If your games or apps started crashing after the Windows 11 update, the cause is a confirmed bug in update KB5124010. It breaks Windows’ built-in AC-3 (Dolby Digital) audio decoding, so apps can crash when they play audio, change volume, or use audio features. The fastest fix is to uninstall KB5124010, or install the newer Patch Tuesday update that addresses it. Steps for both are below.
What Is Happening (and Why)
Microsoft confirmed the issue affects Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2 after installing the optional preview update KB5124010 (released September 22, 2026). Affected apps may fail to launch, close without warning, or crash when audio plays — including games, media players, and some productivity apps. Reports from gamers mention crashes in older titles that use AC-3 audio.
The good news: Microsoft says a fix is coming in the next update, and the October 2026 Patch Tuesday update (October 13) is the first place to look for it.
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Fix 1: Uninstall KB5124010 (Fastest Fix)
- Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history.
- Click Uninstall updates.
- Find KB5124010 in the list and click Uninstall.
- Restart your PC and test the game or app again.
If the crashes stop, the update was the cause.
Fix 2: Install the Latest Patch Tuesday Update
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Turn on “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.”
- Click Check for updates and install everything offered.
- Restart and test again.
Fix 3: Update Your Audio Drivers
- Right-click Start > Device Manager.
- Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
- Right-click your audio device > Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
- Restart your PC.
Fix 4: Disable Audio Enhancements
- Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar > Sound settings.
- Select your output device, then open Properties / Advanced.
- Turn off audio enhancements (sometimes called “signal enhancements”).
- Test the game or app again.
Fix 5: Pause Updates Until the Fix Lands
If uninstalling isn’t an option, buy time:
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Pause updates and choose 1–2 weeks.
- Check back after the next Patch Tuesday for the official fix.
Before any update, create a restore point (search “Create a restore point” in Start) — it makes rolling back painless.
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How to Confirm the Bug Is Your Problem
- Crashes started right after a Windows update in late September / October 2026.
- The app crashes when audio plays, or when you change volume/audio settings.
- You’re on Windows 11 24H2, 25H2, or 26H2 (check Settings > System > About).
- The game or app uses AC-3 / Dolby Digital audio.
If all four match, KB5124010 is almost certainly the cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Windows 11 versions are affected?
Windows 11 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2 with KB5124010 installed.
Is it safe to uninstall KB5124010?
Yes. It’s an optional preview update, not a security update. Your PC will keep working, and you can reinstall later updates normally.
Will Microsoft fix this?
Microsoft has confirmed the bug and says a fix is coming in the next update. Install Patch Tuesday updates as they arrive.
Do all games crash, or only some?
Only apps and games that use Windows’ built-in AC-3 audio decoding. Apps using other audio formats are generally unaffected.
What if uninstalling doesn’t help?
Update your audio drivers, disable audio enhancements, and check for the newest Windows update. If problems persist, use System Restore to roll back to before the update.
