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Bugs Killed

Windows

My USB speakers and headset went silent after the September Windows update

After the September 8, 2026 Windows security update, some USB audio devices stop working. Device Manager reports 'This device cannot start (Code 10)', there is no sound at any volume, and the Sound settings page can stop responding. Microsoft has confirmed the problem and says a fix is still being worked on.

Affects

Versions

  • Windows 11, version 24H2
  • Windows 11, version 25H2
  • Windows 11, version 26H1

Builds and updates

  • KB5124008
  • OS Build 26100.9445
  • OS Build 26200.9445
  • KB5124012
  • OS Build 28000.2954

Hardware

  • USB Audio Class 1.0 speakers, headsets, and audio interfaces

What you see

  • Device Manager shows the error "This device cannot start (Code 10)." for the audio device
  • No audio output
  • "Volume controls are unresponsive or remain at zero"
  • "Sound settings are unresponsive or unavailable"
  • The device works in plain stereo but goes silent in multichannel modes such as 8 channel or 3D audio

Why it happens

Confirmed The Windows security update released September 8, 2026 changes how Windows starts "USB Audio Class 1.0" devices. Microsoft says the issue is limited to those devices and that it is "working on a resolution". It is the same issue on Windows 11, version 26H1, where the September update is KB5124012 and the build is 28000.2954. [1] [5]

When it shows up

The device still plays in ordinary stereo but goes silent when a multichannel mode is selected

You are in this case if:

  • Sound returns when you pick a stereo setting and stops again in 8 channel or 3D audio mode
  • Settings > System > About shows Build 26200.9445 on Windows 11, version 25H2, or Build 26100.9445 on version 24H2
  • Update history lists KB5124008, or KB5124012 on Windows 11, version 26H1, which is how Microsoft's 26H1 release health page names the same September 8, 2026 update

2 fixes below

The device does not start at all and Device Manager shows Code 10

You are in this case if:

  • Device Manager shows 'This device cannot start (Code 10).' for the sound device
  • There is no sound at 100 percent volume
  • The Sound settings page stops responding when you open it
  • Uninstalling or disabling the device in Device Manager does not bring audio back

3 fixes below

The steps that killed it

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Keeping it away

  • Check the Windows release health page for your Windows version before installing a monthly update, and again if something breaks right after one.
  • Keep a second way to hear audio, such as a wireless headset, so a broken sound device does not cost you a meeting.

Sources

  1. Windows 11, version 24H2 known issues and notifications
    Microsoft Learn, 2026-09-12
  2. Microsoft confirms Windows 11's update kills audio on some PCs, and the bugs keep piling up
    Windows Latest, 2026-09-13
  3. Fix sound or audio problems in Windows
    Microsoft Support
  4. 5 Ways to uninstall an update manually on Windows 11
    Pureinfotech, 2026-03-17
  5. Windows 11, version 26H1 known issues and notifications
    Microsoft Learn, 2026-09-12

First seen 2026-09-11 · Vendor status open · Last verified 2026-09-14