Windows 11 September Update Can Disable Your PC’s Sound, and Microsoft Does Not Have a Fix Yet
Installing the latest Windows 11 security update is causing some computers to lose all sound. According to Windows Latest, the KB5124008 update introduces an unexpected technical problem.
The problem stops audio devices from working correctly. It does not only affect speakers. Microphones can also stop working on affected computers.
More specifically, the problem affects Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. Both received the security update during Patch Tuesday on September 8. After installing the update, Windows 11 24H2 moves to build 26100.9445, while Windows 11 25H2 moves to build 26200.9445. After restarting the computer, the audio hardware may immediately stop working.
Windows 11 September Update Breaks Audio on Some PCs
The problem is linked to how Windows handles devices that use the USB Audio Class 1.0 standard. When the computer starts after the update, Windows may fail to start the audio device.
Turning the volume up to 100% does not fix the problem. The sound panel in the Windows Settings app may also freeze, making it difficult to check or change the audio settings.
In Device Manager, Windows shows the error message: “This device cannot start (Code 10).” Uninstalling or disabling the driver does not fix the problem either. This is because the issue comes directly from changes made through Windows Update. For now, it is not known whether the problem is linked to a specific computer or motherboard brand.
The update can also cause problems on computers where the sound still works. Microsoft has confirmed that Windows may use the wrong audio channel settings. Because of this, users with 3D audio or 8-channel setups may suddenly lose sound. As a temporary solution, Microsoft recommends manually changing the audio output to 2-channel stereo.
Microsoft has confirmed that it is working on a permanent fix. However, there is currently no patch available to restore normal audio for affected computers. For users who have completely lost sound, the current option is to use wireless audio devices.
