.webp "How to Fix Gaming Stutter in Windows 11 (November 2025 Update)")
Did your games suddenly start stuttering in November? You aren't crazy—it's the update.
If you recently installed the Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 update (specifically KB5066835 or KB5068861), you might have noticed your frame rates tanking or massive "hitching" in games like Call of Duty, Fortnite, or Alan Wake 2. Microsoft has officially admitted that this update introduced a bug affecting gaming performance.
The bad news? Windows Update pushes this automatically. The good news? We have the fixes. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your smooth gameplay back.
The "Magic Bullet" for Nvidia Users
If you have an Nvidia card, you are in luck. Nvidia was the first to acknowledge the issue and released a specific "Hotfix" driver that bypasses the Windows bug entirely. This is not the standard driver you get from GeForce Experience yet—you have to download it manually. (ads)
The Fix: Install Hotfix Driver 581.94
Nvidia confirmed that drivers older than this version struggle with the new Windows memory management.
Steps to fix:
- Go to the Nvidia Support website (or search "Nvidia GeForce Hotfix Driver 581.94").
- Download the executable.
- Select "Custom Install" and check "Perform a Clean Installation" to wipe the old, buggy files.
- Restart your PC. (Crucial step).
For AMD & Intel Users (The "Rollback" Method)
Unlike Nvidia, AMD and Intel haven't released a dedicated "hotfix" driver for this specific Windows bug yet. For you, the solution is to roll back to a stable driver version that predates the 24H2 or 24H2 conflict.
| GPU Brand | Stable Driver Version | Action |
|---|---|---|
| AMD Radeon | Adrenalin 24.10.1 | Uninstall current driver via DDU, then install 24.10.1. Avoid version 24.12.1 as it is unstable with 24H2 and 25H2. |
| Intel Arc | 31.0.101.4502 | Newer drivers are causing stuttering in DX11 titles. Roll back to this version for stability. |
The "Registry Hack" (Disabling MPO)
If drivers didn't fix it, the issue is likely Multiplane Overlay (MPO). This is a Windows feature meant to help apps overlay on top of games, but in the 24H2 & 24H2 updates, it is causing the Desktop Window Manager (DWM) to fight with your GPU for resources. (ads)
How to Disable MPO (Safe & Reversible):
- Open Notepad.
- Paste the text below into it:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Dwm]
"OverlayTestMode"=dword:00000005.webp "Disable MPO (Safe & Reversible)")
- Save the file as
disable_mpo.reg
- Double-click it to run.
- Restart your PC. This often fixes the "stutter" even if your FPS looks normal.
(ads)
New Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 Features to Disable
The "AI Update" (24H2) added background services that eat up CPU cycles while you game. Turning these off can free up 5-10% of your processor power.
1. Disable "Recall" (Snapshotting)
Recall takes constant snapshots of your screen for AI history. While cool, it writes to your disk constantly, which causes micro-stutters in open-world games.
Fix: Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Recall & snapshots and toggle "Save snapshots" to OFF.
2. Turn Off "Auto SR" (Automatic Super Resolution)
This feature tries to use AI to upscale your games automatically. However, it conflicts with DLSS and FSR. If you are already using DLSS in-game, Windows trying to "double upscale" it will cause massive input lag. (ads)
Fix: Go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics and turn OFF "Automatic Super Resolution".
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 24H2 and 25H2 causing so many issues?
The 24H2 and 25H2 updates fundamentally changed how Windows handles "composition" (how windows are drawn on screen) to accommodate new AI features. This broke compatibility with many older GPU drivers.
Should I just uninstall the update?
If the fixes above don't work, yes. You have 10 days after updating to "Go Back." Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Go Back. If it has been more than 10 days, you are unfortunately stuck with it until a future patch.
Conclusion
You don't need to buy a new graphics card. You just need to fight Windows 11. Start by installing the Nvidia 581.94 Hotfix or rolling back your AMD drivers. If that fails, the MPO Registry fix is your secret weapon.