Windows Update Issue

An optional update for Windows 11 version 24H2 has been identified to cause video playback issues for users of certain media applications.

Microsoft has confirmed that the update, released in late August, may disrupt the playback of protected content on Blu-Ray, DVD, and some Digital TV software.

The problem originates from the non-security preview update KB5064081, released on August 29, 2025. Users who installed this update might face issues when attempting to view protected media content.

Reported issues include copyright protection errors, playback interruptions, video freezing, or a persistent black screen.

This bug specifically affects applications that use the Enhanced Video Renderer (EVR) framework with High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) or Digital Rights Management (DRM) for audio.

Microsoft stated that popular video streaming services are not affected as they use different content protection mechanisms.

Affected Platforms

Microsoft officially acknowledged this issue on its Windows health dashboard on September 19, 2025. The issue impacts client systems running Windows 11, version 24H2, specifically OS Build 26100.5074 or later.

The issue is confined to this version and does not affect Windows Server platforms. It is linked to how the operating system manages protected media paths after installing KB5064081.

This update introduced a regression causing disruptions between media applications, graphics drivers, and the operating system’s DRM subsystem, leading to playback failures when content protection is enforced.

Microsoft is actively investigating and working on a permanent solution. A timeline for the release of a fix has not been announced. Affected users have no official workaround other than potentially uninstalling the update, which could remove other non-security fixes.

Users experiencing these issues are advised to monitor for upcoming Windows updates, as the fix will be distributed through the standard Windows Update service once available. Microsoft will provide further information as the investigation progresses and a patch is ready.