Microsoft fixes Windows update bug that crashed games and apps using AC-3 audio
Affected users should install the October 2026 security update, which includes the fix for crashes caused by the September preview update.
Microsoft says the October 2026 Patch Tuesday update KB5127648 fixes a crash bug that appeared after the September 2026 preview update KB5124010 and affected games and Windows 11 apps using AC-3 audio decoding. The problem could stop apps from opening, make them quit unexpectedly, or only show up when audio features such as music playback were used. KB5124010 was optional for most people, but it could install automatically on devices set to get updates as soon as they are available. Microsoft advises affected users to apply the latest security update, which it says includes this fix, and notes that many newer apps using their own decoding path were not impacted.
Why it matters
The bug hit people who had the optional September preview update installed, including devices that received it automatically, and left games and Windows 11 apps that relied on Windows' built-in AC-3 decoding either failing to open or quitting without warning. Many newer apps that handle this audio format themselves were not affected, so the impact was limited to older software that depended on the built-in decoder. Installing the October security update removes the problem for those who were hit.
Matters or hype?
Does this story matter, or is it hype? Vote before you see what everyone else said.
Sources
- BleepingComputer