In November 2024, Microsoft temporarily stopped Windows 11 version 24H2 from being offered through Windows Update on some PCs with Ubisoft games installed. The safeguard hold followed reports that certain games could crash, freeze, become unresponsive, or show a black screen after the upgrade. It was not a ban on the games or on Windows itself. As of August 18, 2026, Microsoft’s current 24H2 release-health page no longer lists this Ubisoft issue as active, and identifies Windows 11 version 25H2 as the latest version.
Which games were affected?
The documented list covered five titles:
- Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
- Assassin’s Creed Origins
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
- Star Wars Outlaws
- Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
This was not a finding that every game in the Assassin’s Creed series was affected. The titles Microsoft identified were Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla. The historical list and symptoms were reported by BleepingComputer.
What happened after installing 24H2?
Microsoft’s description said affected games could stop responding while starting, loading a saved game, or during play. Reports also included crashes, freezes, black screens, and, in some cases, audio problems. The symptoms were not inevitable on every PC; the failure could depend on the title, its version, drivers, and the system.
The available information establishes a compatibility problem associated with 24H2 and the named games, not a single underlying technical cause or sole responsibility by Microsoft or Ubisoft.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute#1 Best Overall
- Desktop-Level Performance, Anywhere: Get legendary gaming performance with the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, delivering ultra-smooth gameplay and future-ready AI (Up to 13 NPU TOPS). Offload tasks like background removal and audio optimization to the NPU for seamless streaming and gaming, while Intel Application Optimization enhances performance on classic titles.
- Game-Changing Realism: Powered by NVIDIA Blackwell architecture, GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU unlocks the game changing realism of full ray tracing. Equipped with a massive level of 992 AI TOPS horsepower, the RTX 50 Series enables new experiences and next-level graphics fidelity. Experience cinematic quality visuals at unprecedented speed with fourth-gen RT Cores and breakthrough neural rendering technologies accelerated with fifth-gen Tensor Cores.
- Supreme Speed. Superior Visuals. Powered by AI: DLSS is a revolutionary suite of neural rendering technologies that uses AI to boost FPS, reduce latency, and improve image quality. DLSS 4 brings a new Multi Frame Generation and enhanced Ray Reconstruction and Super Resolution, powered by GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs and fifth-generation Tensor Cores.
- The Ultimate in Ray Tracing and AI: NVIDIA RTX is the most advanced platform for full ray tracing and neural rendering technologies that are revolutionizing the ways we play and create. Over 700 games and applications use RTX to deliver realistic graphics and incredibly fast performance with cutting-edge AI features like DLSS Multi Frame Generation.
- Immersive Depth and Detail: At 18 inches with a 16:10 aspect ratio, the pristine WQXGA screen offering vibrant colors with up to 100% DCI-P3 operates at a fast 240Hz refresh and 3ms overdrive response time. Alongside the suite of features from NVIDIA G-SYNC and NVIDIA Advanced Optimus, you're guaranteed that whatever's on-screen is a distinct viewing delight.
What did the safeguard hold actually block?
A safeguard hold prevented Windows Update from offering the 24H2 feature update to devices Microsoft judged at risk. It did not uninstall or disable a game, stop a PC from running its existing Windows version, or necessarily prevent ordinary monthly security and quality updates. A game could work on the prior Windows version and still encounter problems after the feature upgrade.
Microsoft uses safeguard holds when compatibility data indicates a serious risk and withholds a feature update until a fix is available and validated. The mechanism and its risks are described in Microsoft’s safeguard-holds documentation. A missing offer alone does not prove that this particular hold is the reason: hardware eligibility, another hold, managed update policies, storage, drivers, or update-service issues can also affect availability.
Rank #2
- Intel Core i9 14th Gen 14900HX 1.6GHz Processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 8GB GDDR7, 32GB DDR5-5600 RAM
- 1TB PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe M.2 SSD
- 15.1" WQXGA OLED Glossy Display
- Gigabit LAN, 2x2 WiFi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4
- 4.19 lbs. (1.90 kg)，Windows 11 Home
How did Ubisoft and Microsoft respond?
Ubisoft issued a temporary Star Wars Outlaws hotfix identified in contemporaneous coverage as version 1.4.1. Ubisoft’s Title Update 1.4.0 notes acknowledged the 24H2 problem and cautioned that some performance issues could remain while a more permanent fix was developed.
Microsoft’s December 5, 2024 notice, reproduced in Microsoft Q&A, said the hold associated with Star Wars Outlaws and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora had been removed after fixes. The notice said Windows Update could take up to 48 hours to offer 24H2 again. A game patch and Microsoft’s compatibility assessment were separate steps; installing one patch did not instantly remove every hold for every affected title.
Rank #3
- [Top Performance Processors] KAIGERR Light gaming laptop R7-5700U by ΑΜD ZEN 3 architecture, matched with 16MB of L3 cache, built by TSMC 7nm process with 8 cores & 16 threads (turbo up to 4.3GHz). KAIGERR office light gaming laptops makes it easy to qualify for your PC work and PC games which have amazing loading and processing power for a smoother PC used experience
- [Huge Capacity Storage] KAIGERR laptop comes with 16GB SODIMM DDR4 RAM, advantages of large operating memory capacity both can reduce read latency of memory data and improve CPU utilization. KAIGERR laptop computer configured with an M.2 2280 NVMe 512GB SSD which offers fast startup and loading of applications, as well as a large amount of storage space for your various files
- [Brilliant Display & Integrated Graphics] KAIGERR Light gaming laptop features an innovative thin-bezel display that provides more usable onscreen space for immersive FHD viewing. KAIGERR laptop integrates with ΑΜD Radeon Graphics and delivers strong graphics processing like a rich level of image detail making it possible to play computer games or edit pictures with a great experience on this laptop
- [Rich Interfaces & Wireless Connectivity] KAIGERR traditional laptop offers a variety of connectivity options, including HDMI, Type-C, 3.5mm TRRS Jack, Memory Card Slot and USB3.2 ports. You can easily connect to various devices and peripherals to expand your capabilities. Mini laptop computers equipped with WiFi6 & Bluetooth 5.2 which offer strong wireless signal, fast wireless connections, and reliable transmission speed
- [Portable Design & Durable] KAIGERR laptop compact design makes it easy to carry with you wherever you go. Also, you can enjoy the benefits of a powerful computer without the bulk of a traditional desktop. KAIGERR laptop computers are built with high-quality components and designed to handle heavy workloads and deliver consistent performance and longevity. If you encounter any problems, please contact us and we will help you solve the problem within 12 hours
What should you do if Windows Update does not offer the upgrade?
- Install available updates for the affected game through Ubisoft Connect, Steam, or Epic Games Store, depending on where you own it.
- Restart the PC.
- Open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
- Allow time for Windows’ compatibility assessment to refresh. After the December 2024 fixes, Microsoft said the offer could take up to 48 hours to return; that was guidance for that historical update, not a guarantee for other holds.
- Type
winverin Start to check the installed Windows version. Then consult Microsoft’s current Windows 11 24H2 release-health page for active issues and version information.
Do not uninstall a game just to force an update: removing it may not immediately refresh compatibility data, and it is not a guaranteed fix. Microsoft advises against manually installing a feature update while a relevant safeguard hold remains active. PCs managed by an organization may also be governed by different update policies or deployment methods.
How can you check whether a safeguard hold is active?
Microsoft documents these registry locations for diagnostics:
Rank #4
- 【ENGINEERED FOR SPEED】The KAIGERR 2026 RX16 laptop is equipped with the powerful AMD Ryzen 7 H255 processor (8C/16T, up to 4.9GHz), delivering superior performance and responsiveness. This upgraded hardware ensures a smooth experience, fast loading times, and high-quality visuals. It provides an immersive, lag-free experience. Its performance is far moere than 30% better than AMD R7 5700U/5800U/5825U/6600HX/7735HS.
- 【Advanced Dual-Fan Cooling】KAIGERR’s dual-fan system expels heat faster than standard designs, drastically reducing thermal buildup during intense gaming or work. Optimized airflow keeps components cool, prevents throttling, and maintains smooth, sustained performance—all while staying quiet. Stay cool, play longer.
- 【INSPIRE YOUR POSSIBILITIES】 The laptop on sale comes with 16GB DDR5 memory and a 512GB M.2 NVMe SSD for faster response times and ample storage. Dual-channel DDR5 memory supports upgrades to 64GB (2x32GB), and NVMe/NGFF SSD can be upgraded to 4TB, providing plenty of space for all your favorite videos/files.
- 【Vivid 16.0" IPS Display】Featuring a wide color gamut and high refresh rate, the 16.1" IPS screen delivers smoother motion, richer colors, and exceptional detail—surpassing standard displays in both accuracy and immersion. Whether gaming, streaming, or creating, every frame appears lifelike and dynamic for a truly engaging visual experience.
- 【KAIGERR: Quality Laptops, Exceptional Support.】Enjoy peace of mind with unlimited technical support and 12 months of repair for all customers, with our team always ready to help. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us—we’re here to help.
HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionAppCompatFlagsAppraiserGWX— the general gated status.HKLMSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionAppCompatFlagsTargetVersionUpgradeExperienceIndicatorsGE24H2— 24H2 indicators, which can includeGStatus,GatedBlockId, andGatedBlockReason.
Run these read-only commands in PowerShell to inspect the values:
Get-ItemProperty `
"HKLM:SOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionAppCompatFlagsAppraiserGWX"
Get-ItemProperty `
"HKLM:SOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionAppCompatFlagsTargetVersionUpgradeExperienceIndicatorsGE24H2"Microsoft documents GStatus = 0 as an active safeguard hold and GStatus = 2 as no hold indicated. Values may not explain the reason in plain language, and compatibility data can be stale or delayed. Use these paths to diagnose, not to change or bypass a hold.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Best Value
- AI-Powered Performance: The AMD Ryzen 7 260 CPU powers the Nitro V 16S, offering up to 38 AI Overall TOPS to deliver cutting-edge performance for gaming and AI-driven tasks, along with 4K HDR streaming, making it the perfect choice for gamers and content creators seeking unparalleled performance and entertainment.
- Game Changer: Powered by NVIDIA Blackwell architecture, GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU unlocks the game changing realism of full ray tracing. Equipped with a massive level of 572 AI TOPS horsepower, the RTX 50 Series enables new experiences and next-level graphics fidelity. Experience cinematic quality visuals at unprecedented speed with fourth-gen RT Cores and breakthrough neural rendering technologies accelerated with fifth-gen Tensor Cores.
- Supreme Speed. Superior Visuals. Powered by AI: DLSS is a revolutionary suite of neural rendering technologies that uses AI to boost FPS, reduce latency, and improve image quality. DLSS 4 brings a new Multi Frame Generation and enhanced Ray Reconstruction and Super Resolution, powered by GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs and fifth-generation Tensor Cores.
- Vibrant Smooth Display: Experience exceptional clarity and vibrant detail with the 16" WUXGA 1920 x 1200 display, featuring 100% sRGB color coverage for true-to-life, accurate colors. With a 180Hz refresh rate, enjoy ultra-smooth, fluid motion, even during fast-paced action.
- Internal Specifications: 32GB DDR5 5600MHz Memory (2 DDR5 Slots Total, Maximum 32GB); 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD (2 x PCIe M.2 Slots | 1 Slot Available)
Is the Ubisoft hold still blocking PCs in 2026?
Microsoft’s release-health page, as of August 18, 2026, no longer lists the Ubisoft-game issue as an active 24H2 problem and identifies 25H2 as the latest Windows 11 version. That does not establish that every game, driver, or PC is free of problems; it means the historical Ubisoft hold is not listed as an active issue there. A device still waiting for an update may have a different compatibility or policy restriction.
Microsoft’s resolved-issues page for 24H2 also records unrelated holds, including an Easy Anti-Cheat issue marked resolved on July 24, 2025. That was a separate incident, not part of the Ubisoft game issue.
Should you bypass a safeguard hold?
For most home users, no. Microsoft warns that opting out can expose a device to known compatibility or performance problems; the documented opt-out procedures are aimed chiefly at IT administrators and validation environments. Forcing 24H2 could reproduce the game failures the hold was intended to prevent. If an administrator has a specific testing need, they should first confirm the relevant hold’s status, make a full backup, and plan recovery rather than treating a bypass as routine troubleshooting.
What if a game still crashes after upgrading?
- Update the game through its store or launcher.
- Install the current graphics driver from your GPU manufacturer.
- Use the launcher’s verify or repair option for the game files.
- Restart Windows after installing updates, then check the game publisher’s current support notes.
- If the problem began after the Windows upgrade and persists, review Windows’ supported recovery or rollback options. Availability depends on when the upgrade occurred and whether the previous installation was retained; back up important data before attempting recovery.
If a game freezes and prevents normal desktop use, ending its process in Task Manager may restore control temporarily. It does not fix the compatibility problem.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
