Microsoft Acknowledges Playback Issues in Blu-ray and DVD Software on Windows 11

Microsoft has officially recognized ongoing issues affecting the playback of DVDs and Blu-ray discs, as well as digital TV applications, following recent updates to Windows 11. These problems have emerged specifically after the August 29 update (KB5064081) and may also impact version KB506542, released in September 2025, and any subsequent updates.

According to Microsoft, users may experience problems such as video stuttering, frequent playback interruptions, freezing, or black screens while watching videos. Additionally, there could be issues related to copy protection. However, it is important to note that streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ remain unaffected by these issues, which appear to be confined to digital TV and DVD applications.

The root of the problem has been identified in applications that utilize the 'Enhanced Video Renderer' in conjunction with HDCP enforcement or Digital Rights Management (DRM). Microsoft has classified the 'Enhanced Video Renderer' as legacy software, which has been superseded by the 'Simple Video Renderer' (SVR), accessible through the 'MediaPlayer' and 'IMFMediaEngine' components. It appears that some applications still rely on this older engine, though Microsoft has not specified which particular applications are affected.

Users experiencing these playback issues will need to exercise patience as Microsoft is actively working on a resolution. The company has committed to providing further information once a fix is available. In the meantime, affected users may have to resort to alternative playback devices for DVDs and Blu-rays, or rely on streaming services. Fortunately, older versions of Windows 10 and 11 do not seem to face these problems.

This is not the first time Windows 11 updates have led to unexpected complications. The updates released in August were associated with a range of issues across multiple Windows versions, including failures in resetting or restoring affected devices and concerns related to SSD functionality.