If you are encountering video playback issues across some of your DRM content especially after installing the latest Windows 11 24H2 September 2025 Patch Tuesday update KB5065426 then it is not your PC hardware that is at fault.
Microsoft has confirmed that certain Digital TV and Blu‑ray/DVD applications are failing to play protected content following the release of the August 2025 C-release update for Windows (KB5064081).
According to the company, the problem affects applications that rely on the Enhanced Video Renderer (EVR) with High‑bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) enforcement or Digital Rights Management (DRM) for digital audio. Users may encounter copyright protection errors, repeated playback interruptions, freezing, or black screens. Interestingly, Microsoft notes that the issue does not extend to streaming services, which continue to function normally.
The impact is likely somewhat limited given that physical media playback is a niche use case nowadays, yet for users who rely on Blu‑ray or broadcast TV applications, the update effectively blocks access to legally purchased or licensed content.
It writes:
"Some Digital TV and BluRay/DVD applications might experience problems playing protected content after installing the August 29, 2025 Windows non-security preview update (KB5064081), or later updates. Applications using Enhanced Video Renderer with HDCP enforcement or Digital Rights Management (DRM) for digital audio might experience copyright protection errors, frequent playback interruptions, freezing or black screens. This issue does not impact streaming services."
For those wondering, EVR is a legacy Windows feature (currently superseded by Simple Video Renderer or SVR) that helps in handling protected playback by working with Microsoft’s Media Foundation and DirectShow pipelines to render video securely. When applications enforce High‑bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) or Digital Rights Management (DRM), EVR is what ensures that protected frames are composited and presented only through trusted Direct3D surfaces, thus preventing unauthorized copying. This integration essentially allows Windows to meet licensing requirements for Blu‑ray, broadcast TV, and other protected media formats.
For now, Microsoft has not suggested a workaround beyond delaying installation and awating a fix. You can find the issue here on Microsoft"s official Windows health dashboard website.