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Microsoft has confirmed that some Windows 11 apps—including some games—can fail to launch or close unexpectedly after updates released September 22, 2026, and later. The issue affects Windows 11 versions 26H2, 25H2, and 24H2 when an app relies on Windows’ AC-3 (Dolby Digital) audio decoder. Microsoft says it is working on a fix for a future Windows update, but has not said that the fix will arrive in the next update or given a release date.
What is causing the Windows 11 crashes?
Microsoft’s Windows Release Health entry for the AC-3 issue says that, after installing updates released September 22, 2026 (including KB5124010) and later, some applications that need AC-3 audio decoding may close unexpectedly. AC-3, also known as Dolby Digital, is an audio format; the reported problem is tied to applications’ use of Windows’ decoder, not a confirmed general graphics or hardware fault.
Depending on what the app is doing, it may fail to launch, close without warning, or work until a feature such as music playback is used. Microsoft says games, media players, and some productivity apps may be affected. It does not name particular games in this AC-3 issue entry.
Why many games and apps may be unaffected
The problem is not described as affecting every game or every app. Microsoft says the likelihood depends on the application’s activity and that many modern applications include their own decoding rather than using Windows for this function, so they are unlikely to encounter the issue. Legacy applications that rely on Windows’ built-in decoder are more likely to be affected. Microsoft has not published an incidence rate.
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Which Windows versions are affected?
Microsoft lists Windows 11 26H2, 25H2, and 24H2 as affected client versions. Its AC-3 entry does not list an affected Windows Server version.
Windows 11 26H2 became generally available on September 29, 2026, through a controlled, phased rollout to eligible 24H2 and 25H2 devices. That release timing is separate from the AC-3 problem: Microsoft says the issue follows updates released September 22 and later, and its affected-version list includes all three client releases.
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Has Microsoft promised a fix in the next update?
No. Microsoft says, “We are working on releasing a resolution for this issue in a future Windows update.” The current entry does not name a target update, provide a KB number, or give an estimated date. “Future update” is the published commitment; a fix in the next update is not confirmed.
Is this the same as the August 2026 game-crash problem?
No connection between the two issues has been established. A separate Windows Central report published August 20, 2026 described game problems after the August 11 KB5121003 update on Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. That report named ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals, and described freezes, crashes, EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION errors, and full PC reboots. It did not identify 26H2 as affected by that August issue.
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The August report attributed a temporary workaround to Embark Studios: stop and delete the inpoutx64 service, then delete C:WindowsSystem32driversinpoutx64.sys. It also mentioned rolling Windows back to an earlier update. Those steps were reported for the separate August game issue; Microsoft has not offered them as a fix for the current AC-3 problem. Do not delete that driver or roll back Windows on the assumption that it will resolve an AC-3-related app failure.
| Issue | Update and versions reported | Reported symptoms or mechanism | Published fix status |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC-3 decoder issue confirmed by Microsoft | Updates released September 22, 2026 (including KB5124010) and later; Windows 11 26H2, 25H2, and 24H2 | Some apps that rely on Windows’ AC-3 decoder may fail to launch or close unexpectedly; games may be among them | Microsoft is working on a resolution in a future Windows update; no package or date named |
| Separate August game-crash report | KB5121003, released August 11, 2026; Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2, according to the August 20 report | Reported game freezes and crashes, EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION errors, and PC reboots | Windows Central reported that Microsoft was investigating; it described an Embark-attributed temporary workaround for the affected game issue |
What should you do if an app is crashing?
If the problem began after a September 22-or-later update
- Check whether you are running Windows 11 26H2, 25H2, or 24H2 and whether the affected app uses Windows for AC-3 audio decoding. Microsoft says the issue is conditional, and not every app or game will be affected.
- For this AC-3 issue, Microsoft has not published a consumer workaround in its current Release Health entry. Avoid applying steps reported for unrelated crashes unless they are specifically confirmed for your problem.
- To report an update problem, Microsoft points users to Feedback Hub. Its Release Health page also directs people needing broader help to Windows Get Help or Microsoft Support.
- Check Microsoft’s Release Health entry for changes to the status, including a named fix or newly published workaround.
If the symptoms match the August KB5121003 reports
That is a different reported issue, associated with KB5121003 and specific games named in the August coverage. The driver-service workaround and rollback mentioned above should be treated as report-specific, not general Windows crash troubleshooting. The August report said Microsoft was asking affected gamers to submit reports through Feedback Hub.
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Do not confuse the app issue with the File History fix
Microsoft’s Windows 11 26H2 update history describes a separate File History backup problem that updates released on or after September 22, 2026, such as KB5124010, resolve. That resolved backup issue is distinct from the AC-3 application problem, which Microsoft listed as confirmed on October 2 and for which it says a future resolution is in progress.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How Windows 11 26H2 is being delivered
Microsoft announced general availability of Windows 11 26H2 on September 29, 2026. The company says eligible devices on 24H2 and 25H2 receive it through a controlled, phased rollout. On eligible devices, turning on “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” can make the device among the first offered the update; it does not guarantee immediate availability. Microsoft describes 26H2 as sharing the servicing foundation of recent Windows releases, with an enablement-package path for many eligible devices. Details are in Microsoft’s Windows 11 2026 Update announcement.
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