Microsoft: Windows KB5124010 update crashes some games and apps
Description
The Microsoft Windows KB5124010 preview update released in September 2026 causes crashes in some games and applications that use AC-3 (Dolby Digital) audio decoding. The issue affects legacy applications relying on Windows built-in audio decoding, leading to failures to launch or unexpected closures when audio features are used. Modern applications that use their own audio decoding components are generally not impacted. The update is optional unless automatic updates are enabled on Windows 11 24H2 devices. Microsoft is aware of the problem and working on a fix but has not provided a timeline.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
Microsoft confirmed that the September 2026 KB5124010 Windows 11 preview update causes crashes in certain games and applications using AC-3 (Dolby Digital) audio decoding. The crashes occur because the update affects the Windows built-in audio decoding component used primarily by legacy applications. Affected applications may fail to launch or close unexpectedly when audio playback features are used. Many modern apps are unaffected as they use their own audio decoding implementations. The update is optional but installs automatically on Windows 11 24H2 systems with immediate update settings enabled. Microsoft is investigating and working on a resolution but has not announced a fix timeline.
Potential Impact
Applications and games that rely on Windows built-in AC-3 audio decoding may fail to launch or crash unexpectedly, disrupting user experience. This affects legacy software using this audio codec, potentially impacting media playback and productivity applications. Modern applications that do not use the Windows built-in decoder are generally unaffected. The issue may cause instability in affected software but does not indicate a security compromise or data loss.
Defensive Guidance
The KB5124010 update is optional unless automatic updates are enabled on Windows 11 24H2 devices. Users experiencing crashes can choose to uninstall the update or delay installation until Microsoft releases a fix. Microsoft is actively working on a resolution and will provide updates via the Windows release health dashboard. No immediate workaround or patch is currently available.
Technical Details
- Classification
- {"confidence":0.3,"severitySource":"default","classifier":"rss-v2"}
- Article Source
- {"url":"https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-windows-kb5124010-update-crashes-some-games-and-apps/","fetched":true,"fetchedAt":"2026-10-05T09:48:27.064Z","wordCount":684}
Threat ID: 6ac3726b2cdf04f656ec1178
Added to database: 10/05/2026, 09:48:27 UTC
Last enriched: 10/05/2026, 09:48:31 UTC
Last updated: 10/05/2026, 11:48:28 UTC
Views: 6
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