Windows 11 latest update breaks audio on some PCs, says Microsoft

If you have been a Windows 11 user, you would know how it isn’t without bugs. Just recently, Microsoft solved a bug related to users’ wallpaper and now, another one has been added to the list. The company recently admitted that its latest September update, KB5124008 to be specific, can cause audio devices to stop working on some PCs. The problem can also affect microphones and leave certain sound settings unresponsive. Here is all you need to know about the latest issue.

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Windows 11 September update can leave some PCs without sound

As mentioned already, Microsoft’s September 2026 Patch Tuesday update, KB5124008, is causing audio issues on some Windows 11 systems. The update is available for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, and Microsoft has now acknowledged that some audio devices may fail to start after installing it.

The issue appears to affect USB Audio Class 1.0 devices. On an affected PC, the audio hardware may fail to initialise after the system installs the update. This means users could restart their computer after updating and suddenly find that their speakers or other connected audio equipment are no longer producing sound.

PS: The problem goes beyond simply having the wrong volume setting. Microsoft says the audio device itself may fail to start, meaning turning up the volume will not bring the sound back. Also, the Sound settings page in Windows may stop responding, making it difficult for users to diagnose the problem through the usual Settings menu. On the other hand, users who check Device Manager may see a Code 10 error for the affected audio device or driver.

Microsoft has not yet released a permanent fix but there are some ways to get around the issue. You may try switching to a multichannel audio device to two-channel mode if the issue involves an incorrect audio configuration.

Another option is to temporarily use different audio hardware as wireless audio devices do not appear to be affected by this bug.

Meanwhile, Microsoft has reassured users that they are working on a solution. But, as of now, there is no confirmed patch that users can install to address the audio failure.

What was the wallpaper bug?

As mentioned already, the audio issue is not the only Windows 11 problem Microsoft has had to deal with recently. The company also confirmed a separate issue involving desktop settings after users reported that their wallpaper had suddenly changed to a solid black background.

Microsoft said the problem was triggered after installing the KB5120998 August 2026 preview update on Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2. According to the company, some Windows desktop settings could fail to load after installing the update, resulting in desktop backgrounds being displayed as a solid black colour. However, the issue is said to have been resolved with the September 2026 Patch Tuesday update.

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Divyanshi Sharma

Divyanshi Sharma is a media and communications professional with over 8 years of experience in the industry. With a strong background in tech journalism, she has covered everything from the latest gadgets to gaming trends and brings a sharp editorial lens to every story. She holds a master’s diploma in mass communication and a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Her love for writing and gaming began early—often skipping classes to try out the latest titles—which naturally evolved into a career at the intersection of technology and storytelling. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her exploring virtual worlds on her console or PC, or testing out a new laptop she managed to get her hands on. View Full Profile