A new optional Windows update is causing games and programs to crash. Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2 are affected. Microsoft has confirmed the issue in an official support document.
Which Windows Update is Causing the Crashes?
We're talking about the optional update KB5124010, which has been distributed since September 22, 2026. According to GameStar, PC Games Hardware was the first to report on it. The trigger is a bug in Windows' built-in AC-3 decoder (Dolby Digital). Affected applications either fail to launch or close without warning as soon as music or sound effects are loaded.
Which Games and Programs are Affected?
According to Microsoft, it primarily impacts older games, media players, and certain productivity tools. Modern titles usually come with their own audio decoders, bypassing the faulty Windows component. Microsoft has not specified which programs are crashing. The fact that 24H2 and 25H2 are also affected is due to their shared technical foundation with the new annual update 26H2.
What Can I Do About the Crashes?
Microsoft is working on a fix for an upcoming update but has not provided a timeline. Until then, you have two options:
- Temporarily disable audio output in the affected application
- Remove update KB5124010 via Settings > Windows Update > Update History > "Uninstall updates"
Since this is an optional preview update, uninstalling it will not create any security vulnerabilities.
Why is This Particularly Annoying for Gamers?
This update was supposed to put an end to an already chaotic patch month. The September update KB5124008 caused problems with Remote Desktop and virtual machines. The emergency update KB5129195 on September 14 then crippled File History. KB5124010 was intended to fix exactly that, but according to Windows Latest, it only partially resolved the issue and incidentally introduced the AC-3 bug. Additionally, there's a separate audio problem: external USB audio devices of class 1.0 are reporting Device Manager error "Code 10."
From our perspective: If you use your system for retro games or older tools, it's best not to install optional preview updates for now.
Source: GameStar
Has this update affected you too? Tell us in the comments which games are crashing for you!
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