audio drivers

Winsage
February 13, 2025
Microsoft's February Patch Tuesday updates, released on February 11, include KB5051987 for Windows 11 24H2 and KB5051989 for Windows 11 23H2. The updates introduce enhancements to the Taskbar and File Explorer, including improved previews and animations for Taskbar icons, a new icon in the System Tray for Windows Studio Effects, and a new simplified Chinese font named Simsun-ExtG. A feature allowing certain applications to automatically restart after signing back in has also been added. File Explorer now includes a "New Folder" command in the context menu and can restore previously open tabs at logon. The updates fix various bugs, including issues with Auto HDR in games, playback interruptions for USB audio devices, and problems with USB audio drivers. They also address issues from the January 2025 security update, such as USB camera recognition and slower shutdown processes with connected controllers. On the security side, the update resolves 56 vulnerabilities, three of which are critical. Notable vulnerabilities include CVE-2025-21391 (file deletion), CVE-2025-21418 (remote code execution), CVE-2025-21377 (authentication spoofing), and CVE-2025-21376 (malicious code execution). The updates are set to install automatically, but users can check for updates manually through Windows Update.
Winsage
February 6, 2025
Microsoft has released a public preview of Windows MIDI Services, supporting the MIDI 2.0 standard, as part of build 27788 in the Windows 11 Insider Preview Canary Channel. Users may encounter a known installation error (0x8007000d) and a failed .NET update (0x80073712), and are advised to retry the build while avoiding the .NET update. The development of Windows MIDI Services has been ongoing, with updates provided since 2022 and a GitHub repository opened in 2023. The feature was anticipated to debut in Windows Insider builds but was delayed until February. MIDI serves as a standard for connecting electronic instruments to computers for music creation, and this update is particularly beneficial for electronic music users. Microsoft plans to extend this technology to supported versions of Windows 10 and 11 before October.
Winsage
February 3, 2025
Microsoft is facing a challenge as 850 million Windows users approach a deadline to update their systems. Approximately 40 million users upgraded their PCs in the past month, despite many Windows 10 users being reluctant to transition to Windows 11. The upgrade to Windows 11 is free for users whose hardware meets security requirements, but Microsoft has indicated that this free upgrade may not be available indefinitely. Recent statistics show a reversal in the trend of users upgrading to Windows 11, with around 40 million users making the switch, representing about 2.5% of the Windows install base. However, if the current upgrade pace continues, around 500 million users may remain vulnerable due to hardware security checks. Microsoft is encouraging users to refresh their Windows 11 PCs by 2025, particularly with AI integration, but an unprecedented number of PCs are expected to lose security support in October. It is uncertain whether Microsoft will take drastic measures to address the situation, such as mandatory upgrades or a lighter version for incompatible devices.
Winsage
December 20, 2024
Microsoft has implemented a block on Windows 11 24H2 upgrades for systems with Auto HDR enabled due to reports of game freezes and graphical anomalies. Auto HDR enhances gaming visuals but has caused concerns among users regarding high-contrast and oversaturated visuals. Microsoft warned that enabling Auto HDR could lead to incorrect color representation and unresponsive games. Users experiencing issues are advised to disable Auto HDR through the 'Settings' app. A compatibility hold has been placed on devices with Auto HDR enabled, tagged with safeguard ID 55382406. Additionally, Microsoft has lifted a previous compatibility hold related to Ubisoft game bugs and blocked upgrades on systems with outdated Google Workspace Sync installations and incompatible Intel Smart Sound Technology audio drivers.
Winsage
December 19, 2024
Users of Windows 11 and 10 have reported issues with no sound after waking their computers from Sleep or Hibernate mode, often due to a corrupted audio driver or crashes of the audio service. Troubleshooting steps include: 1. Check for Windows Update. 2. Run the Audio Troubleshooter. 3. Roll back the audio driver. 4. Reinstall the audio driver. 5. Check the status of essential services (Windows Audio, Windows Audio Endpoint Builder, Plug and Play). 6. Update the chipset driver. 7. Restore or reset the PC. Improper Power Management settings for keyboard and mouse can prevent a computer from waking up from Sleep or Hibernate. Uninstalling and reinstalling the audio driver can resolve sound issues, and checking application settings and the Volume Mixer may also help.
Winsage
December 18, 2024
Windows 11 and Windows 10 users can benefit from Intel's driver update version 23.100.0, which enhances Wi-Fi connectivity and improves the detection of Wi-Fi networks, particularly on Windows 11 devices like the Spectre. The update includes a new refresh button for Windows 11 24H2 users, although it does not significantly speed up detection. Windows 10 users do not have this refresh option. The update also optimizes Intel adapters for better performance with Wi-Fi 6 technology and includes various security enhancements. Users can obtain the update through Windows Update or the Driver and Support Assistant tool. Additionally, Microsoft has warned of potential BSOD issues for Windows 11 24H2 users with outdated audio drivers, advising the use of the latest drivers for improved performance.
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