"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 noted.
Microsoft ties crashes to RGB-related driver file inpoutx64.sys
After users reported crashes, launch failures, freezes, "EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION" errors and unexpected restarts on affected machines, Microsoft said it confirmed a known issue and then, in an update, linked the problem to drivers or components installed by RGB devices. The company said ongoing investigation indicates the problem is "related to peripherals or internal device components which have RGB lighting features" and that such devices "may install drivers or code components with file names similar to inpoutx64."
Microsoft added that "in systems where these drivers are found, the issue is then triggered by launching certain games," and that it is "presently working to understand the relationship between these RGB components and the games which trigger this issue."
Which games and Windows versions were affected
Microsoft said the issue affects games such as ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals on systems running Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. The company first confirmed it was investigating the problem on Wednesday, and published the RGB-driver linkage in a Thursday update.
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Fix the backlogTemporary registry workaround: steps and warnings
Microsoft published a temporary fix that requires disabling the inpoutx64 driver via the Windows Registry. The company emphasized backing up the registry because users may need to undo the change after Microsoft resolves the bug in a future Windows update.
- Open the Windows Registry by opening the Start menu and typing "regedit". Select the Registry Editor from the results.
- Navigate to the key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\inpoutx64. You can do this using the folders on the left side of the window or by typing the path into the address bar at the top of the window.
- On the right side of the window, find the registry value named Start. Double-click this key and enter the number "4" under the field titled Value data.
- Close the window and restart your computer.
Microsoft warned: "Please note, it is possible that disabling this registry key can result in unintended behavior, such as issues with RGB features on peripherals or components, or issues with the software used to control RGB features." The company noted that users who wish to restore RGB functionality can "re-enable the driver by restoring the registry key to its previous value."
Microsoft also asked gamers experiencing these issues to file a report via the Feedback Hub app while it continues its investigation.
Developer confirmation and kernel-driver detail from Embark Studios
Embark Studios, the developer behind The Finals and ARC Raiders, confirmed Microsoft's conclusion that inpoutx64.sys causes the issues. Embark added that the problems also "stem from changes made to the Windows kernel driver," linking the observed failures to a kernel-level interaction rather than to application code alone.
What this means for gamers, peripheral makers, and IT teams
Gamers: Those encountering crashes or launch failures have a Microsoft-sanctioned temporary mitigation — editing the registry to disable inpoutx64 — but should back up the registry first and expect potential loss of RGB control or related software features. Microsoft recommended filing Feedback Hub reports to aid the investigation.
Peripheral makers: Devices or drivers that install components named similarly to inpoutx64 may be implicated; Microsoft said it is working to understand the relationship between RGB components and the specific games that trigger the issue, which could prompt driver updates or guidance from device vendors.
IT teams and device managers: Microsoft has previously removed upgrade blocks and lifted compatibility holds in response to game and feature regressions, and the company continues to use temporary compatibility measures while addressing regression causes. Administrators should weigh the tradeoff between restoring game functionality via the registry change and the possible loss of RGB-dependent features on affected endpoints.
Microsoft's temporary fix provides a clear, if imperfect, path to restore gameplay on impacted machines, while the company and developers investigate a kernel-level interaction with RGB-related drivers named similarly to inpoutx64.sys. Until Microsoft issues a permanent resolution, affected users must choose between applying the registry workaround—with its documented risks—or awaiting an update that removes the root cause.
Source: BleepingComputer — Microsoft shares temporary fix for Windows 11 gaming issues
