- Microsoft has resolved a Windows 11 gaming issue linked to RGB-related
inpoutx64drivers. - Affected games included ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and THE FINALS.
- Windows 11 is automatically blocking the driver on affected PCs, with a restart required.
- The driver block will also arrive with the September 2026 Security Update.
Microsoft has resolved a Windows 11 gaming problem that caused some games to freeze, close unexpectedly, crash with an EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION error, or even restart the computer. The issue affected Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 devices after the August 2026 Security Update (KB5121003) and was traced to RGB-related device drivers, not the operating system itself.
RGB drivers were triggering the crashes
The company says the problem involved peripherals or internal components with RGB lighting that installed drivers or code components with filenames similar to inpoutx64.
When certain games launched on systems containing the driver, they could become unresponsive or terminate without warning. In some cases, users reported unexpected system restarts.
The affected games included ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and THE FINALS. Microsoft says Embark Studios already resolved the problem for THE FINALS.
The timing made the August 2026 Security Update an obvious suspect, but Microsoft’s investigation found that the update itself wasn’t responsible.
Windows 11 now blocks the problematic driver
Microsoft has resolved the problem by blocking the inpoutx64 driver from loading on affected systems. The initial block targets devices with the driver enabled and ARC Raiders installed.
Once the block is applied, the operating system displays a notification explaining that the driver has been disabled. The game should then launch normally.
The software giant is also working to expand the block to systems running MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls.
The fix began rolling out automatically to consumer and business computers that aren’t managed by network administrators on August 26. Microsoft says it can take up to 24 hours from 6PM PT for the fix to reach all affected devices, and a restart is required.
The driver block will also be included in the September 2026 Security Update and later releases.
Enterprise devices need administrator action
The automatic fix doesn’t apply to enterprise-managed devices. In this case, network administrators can temporarily disable the inpoutx64 driver through the Registry.
First, administrators will have to open the following Registry location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\inpoutx64
Then they can set the Start value to 4 and restart the computer. Microsoft says its investigation has not found unintended behavior from disabling the driver.
Pureinfotech’s Take
I think this is a good example of why blaming system updates too quickly can lead users in the wrong direction. The problem appeared after Patch Tuesday, but Microsoft’s investigation points to an older class of RGB-related driver as the actual trigger.
Have you ever had problems caused by RGB software or drivers on your PC?
Voting closes: September 3, 2026 1:00 pm
I also like Microsoft’s approach here. Instead of asking gamers to hunt through obscure Registry settings, Windows 11 can now prevent the problematic driver from loading and explain what happened.
The bigger lesson is that RGB hardware isn’t just about lighting. Its supporting software can interact with games and the operating system at a much deeper level. That’s something I would keep in mind before installing another motherboard, keyboard, or peripheral utility just to control lighting.
If you’re affected, I would let Microsoft’s automatic fix handle it rather than changing the Registry unless you need an immediate workaround.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech in 2010. With over 23 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
You can follow him on YouTube, Threads, BlueSky, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].
