Windows Update Fails to Fix Audio Issues for Some Devices

Microsoft has released an emergency Windows update to address audio problems caused by its September Patch Tuesday release. The update, KB5129195, was issued on September 14 and is meant to fix issues with USB Audio Class 1.0 devices that were prevented from starting or producing sound after the original security update. However, the fix only covers some of the reported failures.

Users who installed the Sept. 8 Windows security update, KB5124008, may see a 'This device cannot start (Code 10)' error in Device Manager. Other symptoms include missing audio output, volume controls stuck at zero, and Windows sound settings that stop responding or become unavailable. Some devices continue working in standard two-channel stereo configuration but fail when users switch to eight-channel or 3D audio modes.

Microsoft said some customers were able to restore sound by switching back to two-channel mode. However, the company lists the broader issue as 'mitigated' rather than resolved and is still working on addressing other symptoms. IT admins who need an immediate workaround for problems not covered by the out-of-band update are being directed to Microsoft Support for Business.