Windows 11 update may affect BCS
September 2nd, 2025
Latest update: September 4th, 2025
After installing Microsoft Windows 11 update KB5064081 (preview cumulative update for version 24H2), some users may find that Bridgemate Control Software (BCS) crashes when opening .bws files. The program closes immediately without any warning message.
Cause of the problem
The issue affects only .bws files in the old Access97 format—either created directly by a scoring program or based on outdated blank template files. More specifically, it occurs with files that still use the pre-2010 format without “per-section” settings. Before update KB5064081, BCS could automatically update such files internally. Due to changes in the Windows core files, this update process now causes BCS to crash. The exact reason is currently unknown and is part of our further investigation.
Who is affected?
Most modern scoring programs use Access2000 .bws files and are not affected. The problem is limited to older scoring programs, in particular:
- ACBLscore
- Older versions of EBUscore / Pairsscorer
Solutions
ACBLscore
ACBLscore relies on a very old template format. The issue can be fixed by replacing the template file:
-
1. Download the updated defaultm.bws template file from this link.
-
2. Copy it to the folder: C:\ACBLscor replacing the existing file.
For additional help, please contact the ACBL directly.
EBUscore
EBU recently released version 1.2.33, which uses Access2000 .bws files instead of Access97 .bws files. Users have reported the problem went away after upgrading to this latest version. We therefore recommend upgrading to this version or any later release.
Other scoring programs
If you are using a different scoring program and encounter the same issue, please contact us for assistance and further advice.