Microsoft August 2026 Windows Updates Trigger Issues on Devices Using RGB Lighting Features

Microsoft is investigating a Windows 11 issue in which the August 2026 security updates can cause certain games to freeze, crash, display access-violation errors, or restart affected PCs.

The problem appears to be linked to RGB lighting hardware and software components that use the inputx64 driver. The issue was reported after Microsoft released the August 11, 2026 Windows update, KB5121003, for Windows 11 version 24H2 and version 25H2.

Microsoft added the problem to its Windows Release Health dashboard on August 19. It said the investigation remains ongoing as of August 21.

Windows Updates Triggers RGB Lighting Issues

According to Microsoft, devices may be affected when they have RGB-enabled peripherals or internal components, such as lighting controllers, keyboards, mice, fans, or motherboard accessories.

Some of these products install low-level drivers or supporting code that resembles inputx64. When that driver is present, launching certain games can trigger the fault.

The games named in user reports are ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and THE FINALS.

Reported symptoms include games becoming unresponsive, closing unexpectedly, showing an “EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION” message, or causing the entire Windows device to restart without warning.

Microsoft has not yet determined whether the root cause lies in Windows itself, the RGB driver ecosystem, the affected games, or an interaction among all three.

The company said it is working to understand the relationship between RGB-related components and the games that activate the issue.

As a temporary workaround, Microsoft advises affected users to disable the inpoutx64 driver through the Windows Registry.

Users should first back up the Registry, then open Registry Editor and navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesinpoutx64

They should locate the Start value, change its value data to 4, close Registry Editor, and restart the computer. In Windows service configuration, a Start value of 4 disables the driver.

However, this workaround may disable or disrupt RGB lighting functions and the applications used to manage them. Users who experience problems with lighting controls can restore the driver by returning the Registry setting to its previous value.

Administrators should test the change before deploying it broadly, especially on systems that depend on vendor-provided lighting or hardware management software.

The issue affects Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 on client systems. Windows Server platforms are not listed as affected. Microsoft also reminded users that Windows 11 version 24H2 Home and Pro editions will reach end of servicing on October 13, 2026.

Devices on those editions will stop receiving monthly security updates, fixes for known issues, time-zone updates, and technical support after that date.

Eligible unmanaged consumer devices are expected to automatically receive Windows 11 version 25H2. However, users can choose when to restart or postpone the update. Users experiencing the RGB-related game issue can submit diagnostics through Feedback Hub by pressing the Windows key + F.

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