FIXED – No Sound After Windows 11 24H2 Update

The Windows 11 24H2 update brings exciting features and performance boosts, but for some users, it has introduced an unexpected issue: no sound. If your speakers, headphones, or Bluetooth audio devices have gone silent after installing this update, you’re not alone.

Many have reported missing audio drivers, unrecognized devices, or muted output post-upgrade. Fortunately, this problem can be fixed with the right approach. This user-friendly guide will walk you through proven solutions to restore sound on your Windows 11 PC after the 24H2 update. Let’s dive in!

Why Does the Windows 11 24H2 Update Cause No Sound?

Before jumping into fixes, it’s helpful to understand why this happens. The 24H2 update can disrupt audio functionality due to:

• Driver Incompatibility: The update may overwrite or conflict with existing audio drivers (e.g., Realtek, Intel SST, or Synaptics).
• Settings Misconfiguration: Default audio output devices might reset or change unexpectedly.
• Bugs in the Update: Known issues, like those tied to Dirac Audio or Intel Smart Sound Technology, can disable sound on specific hardware.
• Corrupted Files: The update process might corrupt system files related to audio services.

With these culprits in mind, let’s explore actionable solutions to get your sound back.

1. Check Basic Audio Settings

Sometimes, the most straightforward fix is the most effective. Start by ensuring your audio isn’t muted or misconfigured:

• Unmute and Adjust Volume: Click the speaker icon in the taskbar (bottom-right corner). Slide the volume up and ensure it’s not muted.
• Select the Right Output Device: Right-click the speaker icon, choose “Sound settings,” and under “Output,” pick your preferred device (e.g., speakers or headphones). Test it by playing a sound.
• Volume Mixer Check: Right-click the speaker icon, select “Open volume mixer,” and confirm no muted apps.

If the basics don’t work, move to the next step.

2. Run the Windows Audio Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in tool to diagnose and fix audio issues automatically:

1. Open Settings (Windows + I).
2. Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Find “Playing Audio” and click Run. Follow the on-screen prompts.

This tool can resolve common problems like driver conflicts or service errors. If it doesn’t help, proceed further.

3. Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are a frequent cause of sound loss after updates. Here’s how to fix them:

Update Drivers

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video, and game controllers.
3. Right-click your audio device (e.g., Realtek High Definition Audio) and choose Update driver.
4. Select “Search automatically for drivers.” If Windows finds an update, it’ll install it.

Reinstall Drivers

1. In Device Manager, right-click the audio device and select Uninstall device.
2. Restart your PC. Windows will attempt to reinstall the default driver automatically.
3. If sound doesn’t return, visit your PC manufacturer’s website (e.g., Dell, HP, or Lenovo) to download the latest audio driver for your model.

Pro Tip: Try the Intel Driver & Support Assistant to automate driver updates for Intel-based systems.

4. Roll Back the Audio Driver

If the update installed a new driver that’s causing issues, rolling back to the previous version might help:

1. Open Device Manager (Windows + X > Device Manager).
2. Expand Sound, video, and game controllers.
3. Right-click your audio device and select Properties.
4. Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver (if available). Follow the prompts and restart your PC.

This option works if the sound was pleasing before the 24H2 update.

5. Address Known 24H2 Audio Bugs

The 24H2 update has specific audio-related issues tied to particular hardware. Here’s how to tackle them:

Dirac Audio Issue

Some devices with Dirac Audio (cridspapo.dll) lose sound after an update. Microsoft has flagged this as a known issue. Check your manufacturer’s support site for a driver update or workaround. Avoid manual upgrades until a fix is confirmed.

Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST)

For Intel 11th Gen Core processor users, older SST drivers (versions 10.29.0.5152 or 10.30.0.5152) may cause audio failure or blue screens. Update to version 10.29.00.5714 or 10.30.00.5714 via Windows Update or Intel’s site.

6. Restart Windows Audio Services

Audio services might stall after the update. Restarting them can help:

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Locate these services:
   • Windows Audio
   • Windows Audio Endpoint Builder
   • Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
3. Right-click each, select Restart, and ensure their “Startup type” is set to Automatic.

Test your sound afterward.

7. Disable Audio Enhancements

Enhancements can interfere with sound output:

1. Right-click the speaker icon and select Sounds.
2. In the Playback tab, select your device and click Properties.
3. Go to the Enhancements tab and check “Disable all enhancements.”
4. Click Apply and OK, then test your audio.

8. Perform a System Restore

If sound worked before the update and nothing else helps, revert to a pre-update state:

1. Search for Create a restore point in the Start menu and open it.
2. Click System Restore > Next.
3. Select a restore point from before the 24H2 update and follow the wizard.

Your PC will restart, and sound should return if the update were the sole issue.

9. Uninstall the 24H2 Update (Last Resort)

If all else fails, remove the update:

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates.
2. Find the 24H2 update (e.g., KB5044284 or similar), select it, and click Uninstall.
3. Restart your PC to roll back to the previous version.

Note: This option is only available within 10 days of the update unless you’ve adjusted recovery settings.

10. Check for Hardware Issues

Rarely, the problem might not be software-related. Test your speakers or headphones on another device. If they work elsewhere, the issue lies with Windows. If not, replace or repair your audio hardware.

Final Thoughts

Losing sound after the Windows 11 24H2 update can be frustrating, but these steps should help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

Start with basic checks, escalate to driver fixes, and use system restore or rollback as needed. Tools like Driver Booster can optimize your system for ongoing driver management.

Still stuck? Comment below or contact Microsoft Support for personalized help. Once your audio is back, enjoy your music, games, and calls without interruption!