Fix Windows 11 Audio Not Working After Update

What Causes This?

A Windows 11 update can replace or reset your audio driver, change the default playback device, or disable audio services that were working before. In some cases, the update installs a generic driver that does not work properly with your sound card, speakers, headset, or HDMI audio output. Corrupted system files and leftover update clutter can also make troubleshooting harder.

Common Symptoms

• No sound from speakers, headphones, or monitor after restarting from an update
• Volume icon shows normal levels, but nothing plays
• Audio device is missing, disabled, or switched to the wrong output
• Sound works only in some apps, or cuts in and out
• Windows shows audio driver errors in Device Manager

How to Fix It Manually

1. Check the correct audio output device

   1. Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select Sound settings.
   2. Under Output, make sure the correct device is selected, such as your speakers, headset, or monitor.
   3. Click the device and confirm it is not muted and the volume is turned up.
   4. If you use HDMI or USB audio, unplug and reconnect the device once.

2. Run the Windows audio troubleshooter

   1. Open Settings with Windows + I.
   2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   3. Find Audio or Playing Audio and click Run.
   4. Apply any fixes Windows suggests, then test your sound again.

3. Restart Windows audio services

   1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
   2. Find Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder.
   3. Right-click each one and choose Restart.
   4. If either service is not running, click Start.
   5. Make sure Startup type is set to Automatic by double-clicking the service.

4. Reinstall or roll back the audio driver

   1. Right-click Start and choose Device Manager.
   2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
   3. Right-click your audio device and select Properties.
   4. Open the Driver tab.
   5. If available, click Roll Back Driver to undo the update.
   6. If rollback is not available, click Uninstall Device, restart your PC, and let Windows reinstall the driver.
   7. You can also visit your PC or motherboard maker’s support site and install the latest Windows 11 audio driver manually.

5. Check for disabled devices

   1. Go back to Settings > System > Sound.
   2. Scroll to Advanced and click More sound settings.
   3. In the Playback tab, right-click inside the device list and enable Show Disabled Devices.
   4. If your speakers or headphones appear disabled, right-click them and choose Enable.
   5. Set the correct device as Default.

6. Repair system files if the update damaged Windows components

   1. Right-click Start and choose Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
   2. Run this command: sfc /scannow
   3. When it finishes, run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   4. Restart your PC and test audio again.

7. Remove the latest update if audio broke immediately after it installed

   1. Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history.
   2. Click Uninstall updates.
   3. Remove the most recent update that matches when the sound problem started.
   4. Restart your PC.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

If you do not want to dig through services, drivers, and update leftovers yourself, Kudu can help automate the cleanup and repair process. It can identify common Windows issues, remove system clutter that interferes with fixes, and make it easier to restore normal audio behavior after an update.

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