Problem with Windows 10 ver. 21H1 -- all audio input/output devices missing in Sound settings, red X on volume icon

Anonymous
2021-05-19T09:59:57+00:00

For 2-3 days, I am getting no sound at all from my several audio devices/Windows computer here - I have TWO monitors with HDMI audio, plus headphones jack connected to motherboard audio card. I was able to fix it one time by doing lots of tinkering in Device Manager, but I am unable to replicate the fix a 2nd time.

So, asking here.

System is a desktop PC, running an Intel Core i3 Haswell CPU (2 cores, 4 threads), 16 GB of DDR3 RAM, on a ASUS H81M2 motherboard, GPU is AMD Radeon R9 390 (8 GB). Audio card is the built-in Realtek. 1 Crucial SSD, plus 2 HDDs -- WD and Seagate. Logitech Full HD webcam , Logitech wireless mouse, wired Razer keyboard.

The volume icon in lower right (Notification area) shows with a red X. In Settings of Windows 10 OS, Sounds, NO input or output devices show at all.

No sounds possible in any software, i.e. browser, actual OS does not make the Start Windows sound like it used to/etc.

Also, no recording or voice chat possible with my Logitech webcam (which has a stereo microphone), so no Skype, Viber/etc voice calls.

In Device Manager, nothing shows wrong - all audio, system devices appear to be working fine. In AMD Radeon GPU settings, nothing wrong shows either.

I tried the Windows 10 Sound Troubleshooter, but it unfortunately says it cannot identify the issue.

What can I do to fix this?

(Please do not suggest a reinstall Windows OS or Reset OS, I cannot do those.)

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-07-20T14:07:13+00:00

    Calm down....

    Of course this is not a real solution but for me opening the ease of access audio settings via bat script on login is enough.

    No further clicks needed to get sound and therefore fully automatic.

    Still hoping for a fix soon.

    Maybe someone with contacts to MS can try to get some infos? Ping them on twitter or whatever to increase attention to this issue?

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-07-16T00:31:05+00:00

    Hi Nikolai,

    Here is my temporary solution. I have tested it for the past day and it works. I based on the solution provided earlier by user @finderAUT 's script. I had to modify the command line though for the batch file as the sleep command wouldn't work for me. I just created a text file (let's say 2.txt), opened it and put the following lines:

    start ms-settings:easeofaccess-audiotimeout /t 5 /nobreak > nultaskkill /f /im SystemSettings.exe

    I then saved the file and renamed it as 2.bat .

    I opened the run dialog using the windows key + R (Win+R), typed the following command "shell:startup" without quotes then pressed enter. I moved the 2.bat file to the start-up folder then closed the window.

    I then opened the Bluetooth settings in windows (Select Start > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices) made sure it was "ON" then added a sound device (headphone or speakers). Made sure the device was connected.

    Restarted Windows and waited until all the start ups were done, including the batch file.

    I pointed then to the audio icon (red with white cross), then Right-Clicked then pressed on "Open Sound Settings". The audio will then activate by itself.

    I know it sounds like a war, but it works for me. The only issue is that the Bluetooth device needs to be "ON" when starting Windows , when all starts up are done, just right click on the audio icon with the red dot and white cross, then click "Open Sound Settings", the audio will be activated.

    This being said, I cannot forgive the OS developers for making us live this technical H377 not only that it was and it is still inconvenient still but made me go through a very tough time with the hardware manufacturer.

    Let me know how this works for you.

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-06-18T08:06:00+00:00

    Did your problem get resolved because I am still facing that issue, I need the audio back.

    IF you mean having to tinker with Settings --> Sound --> Ease of Access to get sound back every single day/morning, every day of the week, then yes - issue is fixed. :) IF you mean being able to hear the Windows 10 OS startup sound, and not need to go to Settings --> Sound --> Ease of Access and tinker to get some sound - then NO. :)

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  4. Anonymous
    2021-06-15T09:20:35+00:00

    Hello Nikolai

    I have the same problem as you and i hope i can help you and some others with this temp solution i found

    What happens :

    Device will ask for reboot and will says failed to update the windows and rolling back the update. and when user logins in to laptop Sound is missing.

    Tried:

    BIOS update to 10.1.1, Audio update . Re-installed Audio and created another windows login account and same issue with that too. Uninstalled the May-21 Windows update and still same issue.

    TEMP fix:

    1. Remove the USB headset from the Laptop and wait for 30 sec and connect back to laptop.
    2. Right Click on the Sound icon (bottom right corner) and select OPEN SOUND SETTINGS
    3. Then go to right side of the panel and click on “ EASE OF ACCESS AUDIO SETTINGS “
    4. Then go to right side of the panel and click on “ SOUND SETTINGS “
    5. Now you should be able to see the Audio device is now detected
    6. Slide the Nob to test the sound and it should work.

    Note: im still looking for the correct solution, but at least this help me to move on regardless the problem is still on, if you restart your pc, it will fail again.

    Good luck. I hope this can help you.

    This is just Great! :(

    This worked yesterday, 1 time. Was very happy, could finally play a game with my 5-year old - with sound (one of the Asphalt games).

    However, unfortunately I turn off my PC every evening, to then turn it on the next day morning.

    Now, today I am doing the exactly same thing but the damn red X icon won't budge, and audio output and input devices do not show, again..

    Like they say in the ad -- "Windows 10, different results every time!"

    (NOTE: Actual ad uses the word "great". but Windows 10 is better than that. :) )

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  5. Anonymous
    2021-06-15T05:00:25+00:00

    My issue still persists i updated my drivers reinstalled my OS updated the BIOS and and restarted it still is not working. I have a HP notebook 15dbxxx v 21H1 amd ryzen 3

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