Windows 11 Games Crash With an RGB Driver

Confirm that this is the same Windows 11 problem

Microsoft is investigating a specific compatibility pattern after the August 11, 2026 Windows updates. On affected Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 PCs, launching certain games can make the game unresponsive, close it without a message, show `EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION`, or restart the computer.

The originating update is KB5121003, although Microsoft says later updates can also be involved. Reports named ARC Raiders, MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, and THE FINALS. That list describes confirmed reports, not every game that can be affected.

The other important clue is an `inpoutx64`-like driver. Microsoft says some peripherals or internal components with RGB lighting install these drivers or related code. A game crash by itself does not prove that this known issue is the cause.

Before changing anything, check all three points:

• KB5121003 or a later update appears in Settings > Windows Update > Update history.
• The symptom resembles the hang, silent close, access-violation error, or restart Microsoft describes.
• The `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\inpoutx64` registry key exists.

If the key does not exist, do not create it. Use the game's official crash troubleshooting and check graphics, anti-cheat, overlay, and game-file guidance instead.

Try the least disruptive option first

Identify the software that controls RGB lighting for your keyboard, mouse, motherboard, memory, or another component. Check the hardware maker's official support page or the utility's own updater for a current version, then restart Windows and test again.

Microsoft has not published a complete list of affected devices or utilities. Do not remove an unrelated driver based only on a similar filename, and avoid third-party driver-download sites.

Use Microsoft's temporary registry workaround

Microsoft's current workaround disables the `inpoutx64` driver by setting its registry service Start value to `4`. This is reversible, but it can stop RGB features or the software used to control them.

Back up the key before editing it:

1. Open Start, type `regedit`, and open Registry Editor. 2. Go to `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\inpoutx64`. 3. Select the `inpoutx64` key, then choose File > Export and save the backup somewhere you can find it. 4. On the right, open `Start` and record its existing value. 5. Set Value data to `4`, close Registry Editor, and restart the PC.

Launch the same game and repeat the action that previously caused the crash. If it now runs normally, leave the driver disabled while Microsoft and the relevant vendor work on a permanent resolution.

If RGB controls stop working and that tradeoff is not acceptable, restore the exported key or put the Start value back to the number you recorded, then restart. The game problem may return when the driver is enabled again.

Avoid deleting the driver unless its vendor directs you

Some independent reports describe stopping the service, deleting it, and removing the driver file. Microsoft's published workaround is narrower: disable the service through the registry. Prefer that reversible official method.

Do not uninstall KB5121003 as the first response. It is a security update, and removing it also removes its protections. Microsoft currently recommends the temporary driver workaround while the investigation continues.

Verify and report the result

After restarting, test the same game for long enough to reproduce the former symptom. Also open the RGB control utility and check the lighting features you use.

Submit a Feedback Hub report whether the workaround succeeds or fails. Press Windows key and F, then include the game, Windows version and build, installed update, exact error, and whether the `inpoutx64` key was present. This helps distinguish Microsoft's known issue from unrelated game crashes.

The issue was still marked Investigating when checked on August 26, 2026. Revisit Microsoft's Windows release-health page before making further changes because the workaround or status may change.