Lost all audio after May, 2021 Windows 10 update!!!!

Hi GainbrainX -

Thanks for the update. The ISO file size should be around 3 to 5GB, to be safe free up to 10GB. In performing In-place Repair, download the ISO file and save it to your computer/desktop, you don't have to use a recordable DVD or USB drive, you'll only need them if you're going to create a bootable drive.

Regards,

Jerico T.

I did an in place reinstall an it still didn't help and I am still getting this:

 even after a reset reinstall where all that's left are my data files! I don't have a clue what the problem is.

I'm close to replacing my mobo. I use Foobar for my default player. It has a window in the output options for output data format. It states that the output format will be chosen automatically for the selected output device meaning primary sound driver, Realtek, SoundBlaster, or whatever. It's greyed out like it's not able to communicate with the output controller on that level and find out where to route the output. I see the level indicators bouncing but don't here a thing! heeeeeeelp?

Jerico,

I did the install in place. It didn't change anything. Still, no sound.

I also did a reset install where I can keep my data files but lose all my apps and still, no  sound!

I really thought that would get me  my sound back. I was thinking, resetting all of Microsoft's stuff back to to clean default and wiping all of my programs and settings would eliminate all possible variables. If I'm right, all that's left is my motherboard hardware. That is all I can think of.

Mike

Hi GainbrainX -

Thanks for the update. I apologize but it seems that I ran out of ideas, maybe someone has a better resolve.

Regards,

Jerico T.

Hi Mike. I'm Greg, an Independent Advisor.

I'll give you all possible solutions for Sound problems in order of priority, so please try any you've already tried again in order. If you have any problems performing any steps I'll be standing by here to help you.

1. See if you can System Restore to a point before the problem began following this guide: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-r...

System Restore is your first line of defense and can take you back to a point before a problem began. If it doesn't help then you can undo it. Read about it first in the tutorial above and then try restoring to just before this started.

If the problem repeats or System Restore doesn't work then check which Windows Updates were installed at Settings > Update & Security > Windows Updates > Update History, uninstall them there or System Restore again, then immediately check for and block the Updates with the Hide Updates tool explained here: https://www.howtogeek.com/223864/how-to-uninsta...

2. Update the sound driver from the PC or device maker's Support Downloads webpage for your exact model, Serial Number or Dell Service Tag. Go into Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button, compare to make sure you also have the latest BIOS, Chipset, Display, Network and all other drivers.

If necessary try installing the driver in Safe Mode with Networking (so you have internet), or Safe Mode, accessed by one of these methods: https://www.digitalcitizen.life/4-ways-boot-saf...

3. Restore the Windows Audio Service which may have become disabled: https://troubleshooter.xyz/wiki/fix-audio-servi...
4. Next try these checklists:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/help/402699...

https://www.howtogeek.com/443702/how-to-fix-sou...

Also reset the prompt to ask for which device was plugged in here:

https://windowsreport.com/you-just-plugged-unpl...

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Audio/En...

https://www.dell.com/community/Windows-10/How-g...

5. Right click Volume icon in System Tray, choose Sound Settings, from the Output and Input devices dropdown menus, choose then one(s) affected to see if that helps. If not use the Troubleshoot button nearby.
6. Run the Playing Sound troubleshooter at Start button > Settings>Update & Security>Troubleshoot.
7. Try rolling back the sound drivers in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button. Choose Sound controller and other audio devices, then Driver tab, then Roll back if available.

If no newer sound drivers then uninstall the one presently installed in Device Manager, reached by right clicking the Start Button. Restart PC to reinstall.

Try other and older drivers for your model Sound controller, too. For example, try the next oldest driver in the model's online Support Downloads list. To try all previous drivers installed on your system, in Device Manager choose Sound controller's Driver tab, then Update Driver, then Browse, then Let Me Pick.

Finally, try installing the latest Sound driver in Compatibility Mode as shown here:

https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/win...

8. Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

9. If nothing else helps then run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This solves many problems and will also bring it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-10/m...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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