Introduction

Windows 11 users have encountered significant challenges with Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed titles, particularly Valhalla and Origins, following the release of the 24H2 update. These issues manifested as game crashes, freezes, and black screens, severely impacting the gaming experience. Recent developments have brought relief, as both Microsoft and Ubisoft have implemented fixes to address these compatibility problems.

Background

The Windows 11 24H2 update introduced several enhancements but also led to unforeseen compatibility issues with certain Ubisoft games. Players reported that Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Origins became unresponsive during startup, loading, or active gameplay, often resulting in black screens. These problems were widely discussed in online forums and communities, highlighting the extent of the disruption.

Microsoft's Response

In response to these widespread issues, Microsoft took proactive measures by applying compatibility holds on devices with the affected games installed. This action prevented the Windows 11 24H2 update from being offered to these systems, aiming to safeguard users from the known problems. Microsoft's Windows release health dashboard provided regular updates on the situation, ensuring transparency and keeping users informed. (learn.microsoft.com)

Ubisoft's Intervention

Simultaneously, Ubisoft acknowledged the compatibility issues and worked diligently to develop patches for the affected titles. In January 2025, Ubisoft released updates for Assassin's Creed Valhalla (version 1.7.0) and Assassin's Creed Origins (version 1.62). These patches, approximately 500MB and 230MB respectively, were designed to resolve the compatibility issues with Windows 11 24H2. The updates became available on platforms like Steam and were expected to roll out on other PC platforms shortly thereafter. (neowin.net)

Resolution and Impact

Following the deployment of these patches, Microsoft lifted the compatibility holds, allowing users to proceed with the Windows 11 24H2 update without concerns regarding these specific games. This resolution restored the gaming experience for players, enabling them to enjoy Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Origins without the previously reported disruptions. The collaborative efforts between Microsoft and Ubisoft underscore the importance of swift responses to compatibility issues, ensuring that software updates enhance rather than hinder user experiences.

Technical Details

The compatibility issues were primarily due to changes in the Windows 11 24H2 update that affected how certain games interacted with the operating system. Ubisoft's patches addressed these issues by updating game files to ensure compatibility with the new system configurations. Users are advised to ensure their games are updated to the latest versions to benefit from these fixes.

Conclusion

The resolution of the compatibility issues between Windows 11 24H2 and Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed titles highlights the critical role of collaboration between software developers and operating system providers. By addressing these challenges promptly, both companies have demonstrated their commitment to delivering a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience for users.