Your PC might have been blocked from updating Windows 11 because of this game

Windows 11 Update Settings
Some Windows 11 PCs were blocked from upgrading to version 24H2 until recently. (Image credit: Future)

If your PC has been blocked from upgrading to the latest version of Windows 11, Microsoft has lifted a compatibility hold that may allow your PC to upgrade.

Earlier this week, Microsoft removed a compatibility hold that prevented PCs with Asphalt 8 (Airborne) from upgrading to Windows 11 version 24H2.

Microsoft outlined the initial issue back in September 2024:

"After installing Windows 11, version 24H2, you might face issues with Asphalt 8 (Airborne). The game might stop responding with an exception while you are using or exiting it, and you will have to restart the game to recover from the exception.

To safeguard your update experience, we have applied a compatibility hold on devices using Asphalt 8. These devices will not be offered to install Windows 11, version 24H2 via the Windows Update release channel. IT administrators using Windows Update for Business reports can check this issue using its safeguard ID: 52796746.

Important: We recommend that you do not attempt to manually update to version 24H2 using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or the media creation tool until this issue has been resolved."

Microsoft’s documentation confirms the issue has been resolved and the hold lifted.

Once popular on Windows Phone, Asphalt 8 later launched for Windows 8 in 2018. (Image credit: Future)

If your PC was affected, the Windows 11 version 24H2 update may take up to 48 hours to appear.

It's unclear how many systems were affected by the compatibility hold. Asphalt 8 is an older game that first shipped to PCs in 2018 during the Windows 8 days.

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Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.