Microsoft has finally lifted its upgrade block for Asphalt 8: Airborne players, ending months of frustration for gamers. The compatibility hold, identified by security ID 52796746, was implemented after the Windows 11 24H2 update caused the popular racing game to crash during startup and exit. Users were stuck with older Windows versions or faced constant game restarts. Not exactly a premium gaming experience.
The issue was serious enough that Microsoft actively prevented affected systems from receiving the 24H2 update. Smart move, considering nobody wants their racing game freezing mid-drift. The crashes forced players to manually restart the game—an irritating interruption for anyone trying to beat their high score.
Behind the scenes, Microsoft’s team worked with Asphalt 8 developers to investigate the problem. They analyzed crash reports, combed through user feedback, and implemented fixes in Windows updates. The collaboration paid off. Testing confirmed the game now runs without those annoying crashes on the latest Windows version.
The block removal happened on March 19, 2025. Finally. Users who were previously blocked can now update to Windows 11 24H2 within approximately 48 hours. Impatient? Restart your device. It might speed things up. Microsoft’s cautious approach shows they’ve prioritized system stability over rushing updates to users.
IT administrators can breathe a sigh of relief too. The safeguard identifier is no longer applicable, meaning they can proceed with 24H2 rollouts to previously affected systems. One less headache for the tech department.
This resolution demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to game compatibility—even if it took longer than many would have liked. The process highlights how user feedback shapes update processes. When your game crashes and you complain, someone actually listens. Sometimes.
For Asphalt 8 players, this means access to new 24H2 features without sacrificing their gaming experience. Racing at breakneck speeds without the game breaking. Novel concept. The Windows Release Health dashboard provided crucial updates throughout the entire compatibility hold period, keeping users informed about the status of the fix.
