Microsoft: January 2025 Windows security updates break audio playback with external DACs.

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Microsoft: January Windows security updates break audio playback

Microsoft has confirmed that the January 2025 Windows security updates are breaking audio playback on some systems with external DACs (digital-to-analog converters).
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Microsoft has confirmed that the January 2025 Windows security updates are breaking audio playback on some systems with external DACs (digital-to-analog converters).


DACs are commonly used at home, in professional music studios, and in portable music players to improve audio quality, process signals, or convert digital audio into analog signals for playback through speakers or headphones.


As the company further explained in updated support documents, this known issue impacts Windows 24H2 (KB5050009), Windows 10 22H2 (KB5049981), Windows Server 2019 (KB5050008), and Windows Server 2016 (KB5049993) when using DACs with USB 1.0 audio drivers.


"You are more likely to experience this issue if you are using a USB 1.0 audio driver based DAC (Digital to Analog converter) in your audio setup. This issue might cause USB audio devices to stop working, preventing audio playback," Microsoft said.


"Resulting from this issue, the Device Manager might display the error 'This device cannot start. (Code 10) Insufficient system resources exist to complete the API'."


Redmond has yet to explain what causes these audio problems and to add the known issue to the Windows release health dashboard. The company is currently investigating the issue and working on a fix, with more details to be provided when available.


Until a fix is released, Microsoft advises affected users to connect their audio devices to the PC without using a DAC to work around the issue.


"Users can avoid this issue by avoiding the use of an external DAC in the connection process and directly plugging your audio device to your PC," the company said.


Microsoft is also working on resolving a similar known issue that affects only Windows 24H2 systems and unexpectedly causes game audio to increase to full volume when using Creative Sound BlasterX G6 USB DAC sound systems.


Earlier this month, Redmond also removed Assassin's Creed Windows 11 upgrade blocks, which prevented compatibility issues that caused crashes, freezes, and audio problems. It also fixed a bug that caused some Windows Server 2022 systems with two or more NUMA nodes to fail to start up.
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Wouldn't bother me so much if they didn't have such a poor updates approach which I have to go to convolute lengths to prevent interfering with my usage and/or to avoid inconvenient unexpected issues...

In this case sounds like it is mostly going to effect people still using old audio interfaces like basic mixers (in which case advice to "just" plug in to their PC directly is misplaced and stupid).
 
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Yeah, it’s a poor attitude.
My onboard audio recently **** the bed. There’s a reason I’m using a USB solution, Microsoft. Rather not throw out the otherwise perfectly working system, because you can’t be bothered to test updates, ever.
 

Windows users report widespread device issues following January 2025 updates​


Problems affect USB connections, DAC drivers, Bluetooth, and more​



www.techspot.com

Windows users report widespread device issues following January 2025 updates

Recent mandatory patches for Windows 10 and 11 are causing issues with USB connections, Bluetooth devices, and several other functions. Users experiencing problems should consider rolling back...
www.techspot.com www.techspot.com
Facepalm: Users should exercise caution before installing the most recent January 2025 Windows updates as there have been reports of numerous issues. Many complaints center on USB DAC drivers, but problems with other devices such as headphones and webcams have also been reported. Although the updates aren't exclusive to Microsoft's recently released Windows 11 24H2, the bugs will likely intensify the controversy surrounding the latest OS version
Recent mandatory patches for Windows 10 and 11 are causing issues with USB connections, Bluetooth devices, and several other functions. Users experiencing problems should consider rolling back to a previous version. Those concerned about potential issues and who have not yet updated their systems this month may want to delay the installation of these patches.

Microsoft released update KB5049981 for Windows 10, KB5050009 for Windows 11 24H2, and KB5050021 for prior Windows 11 versions earlier this month. All three are routine security updates, but Windows Latest reports that KB5050021 introduces minor changes for the date and time settings.

Microsoft's support team has acknowledged certain issues with these updates, including impacts on Open Secure Shell and Citrix components. However, users have reported additional bugs, such as problems with DAC drivers, Wi-Fi connectivity, and USB devices. Windows Latest notes that webcam and Bluetooth headphones stopped working after installing KB5050009. Software-related bugs have also affected tools like the Snipping Tool, the Alt+Tab function, and the Task Manager.



Users can submit complaints to Microsoft through the Feedback Hub app. To roll back to a previous build of Windows, navigate to Settings > System > Recovery > Go Back, if the option is available. To delay an update, go to Settings > Windows Update and select the desired postponement period.

Since the release of Windows 11 24H2 late last year, Microsoft has received numerous complaints. This update, which recently became mandatory, has caused issues with games, SSDs, and other connected devices.


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Users with cache-less Western Digital NVMe SSDs should download the company's firmware patch before upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 to avoid BSODs. Additionally, Microsoft temporarily delayed the update for users with certain Ubisoft games installed following reports of crashes, but the affected games have since received patches. Users also reported problems with eSCL-based USB devices like scanners, printers, and modems.

Windows 11 24H2 introduces new features, including Copilot+ GenAI tools like auto-generated captions, super resolution, and an image creator. Other additions include support for Wi-Fi 7, Sudo, remote desktop controls, and more.
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"Users should exercise caution before installing the most recent January 2025 Windows updates"
"Users with cache-less Western Digital NVMe SSDs should download the company's firmware patch before upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 to avoid BSODs"

Imagine how inconvenient it would be if there were force automatic upd.... oh wait...

"Users can submit complaints to Microsoft through the Feedback Hub app." - For all the good that will do - the developers just ignore or delete anything they don't want to see.
 
I only see 24H2 listed for W11 but does this affect 23H2 as well? Was noticing my system was crashing after the Jan update every time I went into a voice call with my Yeti mic (which does have a DAC for the headphone port, usually unplugged when not in use). Rolling back and it's completely fine.
 
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