Microsoft has issued compatibility safeguard holds for Windows 11 24H2 after uncovering two significant issues affecting device functionality.
These problems—one involving Dirac Audio and the other Auto HDR—have led to warnings against manual upgrades.
The issues can disrupt audio output and gaming performance, making it crucial for users to hold off on updating until solutions are available.
Dirac Audio Issue
One of the most disruptive issues stems from devices equipped with Dirac Audio software that includes the cridspapo.dll component.
After upgrading to Windows 11 24H2, these devices may face a complete audio failure. Users have reported that integrated speakers, Bluetooth speakers, and headsets stop working entirely.
Worse still, both built-in and third-party applications fail to detect any audio devices.
Dirac Audio, a technology known for enhancing sound quality, relies on the cridspapo.dll file for audio processing.
This incompatibility has led Microsoft to block updates for devices containing this software.
The safeguard hold ensures that affected devices won’t automatically receive the Windows 11 24H2 update via the Windows Update channel.
Unfortunately, a permanent fix is not yet available. A new driver is required to resolve the issue, but it is still under development. In the meantime, IT administrators can monitor the situation using Safeguard ID: 54283088.
While this issue impacts only a specific subset of devices, its severity underscores the importance of waiting for the necessary update.
Auto HDR Problems Affecting Gamers
The second issue is especially concerning for gamers who use Windows’ Auto HDR feature.
Auto HDR is designed to improve the visual quality of games by automatically converting SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) content to HDR (High Dynamic Range).
However, after upgrading to Windows 11 24H2, users have reported issues such as incorrect color rendering in certain display setups and games becoming unresponsive.
These issues are particularly frustrating for gamers who rely on consistent performance and high-quality visuals.
Microsoft has responded by blocking updates for devices with Auto HDR enabled, preventing further disruptions.
Users who upgraded before the compatibility hold was implemented are advised to disable Auto HDR as a temporary workaround.
IT administrators can track this problem using Safeguard ID: 55382406. While the issue doesn’t affect all users, the disruption it causes to gaming experiences warrants careful attention.
Microsoft is likely working on a solution, but no timeline has been provided for when the issue will be resolved.
What Users Should Do
For now, Microsoft strongly advises users not to manually upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 if their device falls into either of these categories.
The compatibility holds are in place to protect users from experiencing significant functionality loss.
Those already affected should consider using the suggested workarounds, such as disabling Auto HDR, until permanent fixes become available.
Microsoft is actively investigating both issues and will release updates as soon as solutions are ready.
Staying informed and patient will help ensure a smoother and safer transition to Windows 11 24H2 once the problems are resolved.
