Microsoft has confirmed that some applications relying on Windows’ built-in AC-3 (Dolby Digital) audio decoding may fail to launch or close unexpectedly after installing Windows 11 update KB5124010 or later updates released from September 22, 2026. The issue affects Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2, but not every app or audio file. Microsoft says it is preparing a fix for a future Windows update.
What the KB5124010 AC-3 issue does
AC-3, also known as Dolby Digital, is an audio format. Microsoft’s confirmed issue concerns applications that depend on Windows’ built-in audio decoding: some may fail at startup, close unexpectedly, or continue running until an audio feature—such as music playback—is used. Microsoft names games, media players, and some productivity applications as examples.
This is an application compatibility problem as described by Microsoft, not a reported failure of speakers, headphones, cables, or a digital-to-analog converter. Microsoft says legacy applications that rely on Windows decoding are more likely to be affected; many modern applications include their own decoder and are unlikely to encounter this particular issue. The notice does not say that every AC-3 file or every affected app will crash.
Which Windows 11 versions and updates are affected?
Microsoft identifies Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2 as affected client releases. Its release-health listing identifies no affected Windows Server platform for this issue.
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The trigger Microsoft identifies is KB5124010, a preview cumulative update released September 22, 2026, and later updates. KB5124010 is not the September 8 security update. Microsoft’s support page lists the update for Windows 11 26H2 (OS build 26300.9550), 25H2 (26200.9550), and 24H2 (26100.9550): KB5124010 support page.
How to check whether your PC and app match the issue
- Check your Windows version and build. Open Settings > System > About and review Windows specifications. Compare the version and OS build with the affected releases above.
- Check installed updates. Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history and look for KB5124010 or a later update released from September 22, 2026.
- Note when the app fails. A failure at launch or a crash that occurs only when an audio feature is used is consistent with Microsoft’s description. It does not by itself prove that this Windows issue is the cause.
- Consider the app’s audio implementation. Microsoft says apps using Windows’ built-in decoder are more likely to be affected than apps with their own decoder. Its public notice does not provide a diagnostic tool or a supported procedure for switching codecs.
Microsoft opened the issue as Confirmed on October 2, 2026. Its release-health entry identifies KB5124010 as the originating update and describes the same application symptoms: Windows 11 version 24H2 release-health page.
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Is there a workaround or fix?
Microsoft’s KB5124010 known-issues section says: “Microsoft is working on releasing a resolution for this issue in a future Windows update.” As of October 4, 2026, the reviewed official status says a future update is planned; it does not say the fix has shipped. Check the live release-health entry for a status change before changing update policies or trying codec modifications.
Microsoft’s notice does not provide an AC-3-specific consumer workaround. Do not apply the Known Issue Rollback instructions or manual Explorer workaround elsewhere on the KB5124010 page as an AC-3 fix: those instructions concern a separate black-screen or desktop-loading issue. The page’s USB Audio Class 1.0 issue is also separate and originates with the September 8 security update.
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When the symptoms do not fit
- If the app does not use AC-3 audio, or the crash occurs independently of audio features, Microsoft’s notice does not establish that this issue explains it.
- If the PC is not on one of the listed Windows 11 client versions or does not have KB5124010 or a later update, the documented scope does not match.
- If the problem is that no sound comes from a device, rather than an application failing or closing, the notice does not identify a speaker, headset, cable, or DAC fault.
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