On Win11 25H2 Blu-ray DRM is still broken when bypassing audio through optical out

Question

On Win11 25H2 Blu-ray DRM is still broken when bypassing audio through optical out

Lipponen Antti 0

Some of the earlier reported blu-ray problems seems to persist still for me. I have 25H2 and I have installed all available optional updates from Windows Update.

Before the update, I could user optical out (Realtek driver on ROG STRIX B850-A GAMING WIFI, latest bios, latest drivers) to pass blu-ray audio PCM to my external DAC device that would process the high resolution audio to ensure pristine quality for my hifi speaker/headphone setup. It would result to going out as high-resolution audio up to 192KHz and 24bit.

With 25H2, I am stuck with 48KHz/16bit audio from Blu-ray which is the DRM limit when copy-protection thinks something is wrong. I have tried many discs and even with source material that should give more, I'm not getting that.

I have tried both PowerDVD 23 and latest 24 with all the patches. I have checked Control Panel sound settings that the maximum resolution is right, I have checked the Windows sound setting panel thing, I have checked Realtek Audio Control app, I have checked the external DAC configuration. I think I've done it all by now.

Qobuz is giving me high-res audio through optical so it's not a technical issue with the optical. I feel the DRM thing is somehow broken with audio, even if the video playback is somehow fixed now with the initial patches.

It took me also over 10 days since the update to notice this and I trusted that it was fixed as it's said to be resolved (KB5067036), so apparently I can't go back to the working version.

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Answer 1

Ian-Ng 14,180 Microsoftin ulkoinen henkilöstö Valvoja

Hi @Lipponen Antti,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

Based on your sharing, after updating to Windows 11 version 25H2 and installing KB5067036, Blu-ray playback via Optical Out (S/PDIF) is limited to 48kHz/16bit in PowerDVD 23/24, despite Qobuz confirming your hardware supports high-res audio. This occurs even after checking Control Panel, Realtek Audio Console, and updating drivers/BIOS on your ROG STRIX B850-A.

Under 25H2 security rules, if Windows Audio Engine or PowerDVD detects an unverified driver or vulnerability, AACS compliance forces downsampling to “CD Quality” to prevent unauthorized ripping. The likely cause is Realtek drivers not meeting new kernel security checks, making the Optical port appear “unsecure” for protected media.

In your case, the next best step is to submit to Feedback Hub Because this appears to be a specific regression in the 25H2 build that automated telemetry may not catch (since audio is playing, merely at a lower quality), we strongly recommend submitting a report to the Microsoft Engineering team via the Feedback Hub (Win + F).

A user-submitted report allows engineers to collect specific kernel logs and "Recreate Mode" data. This makes the issue visible to the Audio Core team and can accelerate the release of a specific patch or a driver update certification.

In the meantime, please try the following steps to potentially force a handshake or bypass the driver logic:

Try to re-initialize exclusive mode:
- Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound > Playback > Realtek Digital Output > Properties > Advanced.
- Uncheck "Allow applications to take exclusive control." Click Apply.
- Re-check the box immediately and Click Apply.
- Restart your computer. This forces the kernel streaming service to reset its permissions.
Test the generic Microsoft driver:
- Open Device Manager, right-click Realtek Audio, and select Update driver.
- Choose Browse my computer... > Let me pick from a list...
- Select High Definition Audio Device (Microsoft generic driver) instead of Realtek.
- Reboot and test PowerDVD. This often bypasses specific manufacturer DRM checks.
USB connection (Diagnostic Test):
- If your DAC supports USB input, please test playback via USB. Windows 25H2 handles "Secure Handshake" verification differently over USB compared to legacy Optical ports. If USB works, it confirms the issue is isolated to the S/PDIF security protocols.

Please let us know the outcome of these steps. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.

I appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

Ian-Ng 14,180 Mainepisteet Microsoftin ulkoinen henkilöstö Valvoja

2025-12-09T15:31:48.14+00:00

Hi @Lipponen Antti,

Could you kindly confirm whether you’ve had an opportunity to review my response? Your update would be greatly appreciated, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Lipponen Antti 0 Mainepisteet

2025-12-25T13:43:56.99+00:00

Hi!

Sorry for the delayed response, as I just noticed your reply.

I have submitted a Feedback through the Hub about two weeks ago. Still no new information from there.

I first tried an updated Realtek driver from Asus Motherboard download page, Realtek Audio Driver V6.4.0.2426 for Windows 11 64-bit, dated 18th December 2025 on the page. Previous driver was from 2024. I have no idea if this is the latest Realtek driver as their own website has been just updated and it's only showing me NIC download information, no audio downloads.

1: Exclusive mode off-on didn't help. Same behaviour

2: Didn't fix it for now, same 48KHz/16bit. I think I did it correctly but can't be certain. The driver listing showed "generic software device". I might try again later.

3: Seems to output 48Khz/16bit on non-exclusive but on exclusive setting from PowerDVD didn't output any audio. I haven't gotten any higher audio using USB before from Blu-ray due to the DRM. Is there a change with 25H2 on this?

RME hasn't yet updated the Babyface Pro driver from July that I'm using for the DAC, but I'm not sure if it matters for the optical out that is handled by the Reaktek. Might affect the USB side.

I also re-checked the RME Fireface USB settings app, SPDIF locks to 48KHz on blu-rays (just tried one concert video that should have 96KHz/24bit PCM audio). Qobuz locks to 192KHz even without Exclusive mode.
Ian-Ng 14,180 Mainepisteet Microsoftin ulkoinen henkilöstö Valvoja

2025-12-25T22:37:25.8433333+00:00
Hi @Lipponen Antti,

Thank you for the detailed update. The data confirms a conflict between the Windows 11 25H2 Protected Media Path and current driver signatures.

Please proceed with the following corrections and analysis:

1. Driver Installation

Please follow these steps to load the necessary hardware-level driver again:

Open Device Manager and expand Sound, video and game controllers.

Right-click Realtek Audio > Update driver.

Select Browse my computer... > Let me pick from a list...

Select High-Definition Audio Device.

Reboot and test PowerDVD via Optical Out.

2. Regarding RME Device Silence

The silence in Exclusive Mode confirms a security handshake failure. Windows 25H2 has tightened security requirements, blocking pro-audio drivers (like RME) that prioritize latency over DRM compliance.

Additionally, please Navigate to Settings > System > Sound > [Your Device] > Properties and ensure Audio Enhancements are set to Off.

If the Generic Microsoft driver remains locked to 48kHz, the restriction is enforced by the OS kernel and will require a Microsoft patch to resolve.

Kindly try and keep me informed of the outcome. Any updates would be appreciated.
Lipponen Antti 0 Mainepisteet

2025-12-26T19:01:26.0833333+00:00

I tried the fist step, as the only Realtek product on "Sound, video and game controllers" is "Realtek USB Audio", but only compatible options for Realtek USB Audio driver update are the following (see the attached image):

Should I try the USB Audio 2.0 or try ticking the compatible drivers off to find the High-Definition Audio Device?

2: I've checked that audio enhancements are off. I tend to keep the EQs, enhancements etc. off to ensure as "hi-fi" experience as possible.
Ian-Ng 14,180 Mainepisteet Microsoftin ulkoinen henkilöstö Valvoja

2025-12-26T21:49:42.56+00:00
Hi @Lipponen Antti,

Thank you for the screenshot and the update regarding the audio enhancements. Please select "USB Audio 2.0" from that list.

The screenshot confirms that your ASUS ROG motherboard utilizes a modern audio architecture. Unlike older motherboards that used the traditional "High Definition Audio" bus, your onboard audio chip is internally connected via USB. Your motherboard uses a modern USB-based audio architecture, which is why the legacy "High Definition Audio Device" driver is not listed. Instead, you should select "USB Audio 2.0," which acts as the standard Microsoft generic driver for this hardware. This driver bypasses the specific Realtek software layer and its associated DRM logic, which is likely causing the handshake failure.

Therefore, please follow these steps below:

Select "USB Audio 2.0" and click Next.

Complete the installation and restart your computer.

Test PowerDVD playback again.

Note: Please do not uncheck "Show compatible hardware." Trying to force a legacy HDA driver on a USB-based audio chip will likely result in a "Code 10: Device cannot start" error.

Please let mee know if switching to the generic "USB Audio 2.0" driver allows the 192kHz PCM stream to pass through.
Lipponen Antti 0 Mainepisteet

2025-12-27T14:53:53.7233333+00:00

Hi!

Thanks for the thorough explanation on this issue. Still I wasn't lucky with this which makes me feel it's not a driver level issue:

I installed the USB Audio 2.0 driver and restarted. I noticed that the audio settings for supported formats, sample rates and default formats reset, so I reset them (none to encoded formats, all to sample rates, 24bit 192 000 (Studio Quality). Also checked that spatial sound is disabled.

Still I'm getting 48KHz 16bits output from PowerDVD 24 according to the PowerDVD information screen. RME spdif input says 48KHz lock when the exclusive mode is on. (See second image attached). I also tried the "TMS" mode on RME panel but no change.

Realtek control panel isn't functional with this driver, which was kind of expected, so it seems to be bypassing that.

I tried doing the exlusive mode off-on thing once more and restarted but that didn't help either. So no matter what I'm doing, blu-ray is still capped to 48KHz / 16bit audio.

I am 100% sure this worked on 24H2 as I verified this when I had the Babyface Interface/DAC on a test period before I bought it for this requirement, and I got up to 192KHz / 24bit audio (from audio-only music blu-ray) and the 96/24 in between too.

Edit: Btw, I can't take screenshots of the information screen of PowerDVD due to DRM without using a phone camera...
Ian-Ng 14,180 Mainepisteet Microsoftin ulkoinen henkilöstö Valvoja

2025-12-29T21:38:25.9933333+00:00
Hi @Lipponen Antti,

Thank you for the update and the screenshots. Since the generic Microsoft driver also forces a 48kHz lock, this confirms the issue is not a driver bug, but a strict OS-level DRM enforcement in Windows 11 25H2. The operating system is now mandating the downsample because the Optical connection cannot perform the HDCP handshake required by the new security kernel.

Hardware BypassSince no software setting can override this OS policy, the only reliable solution to restore 192kHz audio is to use an HDMI Audio Extractor (supports 4K/60Hz & Audio De-embedding).

By connect your PC's HDMI output to the Extractor, then run the Optical cable from the Extractor to your RME DAC.

Windows will detect a secure "HDMI" connection (satisfying the DRM check) and authorize the full 192kHz stream, which the extractor then passes through to your audio setup.

I know this requires extra hardware, but given the strict security environment, this is the reliable method to regain full-resolution Blu-ray playback.
Lipponen Antti 0 Mainepisteet

2026-01-02T18:09:21.7433333+00:00

Hi!

The outcome is quite disappointing to hear. I don't understand how this change helps anyone. I just have to buy new gear after just buying new gear to keep up. I wish I didn't upgrade to Windows 11 let alone to 25H2 trainwreck. Thanks for your help on troubleshooting this issue. I just wish Microsoft cared about the customers more than breaking stuff without warning about it and claiming to have "fixed" things when they just haven't.
Ian-Ng 14,180 Mainepisteet Microsoftin ulkoinen henkilöstö Valvoja

2026-01-02T22:31:04.96+00:00

Hi @Lipponen Antti,

I completely understand your frustration with this outcome, especially given your investment in high-fidelity equipment. While our testing confirmed this is a strict OS-level enforcement in Windows 11 25H2 rather than a fixable bug, your detailed feedback is crucial for the engineering team to understand the real-world impact on enthusiasts.

To ensure the engineering team is aware of these specific technical findings, please open the Feedback Hub by pressing Windows Key + F, locate your previous submission under the 'My feedback' tab, and add a comment confirming that the issue persists even when using the generic Microsoft USB Audio 2.0 driver.

Thank you for your patience and for working through this troubleshooting process with me.
Lipponen Antti 0 Mainepisteet

2026-01-26T15:05:15.79+00:00
Just a heads up to this. I managed to get a HDMI extractor but it didn't fix this issue due to some complications:

My Dell monitors don't take audio input so they didn't show up at all on PC audio list

I plugged a old LG TV in to test but it was capable only to output 48KHz/24bits.

For some reason the Blu-ray audio was still 48KHz/16bit out

I don't know what the specs on the extractor are as they aren't specified anywhere, so it could also be the extractor capping the 16bits but I can't be sure.

I'm curious if there even is a use case anymore how to use high res audio through blu-ray on Windows 11 or is it now just impossible?

It would require a high end television that would be able to output 192KHz/24bit or an AV receiver taking the signal rather than anything most people use with PC.

Also a high-end extractor capable on 192KHz/24bit would be needed with the high-end TV. So I guess the only solution would be HDMI through from AV amp back to monitor.