Windows 11 26H2 hit by AC-3 audio decoder bug

Windows 11 26H2, 25H2 and 24H2 share an AC-3 (Dolby Digital) decoding bug that can crash or prevent apps from launching. Identified after the September 22 update, it mainly affects legacy apps, games and media players that rely on Windows' built-in decoder. Microsoft has no fix yet and says a resolution will come in a future update.

• Bug affects Windows 11 26H2, 25H2 and 24H2 on the same code branch
• Issue identified after the September 22, 2025 update
• Apps using Windows' built-in AC-3 decoder are affected
• No fix yet; Microsoft promises a resolution in a future update