Windows 11 24H2, the latest feature update from Microsoft, is under fire from the gaming community due to significant compatibility issues. Several popular games, including Path of Exile 2 and Ubisoft titles like Assassin’s Creed Origins, have been plagued by critical performance problems, crashing, and system instability.
These bugs have caused frustration among gamers, leading to negative reviews and widespread criticism of both Microsoft and game developers.
Path of Exile 2 Suffers from System-Freezing Bugs
One of the most alarming issues reported with the 24H2 update is its impact on Path of Exile 2, a highly anticipated action RPG. Players have reported that the game often freezes during loading screens or when entering new areas.
In most cases, the system becomes entirely unresponsive, forcing users to reboot their PCs. For a game that demands high performance and smooth transitions, these issues have left players feeling deeply frustrated.
Discussions on Reddit and gaming forums are flooded with complaints about these bugs. Many players noted that the game worked perfectly fine on the previous version of Windows 11, 23H2.
This has led some to roll back their operating system to regain stable gameplay. However, this process can be cumbersome and is not an ideal solution for most users.
Temporary Fixes for Path of Exile 2 Players
To address the freezing issues in Path of Exile 2, some players have discovered temporary workarounds. One method involves disabling the game’s “engine multithreading” option.
While this fix can prevent freezing, it comes with a significant downside: it reduces the game’s performance, making gameplay choppy and less enjoyable.
Another workaround involves using Windows Task Manager to adjust CPU affinity settings. Players can right-click on the game process, select “Set Affinity,” and disable one or more CPU cores.
This approach has shown mixed results but might help stabilize the game for some users. Both solutions are far from ideal and underscore the need for an official fix from Microsoft or the game’s developers.
Ubisoft Games Hit Hard by Compatibility Issues
The 24H2 update has also caused chaos for Ubisoft games, most notably Assassin’s Creed Origins. Players have encountered black screens, game crashes, and system freezes, rendering the game unplayable for many.
These issues have been compounded by Ubisoft’s decision to heavily discount Assassin’s Creed Origins during a recent Steam sale, which attracted a wave of new players unaware of the compatibility problems.
New buyers, lured in by the 90% discount, have taken to Steam to express their frustration. Many have left negative reviews, citing their inability to run the game on systems updated to 24H2.
This has led to a drop in the game’s recent review score, tarnishing its otherwise positive reputation.
Adding to the frustration, Microsoft has implemented a compatibility hold that blocks the 24H2 update on systems with Assassin’s Creed Origins already installed. However, this safeguard does not protect users who purchased the game after updating their OS, leaving them stranded with a product that doesn’t work as intended.
Auto HDR and Other Issues
Beyond specific games, the 24H2 update has introduced problems with Windows 11’s Auto HDR feature, a tool designed to enhance visuals in supported games. Many players have reported that enabling Auto HDR causes incorrect colors, flickering, or even crashes in some titles.
Disabling this feature has become a common recommendation for those encountering these issues, but doing so sacrifices one of Windows 11’s key gaming enhancements.
Hardware-related bugs have also been noted, including inconsistent performance with certain GPUs and peripherals. These issues have added to the growing dissatisfaction among gamers who feel that the 24H2 update was released without adequate testing for its impact on gaming.
Growing Frustration Among Gamers
The gaming community’s response to these issues has been overwhelmingly negative. Forums, social media platforms, and review sites are filled with criticism of Microsoft’s handling of the update. Many gamers believe the company has prioritized rolling out new features over ensuring compatibility with existing games and hardware.
For Path of Exile 2 players, the situation is particularly disheartening given the game’s competitive nature. Frequent crashes and performance drops can ruin gameplay experiences, especially for those participating in the game’s timed challenges and events.
Ubisoft’s handling of the situation has also drawn ire. Gamers argue that the company should have been more transparent about the known issues with Windows 11 24H2, especially during the promotional sale of Assassin’s Creed Origins. Many feel that the lack of warnings amounts to a breach of trust.
Microsoft’s Response and Ongoing Efforts
Microsoft has acknowledged the problems caused by the 24H2 update and confirmed that it is investigating the issues. User reports on the Feedback Hub have been flagged with messages indicating that the company is looking into the matter. While this provides some reassurance, the lack of immediate fixes has left many gamers in limbo.
To mitigate the situation, Microsoft has paused the rollout of the 24H2 update for systems with known compatibility issues. However, for users who have already installed the update, the only options are to apply the temporary workarounds or revert to the previous version of Windows 11.
Game developers, including Grinding Gear Games (the creators of Path of Exile 2), are also working on updates to address the compatibility issues. However, these fixes are likely to take time, as they require coordination with Microsoft to resolve the underlying OS problems.
Recommendations for Gamers Affected by 24H2
If you’re a gamer dealing with the fallout of the 24H2 update, there are a few steps you can take to minimize disruptions:
- Stay Updated: Regularly check for updates from Microsoft and game developers. Patches may be released to address these issues in the coming weeks.
- Disable Auto HDR: If you’re experiencing visual glitches, turn off Auto HDR in your system settings.
- Use Workarounds: Consider temporary fixes like disabling engine multithreading or adjusting CPU affinity in Task Manager. While these solutions may not be perfect, they can help stabilize gameplay.
- Revert to Windows 11 23H2: If all else fails, rolling back to the previous version of Windows 11 might restore functionality for affected games. Be sure to back up your data before attempting this process.
- Monitor Official Channels: Follow Microsoft and game developers on social media or official forums for updates on fixes and new developments.
Implications for Windows 11’s Gaming Reputation
The ongoing issues with the 24H2 update have raised serious concerns about Windows 11’s reliability as a gaming platform.
While the operating system boasts features like DirectStorage and Auto HDR that are meant to enhance gaming, these benefits are overshadowed by persistent bugs and compatibility problems.
For Microsoft, regaining the trust of the gaming community will require swift and effective action. This includes not only resolving the current issues but also improving the testing process for future updates to ensure that they do not disrupt gaming experiences.
