A Critical Update to Windows 11 Has Broken Audio on Some Computers, Microsoft Admits
In a sudden and unexpected twist, Microsoft has acknowledged that its recent security updates for Windows 11 have caused serious audio problems on some computers. Specifically, USB audio devices connected to certain Windows systems have stopped working or producing any sound at all after the September 2026 patches were applied.
The issue affects only Windows 11 versions 24H2 and later, which means millions of users may be impacted by this problem. The affected devices are those running on USB Audio Class 1.0 (UAC 1.0), a relatively common type of audio technology used in many soundbars, speakers, and headphones. Users have reported encountering error messages like “This device cannot start (Code 10)” when trying to use these devices.
When affected users attempt to play audio or adjust their volume settings, they’re met with failure – no sound comes out, and the volume controls become unresponsive. Some users have noted that their USB audio speakers only fail when using advanced features like multichannel audio or 3D audio modes. It’s a serious problem for anyone who relies on these devices to enjoy music, videos, or online gaming.
Microsoft has yet to provide an official fix or workaround for this issue, but some enterprising users have managed to bypass the problem by switching their USB audio settings from multichannel mode to 2-channel mode. This is not a long-term solution, and Microsoft needs to address this issue as soon as possible to prevent further frustration among its customers.
This isn’t an isolated incident – it’s actually the latest in a string of similar problems that have plagued Windows 11 updates over the past two years. In January 2025, a cumulative update caused audio playback issues on systems with USB audio devices. More recently, Microsoft had to lift a safeguard hold on upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 due to compatibility concerns affecting Bluetooth headsets and speakers.
What’s clear is that these problems are not only frustrating for users but also undermine confidence in the security updates provided by Microsoft. While these patches aim to fix critical vulnerabilities and improve overall system security, they often come with unintended consequences that can cause significant disruption to daily life.
As a result of this issue, it’s essential for Windows 11 users to be vigilant about their audio settings after applying the September 2026 cumulative updates. If you experience any issues with your USB audio devices, try switching to 2-channel mode as a temporary workaround – but keep in mind that this is not a permanent solution and should only be used until Microsoft provides an official fix.
Source: Bleeping Computer — 2026-09-14