Microsoft has confirmed a bug that is silencing audio on some PCs running Windows 11 and Windows 10. The issue primarily affects users with digital-to-analog converters (DACs) connected via USB, but anyone experiencing the problem can remove their external DAC to resolve the issue.
The bug was first noticed in the January 2025 cumulative updates for Windows 11 and Windows 10 and has been confirmed by Microsoft. According to the company, the issue occurs when a security update is installed, particularly with USB 1.0 audio driver-based DACs.
Microsoft promises that a fix is coming, but there isn’t currently a workaround to resolve the issue. The company attributes the bug to an internal change made during the security patching process, affecting multiple versions of Windows 11 and Windows 10.
This widespread bug has caused frustration among Windows users, particularly those on the latest Windows 11 update (24H2), who have been experiencing a string of issues since its release. Microsoft is working on a resolution, and a fix is expected in an upcoming release.
Source: https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-admits-bug-that-kills-pcs-audio-is-seriously-widespread-affecting-multiple-windows-11-versions-and-windows-10-but-a-fix-is-coming