Fix audio stops working after a Windows update in Windows
Applies To
If audio stops working after installing a Windows update, incompatible or partially installed audio drivers can prevent Windows audio services from working correctly. Use the steps below to restore sound.
Installing pending updates can replace missing components and fix known audio issues.
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Select Start > Settings >Â Windows Update.
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Select Check for updates, then install all available updates.
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Restart your device.
An outdated or incompatible driver can cause audio to stop working after an update.
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Select Start, then search for Device Manager and open it.
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Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
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Right‑click your audio device, then select Update driver.
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Follow the on‑screen instructions and restart your PC.
If the issue started after a recent update, reverting to the previous driver may restore audio.
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Open Device Manager.
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Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
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Right‑click your audio device, then select Properties.
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Select the Driver tab, then select Roll Back Driver.
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Restart your device.
Note:Â The Roll Back Driver option is available only if a previous driver version exists.
Restarting audio services can recover sound if they didn’t start correctly.
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Select Start, type services.msc, and press Enter.
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Right‑click Windows Audio, then select Restart.
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Right‑click Windows Audio Endpoint Builder, then select Restart.
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Test your audio.
Support for Windows 10 has ended on October 14, 2025
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Audio may stop working after a Windows update if the installed audio driver is incompatible or audio services fail to start. Follow these steps to restore sound.
Installing updates can resolve audio issues introduced by a previous update.
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Select Start > Settings.
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Select Update & Security > Windows Update.
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Select Check for updates, then install all available updates.
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Restart your device.
Updating the audio driver can restore sound after an update.
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Select Start, then search for Device Manager and open it.
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Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
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Right‑click your audio device, then select Update driver.
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Follow the instructions and restart your PC.
If audio stopped working immediately after an update, rolling back the driver may help.
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Open Device Manager.
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Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
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Right‑click your audio device, then select Properties.
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Select the Driver tab, then select Roll Back Driver.
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Restart your device.
Restarting audio services can resolve temporary service failures.
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Select Start, type services.msc, and press Enter.
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Right‑click Windows Audio, then select Restart.
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Right‑click Windows Audio Endpoint Builder, then select Restart.
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Test your audio.​​​​​​​
If you are facing a different audio issue, refer to Fix Audio/Sound problems in Windows.
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