Microsoft Blames Windows Gaming Issues on RGB Lighting Devices
Microsoft has identified that recent Windows updates are causing gaming crashes due to conflicts with RGB lighting drivers. The company is currently investigating the issue while developers suggest a workaround involving the removal of specific system files.
Why it matters
This highlights the fragility of OS kernel stability when interacting with third-party hardware drivers and peripheral software.
Microsoft says ongoing issues causing games to crash or fail to launch after installing the August 2026 Windows updates may be caused by peripherals with RGB lighting.
As Microsoft explained when it confirmed it's investigating on Wednesday, this known issue affects games like ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals on systems running Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2.
"Following the release of Windows updates on August 11, 2026 (KB5121003) and later, Microsoft received reports of issues involving inability to run games as expected," Microsoft said on the Windows release health dashboard.
On impacted PCs, users are also experiencing gaming freezes, "EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION" errors, and even unexpected system restarts.
In a Thursday update, Microsoft said the gaming issues may be caused by drivers or components installed by RGB devices on affected Windows systems.
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