Big problems with M4A after updating to Windows 11 22H2

Anonymous

Dear colleagues, after updating Windows 11 to 22H2, there were significant problems with playing files purchased from iTunes in .m4a (AAC, ALAC) format. This problem has been fixed by a lot of people all over the world and is especially evident on the DJ forums. Problems are observed with the quality of playback, and with the volume and with a number of other parameters. This problem is detected on software that uses the built-in Windows 11 22H2 codecs (on earlier versions, the problem is not observed), Windows Media Player, RekordBox, Serato DJ Pro, etc. On players that use their own codecs (VLC, iTunes, JetAudio HD, etc.) there is no problem. When converting m4a to mp3, there are no problems. What it looks like: https://youtu.be/WqAA12pfWjg and https://youtu.be/um3QSTuLg6s Software vendors fix this issue after the 22H2 update as well, label it as a Microsoft issue and offer a workaround, such as converting the entire m4a database to other formats, which of course is completely unacceptable advice with a database of several thousand files. https://forums.pioneerdj.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/12212808237337-RekordBox-5-8-7-m4a-problems Does Microsoft acknowledge the existence of this problem and when is it planned to release an urgent fix, since. the problem has been observed for a very long time and prevents normal operation?

Thanks in advance!

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

Anonymous

I installed KB5035942 and unless I'm severely mistaken, the issue seems to be resolved.

Can anyone else confirm?

0 comments

115 additional answers

Anonymous

2024-05-05T18:20:17+00:00

Unfortunately still not fully fixed. The immediate fluctuations are finally gone, but what is fluctuating now is overall volume. I just did a test and 2 tracks both bought from iTunes were in Traktor Pro 3 played with roughly 16dB volume difference. That is a lot. Some tracks are unfortunately way to loud and clipping by default and some sound a bit quieter than normal. I'd say it's still like one step from a complete fix.

If you played the files in Traktor before the bug was fixed, you need to re-analyze them. Right click the tracks and click "Analyze (Async)" This likely goes for other DJ software as well - the auto-gain was turning the bugged tracks up by about 16dB.

Thank you Pete for your patience engaging with everyone on this. I've dual booting Windows 10 because of this. I'll keep it though - it pays to have a fallback plan!
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2024-05-03T20:26:20+00:00

Personally had 100% success after the update.
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2024-05-03T20:13:19+00:00

Unfortunately still not fully fixed. The immediate fluctuations are finally gone, but what is fluctuating now is overall volume. I just did a test and 2 tracks both bought from iTunes were in Traktor Pro 3 played with roughly 16dB volume difference. That is a lot. Some tracks are unfortunately way to loud and clipping by default and some sound a bit quieter than normal. I'd say it's still like one step from a complete fix.
Was this answer helpful?

0 comments No comments
Anonymous

2024-03-30T21:44:06+00:00

Another data point: installing the "2024-03 Cumulative Update Preview for Windows 11 Version 23H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5035942)" update has fixed the problem. I use the built-in Groove Music/Media Player app to listen to music, and having my audio volume suddenly start fluctuating from song to song had been pissing me off for so many months. I am very glad to finally see the resolution. Thank you to everyone who worked on reporting and fixing this issue--it was one heck of a journey with plenty of ups and downs, but we got there in the end.
Was this answer helpful?

3 people found this answer helpful.

0 comments No comments