ϟGAMECRASHFIX.com
WAR DOGS / Launch & crashes

WARDOGS: WD-L020 after Windows update KB5124010

In late September, WARDOGS failed for many Windows 11 players with error code WD-L020 after the September 22, 2026 preview update KB5124010 was installed. Team17 fixed this in update 0.1.2 on September 30. Microsoft also corrected a separately documented crash with AC-3 audio playback in KB5127648 on October 13. This guide reflects the state on November 3, 2026.

Updated: ·2 min read·Windows / PC
YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS

Did this fix help?

— helpful
Initial count + votes from the last 90 days

Voting stores an identifier for 24 hours to prevent repeat votes. Privacy policy

STRAIGHT TO THE SOLUTION

Start here

01Symptom and cause↓02Step 1: install the current game update↓03Step 2: bring Windows up to date↓
01

Symptom and cause

  1. Affected systems ran Windows 11 24H2, 25H2 or 26H2 with KB5124010 installed. WARDOGS closed at launch or shortly after with WD-L020.
  2. Team17 names KB5124010 as the trigger and adjusted the game. The sources do not say whether Microsoft's AC-3 issue was the same cause; installing both updates is the safe route.
02

Step 1: install the current game update

  1. Open Steam → Downloads and let all WARDOGS updates finish. Version 0.1.2 contains the fix; later versions such as Season 02 include it.
  2. Exit Steam completely and restart it. Check: if you reach the main menu without WD-L020, you are done.
03

Step 2: bring Windows up to date

  1. Open Settings → Windows Update and install all offered cumulative updates. KB5127648 corresponds to builds 26100.9711, 26200.9711 and 26300.9711; later updates include it too.
  2. Check your build with winver. Check: the build number shown should be equal or higher.
winver
04

Step 3: undo an earlier rollback

  1. Many players uninstalled KB5124010 or paused updates in September. Resume updates in Windows Update and install the current ones, as they also contain security fixes.
  2. If Windows no longer offers a package for uninstall, do not force anything with third-party scripts. It is no longer needed for WARDOGS.
05

If WD-L020 still appears

  1. Then another cause is very likely, such as damaged files or a problem with the anti-cheat module. Work through the general WD-L014 and WD-L020 guide: verify files, repair Elytra, rule out overlays and peripheral software one at a time.
  2. Send Team17 support your game version, the Windows build from winver and the full error text.

Related guide

Sources and current status

Frequently asked questions

Do I still need to uninstall KB5124010?

No. Team17 fixed WD-L020 in update 0.1.2. Keep the game and Windows up to date.

Do I need to reinstall WARDOGS?

No. A completed Steam update and, if needed, a file verification are enough for this case.

Why do other games with Dolby Digital audio crash?

Microsoft documents crashes in apps using AC-3 audio playback after KB5124010. KB5127648 fixes this; install it.

← All fixes for WAR DOGS