Many users perceive Windows 11 as merely a reimagined version of Windows 10, laden with compromises. However, as the operating system approaches its fourth anniversary, it does offer exclusive features that particularly resonate with the gaming community. Unfortunately, one of these features has led to complications, prompting Microsoft to restrict access to the latest Windows 11 update for a segment of users. In a recent blog post, the company highlighted the gaming enhancements that users miss out on by not transitioning from Windows 10 to 11.
Auto HDR Bug Discovered
In a newly released support document on the official Windows Health Dashboard, Microsoft disclosed the identification of a bug within the Auto HDR feature. This functionality is designed to enhance visuals by converting standard dynamic range (SDR) content to high dynamic range (HDR) on compatible hardware. However, the bug has resulted in games displaying incorrect colors or freezing entirely.
At this stage, Microsoft has not detailed which specific device configurations or games are impacted by this issue. The only known solution for users wishing to upgrade to the latest Windows 11 release is to disable Auto HDR. Consequently, Microsoft has implemented a compatibility hold on all Windows 11 systems utilizing this feature:
To safeguard your update experience, we have applied a compatibility hold on devices that have enabled Auto HDR. These devices will not be offered to install Windows 11, version 24H2 via the Windows Update release channel. IT administrators using Windows Update for Business reports can check this issue using its safeguard ID: 55382406.
Important: We recommend that you do not attempt to manually update to version 24H2 using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or the media creation tool until this issue has been resolved.
While Microsoft is diligently working on a fix, users who wish to proceed with the update to Windows 11 version 24H2 are advised to disable Auto HDR. This can be accomplished by navigating to Settings > System > Display > Use HDR and toggling off the Auto HDR feature. Unfortunately, there is currently no information regarding the status of the Auto HDR feature post-update to version 24H2.
This is not the first gaming-related issue associated with Windows 11 version 24H2. Following its release on October 1, 2024, Microsoft alerted users that games utilizing Easy Anti-Cheat would experience crashes leading to a blue screen of death after the update. Additionally, titles such as Asphalt 8 encountered responsiveness issues. Microsoft later acknowledged compatibility challenges with certain Ubisoft games on Windows 11 version 24H2. Although some of these games have received patches, others remain incompatible with the latest update, and now the Auto HDR complications add to the growing list of concerns.
