No audio after latest windows update. How to fix?

The update is "2023-03 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 22H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5023706)" and after I downloaded this update all my audio stopped functioning. Headset, monitor, everything. I have tried so many online suggestions including updating drivers, messing around with settings as per fix tutorial, ran a virus scan just in case but still nothing. Interestingly I found that the NVIDIA audio thing says disconnected. Not sure if that was like that before the update but I doubt it. Again, I tried various fixes including drivers, etc. Did anyone else have this problem and know a fix that actually works cause I am done wasting time on this frankly stupid and irritating problem.

Audio issues after a Windows update can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you've already tried so many fixes. Since it seems tied to the update, here are a few steps you can try:

1. Rollback the Update: Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall Updates. Look for the KB5023706 update and uninstall it to see if the audio returns.
2. Reinstall Audio Drivers: Instead of just updating, try uninstalling your audio drivers completely (via Device Manager) and then reinstalling them. This can sometimes clear up conflicts caused by updates.
3. Check Default Audio Devices: Ensure the correct device is set as default in Sound Settings. Sometimes updates can reset or disconnect audio configurations.
4. NVIDIA Audio Issue: If the NVIDIA audio is showing as disconnected, try reinstalling the NVIDIA drivers. You can download the latest drivers directly from the NVIDIA website.
5. Use Troubleshooters: Run the built-in Windows troubleshooter for audio by navigating to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters.

For quick fixes or additional audio-related tools, consider trying a TTS app for quick conversion to test if audio playback is functioning through alternate software. Let me know if any of these solutions work for you!

I am losing the will to live after trying to get my monitor audio to work again after an update yesterday morning! (13/11/2024) I tried the 'fix' listed above, but without more instructions I am lost. If it wasn't only a couple of months old, I'd chuck it out of the window! Why on earth do Microsoft not make sure their updates don't screw up peoples computers!

This has absolutely nothing to do with my comment or question. I am looking to renew my subscription solely complimentary because i inadvertently let it lapse by a few months.

The best way to fix it is to copy C:\windows\inf\audioendpoint.inf, and C:\windows\inf\audioendpoint.pnf to a new folder, then go to devmgmt.msc, and go to the menu Action, then click Add drivers then type in the new folder name into it. You might want to uninstall the current driver. PS: if you want to disable other windows update issues, move C:\windows\servicing\trustedinstalller.exe to a new location, which might require the explorer interface, or you can learn takeown and icacls to automate the process. I fixed my sound and the update issues this way. You might also want to add drivers the 'old way' (I think it is legacy hardware, or something, which it says only tech support should use it), and then install the same folder the new way, then restart your computer (that ensures that your method almost matches my method and also ensures the computer 'knows' the drivers are there. Guess I am tech support then.) . Good luck! Be careful! Also be careful of installing the WHOLE C:\windows\inf. I almost did that, and luckily I stopped it before more than '0 devices' were affected, you could try it, but I don't recommend it. If you were to try that (very risky), you probably want to uninstall the driver associated with C:\windows\inf\audioendpoint.inf. By the way my audio maker is different than yours, but windows is excellent with installing drivers so if your audio is broken I recommend the first method (the double driver installation wizards on your new safe folder). If your computer seems more broken and many features aren't working, then you might want to use the very risky method (installing the entire C:\windows\inf) after uninstalling the drivers that you don't want as a last resort. I never tried it, but I would do so if numerous features are broken and resist any small fixes. If you don't have C:\windows\inf\audioendpoint.pnf in your INF folder, then simply copy as many inf files involved in your sound settings, after uninstalling the bad drivers/devices. After that you can likely take the steps to repair the new problems (that are possible to fix) if any occur. Typically a restart would fix many of those problems, which I got lucky. You might also want to search for firmware updates, because my computer installed a firmware update, but it didn't fix the audio problem on it's own. Chances are the inf that will fix your audio already exists on your system, and can be installed through devmgmt.msc, because I assume your audio was working at some point. It's likely easier than you might think.