A Windows Update Causes Chaos for Gamers and App Users
Microsoft has confirmed that its September 2026 KB5124010 Windows 11 preview update is crashing some games and applications that use AC-3 (Dolby Digital) audio decoding. The issue, which affects devices running Windows 11 version 24H2 with the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option enabled, causes apps to fail to launch or close without warning when using certain features like playing music.
The affected applications are not limited to just games and media players, but also include some productivity software. However, Microsoft notes that modern apps are less likely to be impacted since many of them use their own audio decoding components rather than relying on Windows for this type of encoding. The problem is more common in older legacy applications that still utilize the built-in Windows audio decoding.
Microsoft’s response to this issue has been to acknowledge the problem and assure users that a fix is being worked on. While an estimated timeline for resolution was not provided, the company will share further information in a future update. This incident is just one of several issues Microsoft has faced recently with its Windows updates. In September, emergency patches were released to address USB audio problems and Remote Desktop Services failures following the installation of earlier security updates.
The KB5124010 update’s impact on gaming and app performance serves as a reminder that even critical system updates can have unforeseen consequences. It highlights the importance of being cautious when installing new software or operating system updates, especially if they are optional or require manual installation. Users should carefully weigh the benefits of updating against the potential risks to their systems and data.
As Microsoft continues to work on resolving this issue, users who experience app crashes or other audio-related problems can try a few troubleshooting steps. Firstly, check if you have any modern apps that use their own audio decoding components, which might not be affected by the issue. Secondly, consider uninstalling any optional updates, including KB5124010, to see if it resolves the problem. If you’re experiencing persistent issues, it’s recommended to contact Microsoft support for further assistance and guidance.
Source: Bleeping Computer — 2026-10-05