becomes crucial.

Conclusion​

Navigating the world of Windows updates is often akin to walking a tightrope, and the current predicament for Ubisoft gamers is a case in point. While Microsoft and Ubisoft are charting a course for resolution, the existing performance issues remind us all of the delicate balance between software updates and gaming performance.
For now, your best allies are patience and vigilance. Keep those games in a playable state, and perhaps dive into other adventures until a permanent remedy is established. As always, stay tuned and engaged with your fellow gamers through community forums—we’re all in this together!

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Source: GosuGamers Star Wars Outlaws, Assassin’s Creed games unplayable on PC after Windows 11 update | GosuGamers