Microsoft Lifts Windows 11 Upgrade Block for Asphalt 8: Airborne Players

Microsoft has officially removed the upgrade block that previously prevented players of Asphalt 8: Airborne from updating their systems to the latest version of Windows 11, 24H2. This was due to compatibility issues that caused the game to freeze or crash after the update. After working to resolve these issues, Microsoft has now restored the option to upgrade to Windows 11 for players of the game, allowing them to enjoy a seamless experience once again.

the Issue and Resolution

Asphalt 8: Airborne, one of the most popular racing games, had been plagued by issues after players updated to Windows 11 24H2. Upon upgrading, many players found that the game would freeze or display errors while in use or when exiting the game. This led to the need for a restart to recover. According to Microsoft, this was caused by an exception that occurred when trying to use or exit the game after installing the new Windows version.

To address the issue, Microsoft placed a safeguard, identified as safeguard ID 52796746, that prevented the 24H2 update from being installed on systems running Windows 11 22H2 or 23H2 versions that were impacted by this issue. Players were also advised not to manually update their systems using tools like the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or the Media Creation Tool until a resolution was found.

In an update to the Windows Release Health Dashboard, Microsoft confirmed that the issue had been resolved, and the safeguard hold was removed. The company also mentioned that it might take up to 48 hours for the 24H2 update to be available to affected users via the Windows Update settings. A restart of the device could help speed up the process.

This isn’t the first time Microsoft has faced compatibility issues with its Windows 11 updates. Previously, the company had also placed update blocks for problems related to the Easy Anti-Cheat app, AutoCAD users, and certain ASUS devices. While these issues have since been addressed, Microsoft is still working on resolving other safeguard holds related to compatibility with Dirac audio software, integrated cameras, and other applications.

What Undercode Says:

The situation with Asphalt 8: Airborne’s compatibility issues under Windows 11 24H2 highlights the ongoing challenges that arise from major software updates. It’s not uncommon for popular games or apps to experience glitches or performance issues after operating system upgrades, especially when the underlying code is not entirely aligned with the new software.

Microsoft’s response in this case was timely, and the company quickly acted to implement safeguards to prevent further complications for gamers. By offering clear instructions and ensuring players knew not to manually update their devices, Microsoft was able to prevent a widespread issue from becoming worse.

However, this event also brings attention to the broader issue of software compatibility in general. Game developers, hardware manufacturers, and OS creators like Microsoft must continuously work together to ensure a smooth user experience when major updates are released. While it’s great to see that the issue has been resolved, users should be prepared for similar hiccups when updates are rolled out in the future. The best course of action is to always check for known issues before updating and to back up important data in case of unexpected errors.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that Microsoft’s approach to dealing with safeguard holds can be seen as an effective way to mitigate widespread issues. By controlling the flow of updates and preventing installations on incompatible systems, they protect the end-user experience, minimizing frustration and damage caused by poorly executed upgrades.

However, the issue also raises questions about testing protocols. Shouldn’t major game titles like Asphalt 8, with over 470 million players, be tested more thoroughly for compatibility with the latest Windows version before the update is pushed to a large number of users? Perhaps more preemptive testing could reduce the occurrence of such problems.

Overall, the removal of the upgrade block shows that Microsoft is proactive in resolving these compatibility issues, but it also emphasizes the need for constant collaboration between game developers and operating system creators to ensure smoother transitions during major software updates.

Fact Checker Results:

Compatibility Fixes: Microsoft swiftly addressed the compatibility issues by removing the upgrade block for Asphalt 8: Airborne after confirming the issue was resolved.
Update Process: It will take up to 48 hours for the 24H2 update to be made available to affected devices via Windows Update.
Prior Issues: Microsoft has previously lifted safeguard holds for other software and hardware incompatibilities, showing their ongoing effort to resolve such issues.

References:

Reported By: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-lifts-windows-11-upgrade-block-after-asphalt-8-crash-fix/
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