Microsoft Rolls Out Permanent Fix for Windows 11 Crashes and Gaming Issues, Blames RGB Lighting Devices
In a major victory for Windows 11 users plagued by system crashes and gaming issues, Microsoft has started rolling out a permanent fix that disables the problematic inpoutx64.sys driver. The move comes after weeks of investigation into the root cause of the problem, which was initially thought to be related to August’s Windows updates.
The issue has been affecting games like ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals on systems running Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. Users have reported system crashes, games failing to launch, and “EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION” errors when trying to play these titles. Microsoft has been working to resolve the problem, and after pinpointing the inpoutx64.sys driver as the culprit, it has begun rolling out a fix that blocks its loading on affected devices.
The inpoutx64.sys driver is associated with peripherals featuring built-in RGB lighting. According to Microsoft, these devices may install drivers or code components with file names similar to inpoutx64, which can trigger the issue when certain games are launched. The company has emphasized that this problem is not related to Windows updates, but rather to specific peripheral hardware.
The fix is being rolled out to all consumer and business devices running Windows 11, excluding those managed by IT departments. A system restart will be required for the fix to take effect, which may take up to 24 hours to propagate to all affected devices. Additionally, the driver block will also be included in September’s Windows security updates and future releases.
For enterprise-managed devices where the fix won’t automatically propagate, Microsoft has shared a temporary workaround that involves disabling the inpoutx64 driver using the Windows Registry. This requires IT administrators to navigate through several steps, including backing up the registry first, as they may need to undo the changes if any issues arise.
Microsoft’s efforts to address gaming stability and performance issues caused by Windows updates have been ongoing for some time now. The company has previously removed upgrade blocks set up to prevent players of certain games from upgrading their devices to the latest Windows version, and lifted compatibility holds in January 2025 after fixing a bug in the Auto HDR feature.
As we move forward, it’s essential for users to be aware of the potential risks associated with specific peripheral hardware. By taking preventative measures and staying informed about updates and fixes, users can minimize their exposure to system crashes and gaming issues caused by problematic drivers or code components.
Source: Bleeping Computer — 2026-08-27