Microsoft confirms audio problem in Windows 10 KB5016616 Update

According to the Windows 10 Health Dashboard, Microsoft has confirmed that the KB5016616 update will cause audio issues on some devices, such as the inability to play audio. Different devices are affected slightly differently. For example, after some users update, all software may not be able to play audio, and some may only be partially unable to play.

Microsoft has tried to solve this problem through the Known Issue Rollback technology. Normally, as long as the user connects to the Internet and restarts the system, it can return to normal. However, if it is still useless after restarting, you need to check according to the following methods, and then carry out targeted processing according to different situations until Microsoft fixes it.

How to fix audio issues caused by Windows 10 KB5016616

If you paused the updates and KB5016616 is not installed, you can prevent this problem from occurring in the first place by following these steps:

  • Update your audio device driver, sound driver or sound card drivers from the optional settings in Windows Update. Or you can also visit the manufacturer’s (OEM) webpage and download old or new drivers, and install them again. This might prevent the issue when you install the cumulative update.
  • You should also backup the settings of apps like Open Broadcaster Software (OBS). In some cases, you might need to run your own tests by installing the updates and verifying if your advanced audio app is working as expected.

In case you’ve already installed the update and you’re unable to uninstall Windows Update, you can follow these steps:

  • Launch Windows Audio/Sound Troubleshooter and let it run for a little while. This might be able to resolve issues in some cases.

If the audio access remains broken, you’ll need to disable “Audio Enhancements” from the settings:

  • Open Start > Settings > System > Sound and select your audio device from the dropdown menu. This can be found under Input > Device Properties >Additional device properties).
  • You’ll find the toggle to disable audio enhancements on the Enhancements tab or the Advanced tab.
  • Select the option “Disable all enhancements” or the “Disable all sound effects”, and then click on OK.

Via: windowslatest