Why is Arc Raiders crashing after a Windows update?

Windows update KB5121003 changed the driver file inpoutx64.sys, which causes Arc Raiders to crash. Embark has confirmed this is the cause and is working on a long-term fix.

Is it safe to delete inpoutx64.sys?

Embark states the workaround safely removes the file. inpoutx64.sys is not a core Windows component — it is a third-party port I/O driver installed by some hardware utilities, RGB software and overclocking tools. Those specific tools may stop working until they are reinstalled.

Do I need to uninstall the Windows update?

No. Embark's workaround removes the conflicting driver file instead of rolling back KB5121003, so you keep the Windows security update.

Known issue · Official fix available

Arc Raiders Crashing After Windows Update KB5121003

Embark has confirmed a new crash caused by Windows update KB5121003, which changed the driver file inpoutx64.sys. A long-term fix is in progress — in the meantime the developers have published a workaround that removes the file and lets you play.

Official statement · Embark Studios

“We're aware of a new crash introduced with the release of a Windows update (KB5121003) that may be affecting some of you. The team is working on a fix and we will keep you posted on any updates!”

“This is a crash related to how the file inpoutx64.sys, which changed with the Windows update. We're working towards a long-term fix but in the meantime there is a work-around solution that will safely remove the file in question and allow you to play the game without issue.”

— Ossen, Embark Studios

Stop and delete the service

Open the Start menu in Windows and type cmd to find the Command Prompt.
Right-click on the Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
In the Command Prompt window, type this and press Enter:

sc stop inpoutx64

Then type this and press Enter:

sc delete inpoutx64

You can now close the Command Prompt window.

Delete the system file

Open File Explorer and navigate to:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\

Locate the file inpoutx64.sys and delete it.
If Windows says the file is open, repeat Step 1, then try again.
Close File Explorer.

Clean your registry (optional)

Press Windows Key + R, type regedit and press Enter.
Navigate to this entry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\inpoutx64

Right-click the inpoutx64 key folder and delete it.
Close the window, then restart your computer to finish.

Before you start

Step 3 edits the Windows registry. Embark marks it optional — the game should run after Steps 1 and 2. Skip it if you are not comfortable in regedit.
What is inpoutx64.sys? It is a third-party port I/O driver, not a core Windows file. It is bundled with some RGB, fan-control, overclocking and hardware-monitoring utilities. Those specific tools may need reinstalling afterwards.
You do not need to uninstall KB5121003. This workaround removes the conflicting driver instead, so you keep the Windows security update.

Still crashing?

If the crash persists after removing the file, it may be a different issue. These usually help:

→ General PC crash fixes — force DirectX 11, disable VT-x/SVM, turn off XMP/EXPO
→ FPS and stuttering fixes
→ Check live Arc Raiders server status — rule out a server-side outage first

Source: official Embark Studios community post by Ossen. ArcStatus reproduces the developer's instructions verbatim and is not affiliated with Embark Studios. Published August 15, 2026.