Microsoft has recently made headlines with the announcement of a remake of its beloved DreamScene video wallpaper feature for Windows. However, alongside this exciting news, the tech giant has also confirmed a significant issue affecting video playback in the latest versions of its Windows 11 operating system.
Playback Issues in Windows 11
According to information shared on the known issues and notifications page for Windows 11 version 24H2, users may encounter difficulties when attempting to play protected content. This problem appears to arise following the installation of the non-security preview update released on August 29, 2025, or any subsequent updates. The cumulative update for September 2025, which was made available to the public on September 9, 2025, is also implicated in this playback issue.
Microsoft elaborates that the complications primarily affect applications utilizing the Enhanced Video Renderer with HDCP enforcement or Digital Rights Management (DRM) for digital audio. Users may experience a range of frustrating symptoms, including copyright protection errors, frequent playback interruptions, freezing, or even black screens. Notably, this issue does not extend to popular video streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, or HBO Max, meaning that users can still enjoy their favorite shows on these platforms without interruption.
Interestingly, the Enhanced Video Renderer is a legacy component that has been superseded by the Simple Video Renderer (SVR), which is integrated into MediaPlayer and IMFMediaEngine. While Microsoft has not specified which applications are affected by this issue, it remains a concern for users relying on older playback technologies.
In response to the situation, Microsoft is actively working on a resolution and has promised to provide updated information as it becomes available. For now, users facing these playback challenges have a few options to consider:
- Downgrade the operating system to a version prior to the August 29 update, which would restore functionality but may expose the system to security vulnerabilities.
- Switch to alternative playback applications that are not impacted by the issue, although the lack of a definitive list from Microsoft makes this a somewhat uncertain solution.
- Refrain from watching DRM-protected content in the affected applications until a fix is released.
While options one and two may alleviate the playback problems, they come with their own set of challenges. Uninstalling the September 2025 patch could leave the operating system vulnerable to potential security threats, while finding an unaffected app may require some trial and error. As such, the most prudent course of action for many users may be to patiently await an official patch from Microsoft.
Now You: do you watch DRM-protected content on your Windows desktops? Are you affected by the issue? Feel free to leave a comment down below.
