USB DAC Archives

Winsage

December 26, 2024

Windows 11 installation media bug causes security update failures

Microsoft has warned that using media support (CD or USB flash drives) to install Windows 11, version 24H2 may prevent the operating system from accepting security updates released between October 8 and November 12. This issue occurs when the installation media includes security updates from October 2024 or November 2024. It does not affect updates applied through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog, and installations using the December 2024 security update are not impacted. Microsoft is working on a permanent solution and recommends using the December 2024 security update for media-based installations. Additionally, users have reported various issues with the 24H2 update, including audio problems, application launch failures, game freezes, and performance issues with certain hardware and software configurations.

Winsage

November 22, 2024

Windows 11 audio glitch unexpectedly cranks system volume to 100%

Users of Windows 11 24H2 are experiencing an audio issue where sound levels can unexpectedly increase to 100 percent, particularly affecting gamers with gaming hardware. Microsoft has identified the problem occurring under specific conditions: when a PC is updated to Windows 11 24H2, uses the Creative Sound BlasterX G6 external USB DAC, is manually put into sleep mode and then woken, when the DAC is connected and immediately disconnected, or when the volume on the DAC is adjusted and then quickly detached. The issue is linked to a timing problem within the AudioEndpointBuilder service, and Microsoft is working on a resolution.

Winsage

November 22, 2024

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 24H2 trashes game audio, breaks date & time setting

Microsoft's Windows 11 24H2 update is causing issues with date and time settings, particularly affecting the time zone feature and automatic time synchronization after sleep mode. Users without administrative privileges cannot adjust their time zone settings, although the functionality itself is not disrupted. A workaround involves using the Control Panel for adjustments. Microsoft is investigating these issues and plans to release a fix, potentially by late January 2025. Additionally, there is a bug causing USB audio devices, especially USB digital audio converters, to spike sound levels to 100%. This issue occurs under specific conditions, and Microsoft is also working on a resolution for this problem. Despite these issues, the Windows 11 2024 Update is still available, with the upgrade block recently lifted for more PCs.

Winsage

November 22, 2024

Microsoft confirms a Windows 11 bug that blasts your ears at 100% volume if you do these things

Microsoft has acknowledged a bug affecting Windows 11 users that causes the system volume to unexpectedly spike to 100%, particularly for those using specific external USB digital audio converter (DAC) systems like the Creative Sound BlasterX G6. The issue occurs under certain conditions, including using the Creative Sound BlasterX G6 USB DAC, operating a gaming system running Windows 11 version 24H2, manually putting the gaming system to sleep and waking it up, connecting and quickly disconnecting the external sound system, and adjusting the volume of the external sound system before detaching it. Microsoft is aware of the issue but currently does not have an immediate solution, attributing the problem to a timing conflict involving the AudioEndpointBuilder service. Users are advised to monitor Windows Update for future fixes.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Microsoft pulls WinAppSDK update breaking Windows 10 app uninstalls

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue affecting Windows 10 users since November 12, where difficulties in updating or uninstalling packaged applications, notably Microsoft Teams, have arisen due to the deployment of the WinAppSDK 1.6.2 package. Users on Windows 10 22H2 devices are encountering an error message in the Microsoft Store's 'Downloads' panel stating, "Something happened on our end." IT administrators may see the error ‘Deployment failed with HRESULT: 0x80073CFA’. Microsoft confirmed this issue is not related to any Windows security or preview monthly updates, and uninstalling previous cumulative updates will not resolve it. The company is working on a solution expected in a forthcoming Windows update. Microsoft has retracted the WinAppSDK 1.6.2 package and is preparing a WinAppSDK 1.6.3 update with a fix. A workaround involving specific commands in PowerShell or Command Prompt is available for affected users. Additionally, Microsoft has withdrawn the November Exchange security updates due to reported disruptions in email flow and has resolved bugs causing blue screens and installation issues on Windows Server 2025 systems. A new issue related to Windows 24H2 has also been confirmed, causing unexpected audio surges when using USB DAC sound systems during gaming.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Windows 11 KB5046740 update released with 14 changes and fixes

Microsoft has released the November 2024 preview cumulative update for Windows 11 24H2, designated as KB5046740, which includes 14 enhancements and fixes, particularly for File Explorer, Clipboard history, and secondary displays. This update is part of Microsoft's optional non-security preview updates, allowing Windows administrators to test upcoming features and fixes. Notable features include improved content sharing with Android devices via File Explorer, enhancements to text-to-speech and speech-to-text functionalities, and resolutions for technical issues like lag on secondary displays and empty Clipboard history. The update elevates Windows 11 24H2 systems to build 26100.2454 and introduces changes such as a shortened date and time in the system tray, rebranding of Tailored Experiences to Personalized offers, the ability to open jump list items as an admin, and fixes for pointer location circles on some displays. Microsoft will not release a non-security preview update in December 2024 due to limited operations during the holidays but will provide a monthly security release. Known issues affecting gamers on Windows Arm devices and certain USB DAC sound systems have been acknowledged. The Windows 11 24H2 update began rolling out in October, serving as a comprehensive upgrade for devices on Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Gamers using Windows 11 24H2 systems are getting jumpscared by this one weird audio bug

Windows 11 users have reported a bug that causes the volume to unexpectedly increase to 100% when using USB DAC audio devices, particularly noted with the Creative Sound BlasterX G6. This issue can occur when the computer is manually put into sleep mode and then woken up, or when the audio device is quickly connected and disconnected. Microsoft has identified the cause as a timing problem in the AudioEndpointBuilder service and is working on a fix. Until resolved, users are advised to keep their USB DAC devices unplugged to avoid sudden loud noises. Additionally, users of Windows 24H2 systems have faced other issues, including blue screens with certain Western Digital SSDs and a large cache file from a recent update that cannot be deleted.

Winsage

November 21, 2024

Microsoft confirms game audio issues on Windows 11 24H2 PCs

Microsoft has acknowledged a challenge affecting Windows 24H2 users, particularly gamers using USB DAC sound systems, where audio volume unexpectedly surges to full intensity when using devices like the Creative Sound BlasterX G6. This issue occurs when users connect and disconnect their external sound systems or wake their systems from sleep mode, and adjusting the volume before detaching the device may also trigger the surge. Microsoft stated that users will not receive error messages; the only symptom is the sudden spike in audio output. The problem is linked to a timing issue within the AudioEndpointBuilder system service, and Microsoft is investigating it and plans to develop a fix. Additionally, Microsoft has identified another bug preventing users from changing time zones without administrative privileges, with a temporary workaround available. The company is committed to providing a resolution in an upcoming Windows update.