Windows 11 update causes AC-3 audio decoding failures across versions
Microsoft has acknowledged an AC-3 audio decoding bug affecting Windows 11 versions 26H2, 25H2 and 24H2. It can make applications crash or fail to start, particularly older software that relies on Windows’ built-in decoder.
The problem appeared after the 22 September update and is not unique to 26H2, which was released a week later. Games, media players and some productivity applications may be affected; software with its own decoder should avoid the issue. Microsoft has no mitigation or fix available yet, and has not given a release date for a future update.
- An AC-3 audio bug affects Windows 11 versions 26H2, 25H2 and 24H2.
- Older apps using Windows’ built-in decoder are most at risk.
- Microsoft has not provided a fix or timeline.
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AC-3 is a type of digital audio used in films and television programmes. A recent update to Windows 11 has broken how the system plays this audio, causing some applications to crash or fail to start.
The problem affects multiple recent versions of Windows 11 and particularly impacts older software that uses Windows's built-in audio handling rather than its own. Games, media players and productivity applications may all be affected, though some programmes with their own audio systems should work without problems.
Microsoft has not yet released a fix and has given no date for when one might arrive. Users will need to wait for either a Windows update or assistance from their software developers.
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Originally published by The Register as “Windows 11 26H2 blighted by new audio issue”.