The recent Windows 11 KB5060842 update has left some users without sound. If your audio vanished right after installing this update, you are not alone. Fortunately, several fixes can restore your audio, ranging from quick settings tweaks to more advanced troubleshooting steps. This guide gives you seven solutions that actually work, whether you’re troubleshooting on a laptop, desktop, or even a custom-built PC.
Check Output Device and Volume Settings
After any Windows update, it's surprisingly common for the system to switch your default audio device or even mute the sound. Before diving into more complex fixes, confirm that your output device hasn't changed. Click the speaker icon in the system tray, then select the correct output device (like 'Speakers' or 'Headphones') from the menu. If you use an external monitor with built-in speakers, Windows might send audio there by default, even if nothing is plugged in.
Next, open the Sound settings by right-clicking the speaker icon and choosing 'Sound settings.' Make sure the correct device is both selected as default and not muted. Sometimes, update glitches set the volume to zero or mute it entirely. If you see no movement in the volume meter when playing audio, try other output devices listed. This quick check fixes the problem for many users.
Restart Windows Audio Services
Windows manages audio through several background services. Occasionally, updates like KB5060842 disrupt these services, leaving sound nonfunctional. To restart them, press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. In the Services window, scroll down and find these services:
- Windows Audio
- Windows Audio Endpoint Builder
Right-click each and choose 'Restart.' If 'Restart' is greyed out, select 'Start.' Wait a few seconds, then test your audio again. If you are using Bluetooth headphones or USB audio devices, also restart the 'Bluetooth Support Service' or any related third-party audio service. This step frequently resolves lingering audio issues after Windows updates.
Update or Roll Back Audio Drivers
Outdated or incompatible drivers are a major culprit when audio fails after a Windows update. Open Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager), expand 'Sound, video and game controllers,' and right-click your primary audio device (for example, 'Realtek Audio' or 'Intel Smart Sound'). Choose 'Update driver,' then 'Search automatically for drivers.' If Windows finds an update, install it and reboot.
If updating doesn't help or sound issues began only after KB5060842, try rolling back the driver. In Device Manager, right-click the audio device, select 'Properties,' go to the 'Driver' tab, and click 'Roll Back Driver' if available. If the button is greyed out, revert to a previous version by downloading a driver from your motherboard or laptop manufacturer. Always reboot after updating or rolling back drivers to ensure changes take effect.
Uninstall and Reinstall the Audio Device
If audio still doesn't return, uninstalling and reinstalling your audio device can reset corrupted configurations. In Device Manager, right-click your main audio device under 'Sound, video and game controllers' and select 'Uninstall device.' If prompted, check 'Delete the driver software for this device' before clicking OK. Once removed, reboot your PC. Windows will usually reinstall the correct driver automatically on startup.
If no audio device appears after rebooting, download the latest audio driver from your device manufacturer's support page. For laptops, use the official website for your brand and model; for desktops, visit your motherboard manufacturer's site. After installing, restart the computer again and test your sound.
Run the Windows Audio Troubleshooter
Microsoft's built-in troubleshooter can automatically detect and resolve many common audio issues, including those introduced by updates like KB5060842. To use it, open Settings (Win + I), go to 'System' > 'Troubleshoot' > 'Other troubleshooters,' then click 'Run' next to 'Playing Audio.'
Follow the prompts, selecting the correct device if asked. The troubleshooter checks for muted devices, misconfigured settings, and driver-related problems. If it suggests a fix, apply it and restart your PC. While not always a cure-all, this tool often resolves simple configuration issues quickly, saving you time on more involved fixes.
Uninstall the KB5060842 Update
If you had no audio problems before installing KB5060842, rolling back the update can restore your sound until Microsoft releases a fix. Head to Settings > 'Windows Update' > 'Update history,' then click 'Uninstall updates.' Find KB5060842 in the list, select it, and click 'Uninstall.' The system may take several minutes to complete the process and will likely require a reboot.
Keep in mind, uninstalling an update may leave your PC without some security enhancements or bug fixes. Only use this option if all other solutions fail and audio is essential for your work or daily use. After uninstalling, set 'Pause updates for 7 days' to prevent Windows from reinstalling KB5060842 immediately.
Check for Third-Party Audio Software Conflicts
Some PCs come with audio management software from manufacturers like Realtek, Dell, HP, or ASUS. After a major update, these apps may conflict with Windows audio settings or even override them. Look for programs such as Realtek Audio Console, Waves MaxxAudio, or Dolby Access in the Start menu or system tray.
If you suspect a conflict, open the relevant app and check if any settings are muted, disabled, or switched to a different output. Try temporarily disabling enhancements or resetting the app to default settings. In some cases, uninstalling and reinstalling the manufacturer's audio software can help. If issues persist, consider disabling startup for these apps in Task Manager and relying solely on Windows' built-in controls.
Frequently asked questions
Why did the KB5060842 update break my audio?
Windows updates sometimes introduce bugs or incompatible changes, especially with certain audio drivers or devices. KB5060842 appears to cause conflicts on a range of hardware.
Should I keep KB5060842 installed if my audio is broken?
If audio is essential, you can safely uninstall the update for now. Microsoft may release a patch or improved driver support soon, so keep checking for new updates.
Is this a hardware problem or just a software glitch?
If your audio stopped working immediately after the update, it's almost always a software issue. Hardware failures are rare and unrelated to Windows updates.
Will using System Restore fix audio problems after KB5060842?
Yes, if you have a restore point from before the update, System Restore can roll back all changes and usually brings your audio back. Use it if other fixes fail.