Microsoft has provided a temporary workaround for Windows 11 gaming issues that have caused some games to crash, freeze, fail to launch, or unexpectedly restart PCs following the latest August updates.
The problems began appearing after Microsoft released its August 2026 security updates. Affected users have reported crashes and error messages such as EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION, particularly when launching certain games.
Microsoft says the issue is connected to software and drivers installed by some devices with RGB lighting.
Windows 11 Updates Linked to Gaming Problems
The gaming problems have been reported on PCs running Windows 11 version 24H2 and 25H2 after the August updates.
Microsoft has been making broader changes to Windows security as it continues to strengthen protection against emerging threats.
Some of the affected games include ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals.
According to Microsoft’s investigation, the problem appears to involve RGB-enabled peripherals and internal components that install software or drivers associated with a file named inpoutx64.
These components are commonly used by hardware and RGB-control software to communicate with devices. However, changes introduced in the Windows kernel appear to have created compatibility problems with certain games.
The result can be anything from a game refusing to start to complete system instability.
Windows 11 Gaming Issues Are Linked to RGB Drivers
Microsoft’s investigation points toward RGB lighting components as an important part of the issue.
Some affected systems contain a driver named inpoutx64.sys or related components. When certain games are launched, the interaction between these drivers and recent Windows changes can trigger crashes or other unexpected behavior.
Game developer Embark Studios, which develops The Finals and ARC Raiders, has also acknowledged the connection between the issue and the inpoutx64 driver.
This means the problem may not necessarily be caused by the games themselves. Instead, the interaction between Windows, RGB-related drivers, and certain games appears to be responsible.
Microsoft Provides a Temporary Workaround
Until Microsoft releases a permanent solution, affected users can disable the inpoutx64 driver through the Windows Registry.
Microsoft recommends backing up the Registry before making the change. Incorrect Registry modifications can cause Windows or installed software to behave unexpectedly, so users should proceed carefully.
To disable the driver:
- Open the Start menu and search for
regedit. - Open Registry Editor.
- Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\inpoutx64
- Locate the Start value on the right side.
- Double-click Start.
- Change the Value data to
4. - Click OK and close Registry Editor.
- Restart the computer.
After restarting, the driver should be disabled.
Disabling the Driver Can Affect RGB Features
There is an important trade-off with Microsoft’s workaround.
Disabling the inpoutx64 driver may affect RGB lighting and software used to control RGB-enabled hardware. Some keyboards, mice, controllers, cooling systems, motherboards, and other components could lose certain lighting or control functions.
Microsoft therefore recommends treating this as a temporary workaround rather than a permanent solution.
Once Microsoft releases a fix for the underlying compatibility problem, users may need to restore the Registry setting to its previous value to regain affected RGB functionality.
If you’re not experiencing the gaming problem, there is generally no reason to make this Registry change simply because the driver exists on your computer.
Microsoft Is Still Investigating
Microsoft has not yet announced a permanent fix for the underlying Windows 11 gaming issues.
The company is continuing to investigate why specific games are affected by the interaction between Windows and RGB-related components.
Microsoft is also asking affected users to submit reports through the Feedback Hub. These reports can help the company identify additional hardware, drivers, and games that may be affected.
For gamers experiencing crashes after installing the August Windows updates, the temporary Registry workaround may provide a way to get affected games running again. However, users should remember that disabling the driver can also interfere with RGB-related functionality.
What Windows 11 Gamers Should Do
If your games started crashing or refusing to launch after installing the August 2026 Windows updates, check whether your system has RGB-control software or hardware using the affected driver.
Before changing the Registry, create a backup so you can restore the previous configuration if necessary.
If the workaround fixes the problem, keep an eye on future Windows updates for Microsoft’s permanent solution. Once the underlying issue has been resolved, you can restore the Registry setting if you need your RGB features to work normally again.
For now, Microsoft’s workaround gives affected gamers a practical way to troubleshoot the problem while the company continues working on a permanent fix.
Source: BleepingComputer, and Windows.
This Future Tech Hub article is independently written and organized using publicly available information from the sources above.