Why Can Digital Rights Management (DRM) Crash Some Games on 12th Gen Intel® Core™ Processors?

Certain third-party gaming Digital Rights Management (DRM) software may incorrectly recognize 12th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors efficient-cores (E-cores) as another system. This prevents games implementing that DRM software from running successfully. Games may crash during launch or gameplay, or unexpectedly shut down.

A software fix has been identified by the vendor of the affected DRM software and is being rolled out. Intel is working to accelerate this process as well. See the list of known affected games. Most games have had their issues resolved through the most recent Windows* update in both Windows® 10 and Windows 11*.

In addition, a workaround has been found to allow for games to launch and be played. The reference implementation for a Legacy Game Compatibility Mode will allow a user to dynamically place E-cores on standby when playing games.

Workaround steps for end-users to enable Legacy Game Compatibility Mode with affected games that have not received a software fix:

1. Power-up system and enter system BIOS setup.
2. Enable switch Legacy Game Compatibility Mode to ON (one-time only) in BIOS.
3. Save BIOS setup changes and exit.
4. Boot to OS.
5. Toggle Keyboard Scroll Lock key ON.
6. Launch affected game title.
7. Toggle Keyboard Scroll Lock key OFF after ending game title.

If these options are not available in the BIOS, contact your BIOS vendor to get information on when this feature will be implemented.