Microsoft blames Windows gaming issues on RGB lighting devices
Microsoft has identified RGB lighting devices as the possible cause of ongoing gaming issues on Windows 11 systems. The issues include game crashes, freezes, and unexpected system restarts. Microsoft is investigating the issue and working on a fix.
Intelligence analysis by Llama
Microsoft has linked RGB lighting devices to ongoing gaming issues on Windows 11 systems. The issues include game crashes, freezes, and system restarts. A fix is being worked on.
Imagine you're playing a game on your computer, and it suddenly freezes or crashes. This is happening to some people who have installed the latest Windows updates. Microsoft thinks it might be because of special lights on some devices that connect to the computer. They're trying to fix the problem, but in the meantime, some people have found a way to make it work again by deleting a special file.
Analysis
Microsoft's Investigation into RGB Lighting Devices
Microsoft has been investigating the cause of ongoing gaming issues on Windows 11 systems since the release of the August 2026 Windows updates. The issues include game crashes, freezes, and unexpected system restarts. In a recent update, Microsoft identified RGB lighting devices as the possible cause of the problem.
The Role of Inpoutx64.sys
The investigation has revealed that the inpoutx64.sys file, which changed with the Windows update, is related to the issue. This file is responsible for controlling the RGB lighting features of peripherals. The file's changes may have triggered the issue, causing games to crash or fail to launch.
Unofficial Workaround
Until Microsoft ships an official fix, game developer Embark Studios has shared a multi-step temporary workaround that requires users to delete the service and remove the inpoutx64 file from the Windows drivers folder. This workaround has been reported to resolve the issue for some users.
Previous Issues with Windows Updates
This is not the first time Microsoft has had to address gaming performance and stability issues caused by Windows updates. In the past, Microsoft has blocked Windows 24H2 upgrades that caused Asphalt 8 crashes and Easy Anti-Cheat blue screens. It has also lifted compatibility holds after fixing bugs in the Auto HDR Windows feature and removing upgrade blocks that were preventing Asphalt 8 and other games from upgrading to the latest Windows version.
Key points
- Microsoft has identified RGB lighting devices as the possible cause of ongoing gaming issues on Windows 11 systems.
- The issues include game crashes, freezes, and unexpected system restarts.
- A fix is being worked on, and an unofficial workaround has been shared by game developer Embark Studios.
- This is not the first time Microsoft has had to address gaming performance and stability issues caused by Windows updates.
Microsoft is actively working on a fix for the issue, and an unofficial workaround has been shared by game developer Embark Studios. This suggests that a resolution is possible, and gamers can expect a fix in the near future.
The issue has been ongoing since the release of the August 2026 Windows updates, and a fix has not yet been provided. This has caused frustration for gamers who are experiencing problems with games like ARC Raiders and The Finals.
