Attention all Windows enthusiasts—here’s the news you’ve been waiting for. Windows 11 version 24H2 is now becoming accessible to an even wider audience as Microsoft continues to tackle upgrade blocks head-on. In its latest move, the tech giant has removed one of the major hurdles, specifically tied to the compatibility issues with Ubisoft games. Let’s dive deeper to understand what this means for you, along with the implications for the future of Windows updates.
With the 24H2 version of Windows 11, several upgrade blocks had been imposed late last year. Specifically, users gaming on Ubisoft titles such as Star Wars Outlaws, Assassin's Creed: Odyssey, Origins, and Valhalla were experiencing crashes, black screens, or games hanging during load times. By stepping in and deploying these blocks, Microsoft essentially said, “Hold up, let’s fix this first.”
Back in November 2024, this issue had users shaking their fists in frustration (and possibly rage-quitting). Ubisoft, in collaboration with Microsoft, got to work applying hotfixes and updates to affected games. And now, as of early 2025, players can finally breathe easy: the safeguard hold that had been preventing their PC from upgrading has officially been removed.
As 24H2 expands its reach, its potential to enhance gaming and productivity grows dramatically. For now, grab some popcorn—and maybe a Windows Update—because the journey of keeping your system updated is far from over. Is your PC ready for 24H2, or will you wait for more improvements? Drop your thoughts in the comments on WindowsForum.com!
Source: Neowin https://www.neowin.net/news/more-users-can-download-windows-11-version-24h2-as-microsoft-lifts-another-upgrade-block/
Why Were There Upgrade Blocks?
Upgrade blocks, also known as safeguard holds, are Microsoft’s way of preventing systems from installing major updates if known issues might disrupt usability or performance. While this sounds like a mild inconvenience, it’s a necessary evil to ensure that users don’t encounter serious problems like system crashes, data loss, or, in this case, broken gameplay.With the 24H2 version of Windows 11, several upgrade blocks had been imposed late last year. Specifically, users gaming on Ubisoft titles such as Star Wars Outlaws, Assassin's Creed: Odyssey, Origins, and Valhalla were experiencing crashes, black screens, or games hanging during load times. By stepping in and deploying these blocks, Microsoft essentially said, “Hold up, let’s fix this first.”
Back in November 2024, this issue had users shaking their fists in frustration (and possibly rage-quitting). Ubisoft, in collaboration with Microsoft, got to work applying hotfixes and updates to affected games. And now, as of early 2025, players can finally breathe easy: the safeguard hold that had been preventing their PC from upgrading has officially been removed.
Games That Derailed the Updates (And the Fixes)
Ubisoft’s popular titles had issues running on Windows 11 version 24H2. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s changed:- Fixed Titles:
- Star Wars Outlaws: Buggy gameplay and loading issues have been addressed with Title Update 1.4.0.
- Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora: Performance glitches saw a turnaround after Title Update 1.2. While some performance issues may persist, game-breaking problems are reportedly resolved.
- Assassin’s Creed Franchises (Odyssey, Origins, Valhalla): Ubisoft went deep into the trenches, deploying specific fixes to eliminate loading errors, crashes, and black screens.
- Lifting of Safeguard Holds:
- The safeguard hold ID 54437462 (responsible for blocking the Ubisoft-related updates) was lifted as of January 16, 2025.
- A previously lifted hold ID 54580160 fixed earlier compatibility issues for other affected games back in December 2024.
- Hotfixes vs. Permanent Solutions:
While the initial compatibility issues are resolved, players may still stumble across secondary hiccups like minor performance latency. If you’re affected, check Ubisoft’s patch notes or consider tweaking in-game settings for better performance.
How to Get Windows 11 Version 24H2 Now
So, you’re eager to jump on the 24H2 bandwagon? Here’s how to go about it—and some things to watch out for:Steps to Speed Up the Update
- Restart Your PC: Sometimes, all it takes is a simple restart to prompt your system to search for updates.
- Windows Update: Navigate to Settings > Windows Update and check for the update manually.
- Media Creation Tool: If you’re feeling impatient, download Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool for an in-place upgrade.
- ISO Files: Advanced users can go for the manual method by downloading the 24H2 ISO and flashing it. Just remember to back up data before proceeding.
Gaming Precautions
- Update your Ubisoft titles to their latest version BEFORE upgrading. This is non-negotiable; otherwise, you risk re-introducing bugs.
- Beware of Auto HDR-related issues! While not directly linked to Ubisoft, gaming with Windows 11's Auto HDR feature enabled has caused a fair share of headaches for some users. For now, turning the feature off might save you some grief until Microsoft drops its impending fix.
Patience is Key
Note that even if the upgrade block is gone, your system might not immediately find the update. Windows uses staggered rollouts to test the waters in real-world user environments. If need be, follow the steps above to fast-track your update.Why Should You Care About 24H2?
Windows 11 version 24H2 comes with an assortment of new features aimed at modernizing your PC experience. While not a revolutionary leap, the update adds plenty of enhancements like:- Battery Percentage Display: No more squinting at the battery icon—finally, you’ll see the exact percentage.
- AI-Driven Features: Windows Search now integrates AI-powered improvements, a teaser for what’s to come with deeper AI integrations.
- Enhanced Gaming Features: While Auto HDR needs polishing, Microsoft is working hard to make gaming more immersive and fluid.
Lingering Issues: What’s Next?
While this is undoubtedly a victory lap for Microsoft, the 24H2 rollout isn’t perfect (yet). Here are some areas where the company still has work to do:- Auto HDR: While this feature promises more vibrant visual experiences in games, persistent issues—like washed-out colors—have put a damper on the excitement. Fixes are reportedly on the way.
- Asus PCs: If you're an Asus user, you may still have upgrade restrictions in place due to legacy hardware issues reported back in late 2024.
- Task Manager Bugs: Some reports of Task Manager crashes or freezing on select systems still plague users. Keep an eye on upcoming fixes in Patch Tuesday updates.
Final Thoughts
The lifting of this block is excellent news for both gamers and Windows enthusiasts alike. However, it serves as a reminder of the complexities of modern software environments. Microsoft’s layered response to hardware, software, and gaming ecosystem challenges ensures a more stable user experience. At the same time, it underscores the importance of partnerships—like that with Ubisoft—to smooth out rough edges.As 24H2 expands its reach, its potential to enhance gaming and productivity grows dramatically. For now, grab some popcorn—and maybe a Windows Update—because the journey of keeping your system updated is far from over. Is your PC ready for 24H2, or will you wait for more improvements? Drop your thoughts in the comments on WindowsForum.com!
Source: Neowin https://www.neowin.net/news/more-users-can-download-windows-11-version-24h2-as-microsoft-lifts-another-upgrade-block/
