audio drivers not working windows 11 after update

Roll back the audio driver first because the sound failure began after a Windows update; if rollback is unavailable or ineffective, update or reinstall the driver and then install the Windows 11 driver supplied by the PC manufacturer.

1. Roll back the audio driver

1. Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click the main audio device, such as Realtek Audio, Intel Smart Sound Technology, or High Definition Audio, and select Properties.
4. Open the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver.
5. Follow the prompts, then restart the computer and test the sound.

The rollback button is available only when Windows retained an earlier driver version.^1^

2. If Roll Back Driver is unavailable

Install any pending driver corrections:

1. Open Start > Settings > Windows Update.
2. Select Check for updates and install everything offered.
3. Restart the PC, even if Windows does not explicitly request it.
4. Return to Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers.
5. Right-click the audio device and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
6. Restart and test again.^2^

3. Reinstall the audio driver

If updating does not restore sound:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click the audio device and select Uninstall device.
4. Confirm the uninstall. Do not select an option to remove the driver package unless you already have the correct replacement driver.
5. Restart the PC.

Windows should automatically reinstall the audio device after restart.^2^

If Windows installs only a generic driver or the device remains missing:

1. Visit the support website for the computer manufacturer—not a third-party driver site.
2. Search using the exact PC model.
3. Download and install the latest Windows 11 audio driver.
4. If the manufacturer provides related chipset or Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers, follow its model-specific installation instructions.
5. Restart the PC.^2^

4. Restart the audio services

If Device Manager shows the audio device without an error but there is still no sound:

1. Press Windows key + R, enter services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Right-click Windows Audio and select Restart.
3. Right-click Windows Audio Endpoint Builder and select Restart.
4. Test the sound again.^1^

Also open Settings > System > Sound and select the intended speakers or headphones under Output. This prevents an HDMI monitor, Bluetooth device, or another output from remaining selected as the default.^3^

Current USB-audio issue

If this affects a USB Audio Class 1.0 device and started after the September 8, 2026 security update, it may match a documented Windows issue. Typical signs include Device Manager Code 10, no output, volume fixed at zero, or unresponsive Sound settings. Check Settings > System > About for the Windows version and Settings > Windows Update > Update history for the installed update before treating it as this specific issue.^4^

References

1. Windows 11
2. Windows 11
3. Windows 11
4. Windows 11, version 24H2 known issues and notifications