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

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.

This is stupid. I won't try this!

I do not want a semi-automated way, I will keep using my own, manual way for now. It is faster anyway.

If you do not have a fully automated way, do not bother will useless, half-baked "fixes".

Also, unlike you I do not use Bluetooth headphones here so this makes your "fix" not very relevant to my case. :)

Hi John,

MS knows about the issue for sure. The update did the same thing for me as well. Try it again and don't give up.
You can ask questions here if you can't get it run.

As the OP Nikolai (not word for word) says how is it that MS is not doing anything after having more than 4k reads ...

Good luck John. Let us know if you need help.

p.s: the issue my perhaps differ from computer to computer, so if anyone has fixed it with a better method, then please do update us. Thanks.

Thank you for your suggestion. I an glad it worked for you

For me,however, this procedure is a bit more complicated than I can manage

Since the Windows 10 update caused total loss of all audio - which had been functioning normally - shouldn't Windows provide some sort of patch to restore sound?

Kind regards,

John Moloney

Hi,

Just an update, as of today, I have been testing this method for the past 4 days and it 100% works for me. Bluetooth need to be activated and a Bluetooth audio device needs to be connected on boot. In addition to the batch file on start-up.

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.