Since the days of Windows 7, we’ve gotten used to updates that fix a handful of issues but end up breaking something else along the way. That pattern has only become more noticeable in recent years. Now, with Windows 11 24H2, a new problem has appeared: DRM and HDCP failures in certain apps for digital TV playback and DVD/Blu-ray discs.
Microsoft has acknowledged the bug and traced its origin to the August 29, 2025, Preview Update (KB5064081). The problem also carries over into the September 9, 202,5, Patch Tuesday release (KB5065426).
What’s Going On With KB5065426?
In the Windows 11 24H2 release health dashboard, Microsoft has logged an open issue labeled “Problems when playing protected content.” It affects some digital TV and DVD/Blu-ray apps that rely on the Enhanced Video Renderer with DRM or HDCP enforcement.
The good news is that streaming platforms such as Netflix are not impacted. Microsoft says a fix will be delivered in upcoming updates.
Updates Involved
- KB5064081 (Preview, 08/29/2025): Marked as the update where the DRM issue began.
- KB5065426 (Cumulative, 09/09/2025): Systems that install this update can also be affected.
Who Is and Isn’t Affected
- Affected: Apps for digital TV and DVD/Blu-ray playback that rely on the Enhanced Video Renderer with DRM/HDCP. Problems users may see include stuttering, freezing, black screens, or copyright-related error messages.
- Not affected: Online streaming services such as Netflix. Microsoft has confirmed these continue to work normally.
Other Issues Linked to the September Update
While the DRM/HDCP bug is the main headline, the KB5065426 update has also been linked to other problems:
- PowerShell Direct (PSDirect): Microsoft has identified a rare bug with HotPath where host-to-VM connections may fail. The fix is included in KB5066360.
- SMBv1 File Sharing: After installing KB5065426, some users may find SMBv1 shares failing when routed over NetBT. A temporary workaround is to allow TCP 445 traffic to force SMB over TCP. A permanent fix is in progress.
- User Reports: Some players in the Feedback Hub mention that certain EA/Javelin anti-cheat games stopped working, and a few DirectX 9 intro videos no longer render correctly. These issues don’t appear to be widespread.
What You Can Do Right Now
- Don’t uninstall security updates. They contain critical fixes. If you rely on DRM-protected TV or DVD apps and notice issues, keep monitoring Windows Update. Microsoft has confirmed the bug and is working on a solution.
Known Workarounds for Specific Cases
- If you still depend on SMBv1 (though upgrading to SMBv2/3 is strongly recommended), temporarily enable TCP 445 traffic to bypass NetBT.
- In virtualized environments with PSDirect, apply the Host and Guest updates (KB5066360) to restore stable VM connections.
DRM is notoriously fragile. Even small changes in video rendering or protection mechanisms can prevent content from playing. Microsoft has pinpointed the issue to the Enhanced Video Renderer with HDCP/DRM, which only affects TV/DVD playback and not streaming services. That’s reassuring, but it’s also a reminder of how delicate the PC media ecosystem becomes once anti-piracy protections are involved.
