Microsoft coughs up yet more Windows 11 24H2 headaches
Users report the sound of silence from operating system update
Microsoft has logged some new known issues with Windows 11 24H2 and thrown up more safeguard holds until the problems are resolved.
The latest glitches noted in Microsoft's Windows Release Health Dashboard are related to audio and gaming.
The audio issue was reported by users who upgraded to Microsoft's latest and greatest but found that their device's integrated speakers, Bluetooth speakers, and Bluetooth headsets stopped working and disappeared as far as both first and third-party applications were concerned.
The problem is confined to some devices containing Dirac Audio, a technology designed to enhance digital audio. The software component cridspapo.dll is the culprit, and Microsoft said an updated manufacturer driver was required.
Until the release of that driver, Microsoft has slapped a compatibility safeguard hold on affected devices, meaning that Windows 11 24H2 will not be offered via Windows Update. The company did not name names, only saying "a limited set of devices from one manufacturer" would be the subject of the hold.
This is helpful for users with affected devices that have yet to perform the upgrade. It is, however, not so useful for users wondering why their world has suddenly gone silent.
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The hold will be lifted once the driver has been released.
Gamers using Auto HDR are not so lucky. A compatibility safeguard hold has been put on devices with the technology enabled after users complained about incorrect colors and games ceasing to respond.
Auto HDR (high dynamic range) increases the color range and brightness in games. Enabling it, according to Microsoft, "enhances gaming experience by automatically converting standard dynamic range (SDR) content to high dynamic range (HDR)."
It's a neat bit of technology that can enhance the look of some games. However, in Windows 11 24H2, it can also leave games unplayable for affected users.
For the time being, Microsoft's solution is to turn off Auto HDR. This will allow Windows 11 24H2 to be installed or stop the issues if the update is already present.
In the longer term, Microsoft said: "We are working on a resolution and will provide more information when it is available." ®