KB5003173 Killed my audio

Thanks Greg,

Unfortunately, I have tried these steps already.  For sanity, I have done them several times. 

Before I did the in-place reinstall, I had used the restore point, but it was unable to roll back the 2 troublesome windows updates.  The servicing stack update is mandatory and cannot be removed / rolled back, and KB5003173 cannot be fully removed because it too has something mandatory built in.  I contacted MS and had one of their people remote in and try this as well, but they didn't have any luck either.

When none of the steps you mentioned worked, that's when I undertook the reinstall/upgrade.

The only thing I haven't done is a complete format and fresh install of Windows 10.  That is downtime I simply do not have.  I just built this computer at the end of March and took a week's PTO setting it up for work.  I can't afford to do that as now through October I'll be working massive overtime.

Whatever broke isn't something obvious, and if you check the drivers forum on this Answers site, you'll see another one of my posts and many more complaining of the same thing.

My guess is that there's a breakdown between the Realtek drivers and Window's Audio services.  Neither are showing a problem.  I've also dug through event viewer to see if anything even remotely relevant is throwing exceptions, but nothing.

Phillip -

When you ran the Repair Install it removed the Restore points. The repair needed was System Restore. System Restore is your first line of defense if Windows ever malfunctions as it can run even from recovery media to get you back before a problem started. It should always be turned on C drive with plenty of disk space (5-15%) configured. Here's how to check and when necessary how to run System Restore: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-r...

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.

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Correct, I only have onboard audio.

According to Gigabytes website:

1. Realtek ALC1220-VB codec
2. ESS SABRE9118 DAC chip
3. High Definition Audio
4. 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel
5. Support for S/PDIF Out

I'm running driver v. 6.0.9126.1 (sourced from Mobo updater)

I have also tried v. 6.0.9054.1 (Mobo website) and v. 6.0.9075.1 (Windows Update) to no avail.

Did you do what I asked?

Did you get the ^ when you clicked on the Speaker?  If not then you do not have dual sound cards or speakers.

I’ve been in IT my whole life and I have no idea what you’re talking about, sorry.