Microsoft has temporarily halted the rollout of its latest Windows 11 update (version 24H2) for PCs running certain Ubisoft games. This decision comes after reports of game crashes, freezes, and audio issues affecting popular titles like Assassin’s Creed and Star Wars Outlaws.
Windows 11 Updates Paused for Some Ubisoft Gamers
Microsoft has paused the rollout of the Windows 11 24H2 update on systems with selected Ubisoft games due to significant compatibility problems, causing widespread crashing and other performance issues.
The Problem
The issue appears to stem from compatibility problems between the Windows 11 24H2 update and specific Ubisoft game files or DRM (Digital Rights Management) systems. Gamers have reported problems occurring during startup, loading screens, or even during active gameplay. In some cases, users encountered a black screen, rendering the games unplayable.
Affected Games
Microsoft has confirmed the following Ubisoft titles are affected:
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
- Assassin’s Creed Origins
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
- Star Wars Outlaws
- Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Microsoft’s Response
Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is working with Ubisoft to find a solution. In the meantime, they have implemented a “compatibility hold,” preventing the 24H2 update from automatically installing on PCs with the affected Ubisoft games installed.
Microsoft also advises users against manually updating their OS to version 24H2 if they have these games installed.
Ubisoft’s Response
Ubisoft has also acknowledged the issue and is collaborating with Microsoft to resolve it. They have released updates for some affected games, such as Star Wars Outlaws, to address the crashes.
What to Do if You’re Affected
- Do not manually update to Windows 11 24H2: If you have any of the affected Ubisoft games installed, wait for Microsoft to lift the compatibility hold.
- Update your Ubisoft games: Ensure your Ubisoft games are updated to the latest versions, as Ubisoft is releasing patches to address the issue.
- Monitor for updates: Keep an eye on Microsoft and Ubisoft’s official channels for announcements about a fix.
This situation highlights the complexities of software compatibility and the challenges of maintaining a vast ecosystem of games and operating systems. While it’s frustrating for gamers experiencing these issues, it’s reassuring to see Microsoft and Ubisoft working together to find a solution.
Short Summary:
- Microsoft identified compatibility issues with Ubisoft titles after the Windows 11 24H2 update.
- Affected games include Star Wars Outlaws and several Assassin’s Creed entries, among others.
- Temporary fixes are in the works as Microsoft advises users not to manually update their systems.
The recent release of Windows 11 version 24H2 has led to a frustrating problem for gamers, especially those who enjoy titles published by Ubisoft. Reports have surfaced that numerous popular Ubisoft games are suffering from crashes, freezes, and black screens following the installation of this latest Windows update. This predicament has prompted Microsoft to impose a temporary compatibility hold on the update for PCs featuring specific Ubisoft titles, including Star Wars Outlaws, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Assassin’s Creed Origins, and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, along with the upcoming title Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.
Initially, the 24H2 update, also referred to as the Windows 11 2024 Update, was rolled out with the promise of improved functionality and performance enhancements. However, users quickly began highlighting serious gameplay disruptions across online forums, social media platforms, and Microsoft’s own Feedback Hub. Videos and posts detailing players being booted out of games, encountering persistent lag, or facing audio abnormalities flooded the internet.
“Is anybody else experiencing strange lag after the latest Windows update? I can play for some minutes and then crash,” shared a frustrated Assassin’s Creed Origins player on Reddit, capturing the mounting discontent among gamers.
Microsoft has acknowledged these compatibility issues in an official statement, clarifying, “After installing Windows 11, version 24H2, you might encounter issues with some Ubisoft games. These games might become unresponsive while starting, loading, or during active gameplay.” The company emphasized the severity of the situation, urging players to refrain from manually updating to avoid further complications.
Which Games Are Affected?
The list of games experiencing problems, according to Microsoft, is as follows:
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
- Assassin’s Creed Origins
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
- Star Wars Outlaws
- Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
The issues range from total game crashes right at launch to freezing screens during gameplay, causing distress for gamers who had anticipated smoother interactions since the Windows update. In some cases, players are left to bring the game back to a state of functionality via the Task Manager, further compounding their frustration as they try to salvage their gaming experience.
Temporary Fixes and Responses
Despite the initial setbacks, Ubisoft has stepped up to address some of the challenges. A temporary hotfix, version 1.4.1, has been rolled out for Star Wars Outlaws, aiming to mitigate the crashing problems that players have been reporting. Nonetheless, Ubisoft cautioned that users may still encounter performance issues, indicating that a comprehensive patch is still necessary.
“We have just deployed a temporary hotfix for players who were experiencing issues playing on Windows 11 24H2,” Ubisoft mentioned in their forum announcement. “Please note that you may experience some performance issues while we work on a more permanent fix.”
When it comes to the other affected titles, Ubisoft has indicated through various communication channels that they are actively investigating the issues. Players have expressed their discontent, questioning why these problems weren’t rectified during the Windows 11 Insider Preview phase—when early testers had already flagged these concerns.
Why Is This Happening?
The root of these compatibility problems appears tied to how Windows 11 24H2 manages resource-heavy gaming functions. Speculations suggest potential conflicts stemming from:
- Memory Management Changes: Adjustments to memory allocation may disrupt compatibility with game engines, creating processing errors.
- Graphics Driver Interference: Updates like these can affect DirectX and driver functionality crucial for rendering graphics in modern gaming.
- Audio Processing Updates: Issues linked to audio glitches indicate disruptions in Windows’ audio processing, impacting games that rely on earlier API versions.
As gamers continue to voice their displeasure over the cascading technical problems, especially given that these glitches appeared in preview versions, many wonder how such a critical oversight could occur. Players had already expressed their concerns during testing, leading to the question, “Why was a buggy release allowed to proceed?”
Recommendation for Gamers
If you are among those who have yet to upgrade, Microsoft’s compatibility hold offers a layer of safety.
- Stay Put: Hold off on updating to Windows 11 24H2 until these issues are addressed. Monitor discussions in forums or Microsoft’s official pages for announcements.
For those who have already taken the plunge and updated, the best course of action would involve:
- Downloading Temporary Fixes: For players of Star Wars Outlaws, ensure you have the latest temporary hotfix to minimize crashing.
- Regular Updates: Keep your games updated to their latest versions, which may include crucial patches.
- Patience: Avoid making drastic moves like downgrading your OS or uninstalling updates, as these can lead to further system complications.
The Bigger Picture
The fallout from this update serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between operating system updates and gaming performance. Microsoft has positioned Windows 11 as the ultimate platform for gaming, promoting features designed for enhanced enjoyment. However, scenarios like these undermine that reputation, causing gamers to question the reliability of both OS updates and developer support.
“Gamers are caught in the middle of a frustrating delay; while Microsoft temporarily halts updates, Ubisoft scrambles for solutions,” commented a gaming analyst, highlighting the considerable impact on user trust.
This situation raises critical questions about the processes surrounding major updates. Should game developers enhance their compatibility testing with upcoming OS releases? Are Microsoft’s rigid update timelines a disservice when gaming performance is compromised?
As Microsoft and Ubisoft race against time to remedy these issues, players are left in a challenging position—waiting for solutions while trying to balance the joys of gaming with the frustration caused by these technical inconsistencies. Until concrete fixes are available, gamers might consider revisiting titles that are unaffected by the recent Windows 11 update. In the interim, as both companies work towards a breakthrough resolution, vigilance and patience remain key for all impacted gamers.
