Windows 11 Update Breaks Audio Output on Some PCs, No Fix Yet

Microsoft has confirmed that its September Windows 11 update can cause issues with USB audio devices on some PCs. The bug, tied to KB5124008 (released on September 8), affects Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1. Senior Tech Reporter Hassam Nasir notes that the issue results in a 'This device cannot start (Code 10)' error in Device Manager, along with unresponsive volume controls and no sound output.

Affected users may see issues even when using standard stereo mode, but multichannel features like 8-channel or 3D audio can trigger failures. Some users have reported that dropping back to 2-channel mode restores audio, although this is not a permanent fix and may not apply to every setup.

Microsoft is still investigating the root cause of the issue and has not shipped a resolution yet. The bug specifically affects USB Audio Class 1.0 devices, so older or generic USB DACs and headsets are more likely to be impacted.