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
    2021-05-28T10:29:23+00:00

    I know. Hope there will be a good solution soon

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  2. Anonymous
    2021-05-28T10:23:17+00:00

    Only solution i found was a clean install from a usb stick with the newest version of windows.

    But that's not the most practical solution.

    Not a viable solution, sorry.

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  3. Anonymous
    2021-05-28T08:57:45+00:00

    Only solution i found was a clean install from a usb stick with the newest version of windows.

    But that's not the most practical solution.

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  4. Anonymous
    2021-05-28T08:42:58+00:00

    Any solution found ? I got the exact same issue on multiple pc's ...

    Nope, limping along without audio! I think it is over 1 week now since it is gone.

    I am using next room laptop for my 5-year old's Youtube and Disney movies now.

    IF I could get any working solution I would let you guys know at once. :)

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  5. Anonymous
    2021-05-27T07:51:19+00:00

    Any solution found ? I got the exact same issue on multiple pc's ...

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    1 person found this answer helpful.
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