Microsoft admits Windows 11 24H2 could play havoc with some online games – and it’s blocked the update for affected PCs

Windows 11 24H2 has recently made its debut, but it appears that some users, particularly PC gamers, are encountering a few unwelcome surprises in the form of bugs. The rollout of this update has been cautious, primarily targeting Windows 11 PCs, while Copilot+ devices have been running 24H2 since launch, albeit without all features and with additional AI capabilities on the horizon.

According to the Windows release health status dashboard, issues have already emerged, notably affecting Asphalt 8 and certain games utilizing Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC), including popular titles like Fortnite and Apex Legends. Microsoft has acknowledged that “some devices using Easy Anti-Cheat stop responding and receive a blue screen.” It’s important to note that not all EAC games are impacted; the problem seems confined to those running an older version of the anti-cheating tool. Specifically, versions predating April 2024 may trigger a ‘Memory Management’ Blue Screen of Death, effectively freezing the system.

Interestingly, this issue appears to be limited to PCs equipped with Intel CPUs, particularly Alder Lake processors and newer models, leaving AMD Ryzen users unaffected. The Asphalt 8 bug presents a more straightforward challenge, occasionally causing the game to freeze and become unresponsive.

Compatibility Measures in Place

In light of these complications, Microsoft has implemented compatibility holds on systems with Asphalt 8 installed or those running outdated versions of Easy Anti-Cheat. Consequently, users in these categories will not see the Windows 11 24H2 update available in Windows Update until the incompatibility issues are resolved.

For those eager to experience the enhancements of 24H2, the only recourse regarding Asphalt 8 may be to uninstall the game, although this could still delay the update due to the phased rollout. In the case of Easy Anti-Cheat, players are encouraged to check for the latest patches for their games, which may include updated versions of the anti-cheat tool. Ideally, developers would ensure that the most recent version of EAC is bundled with game updates, as running an outdated version is not a fault of Microsoft.

Beyond gaming-related issues, Microsoft has also flagged several non-gaming problems with Windows 11 24H2. These include erratic behavior from fingerprint sensors, disruptions caused by apps that customize wallpapers, and compatibility challenges with PCs utilizing the Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) driver. Fortunately, no critical issues have been reported at this stage, which is a relief for users as the update continues its gradual rollout.

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Microsoft admits Windows 11 24H2 could play havoc with some online games – and it’s blocked the update for affected PCs