Solution 1: Installing Default Sound Drivers
As your operating system keeps upgrading over time, the sound drivers are also included in most of the package and they also get updated periodically. Your computer has basic default driver already saved so whenever you uninstall your current drivers, your computer recognizes the hardware connected and installs the driver accordingly.
Solution 2: Installing Realtek or High Definition Audio Device
Many users reported that installing High Definition Audio Device driver instead of IDT High Definition Audio CODEC solved the problem for them. This solution is particularly for people having the stated drivers.
Note: If this doesn’t work, try downloading the drivers from your manufacturer’s website and install them using the method listed above. In most cases, this also solved the problem.
Solution 3: Doing a Hard Reset (RME TotalMix)
RME is a German company which produces and manufactures professional audio hardware including audio interfaces etc. RME has a history of conflicting with many Windows updates and most of the time, the windows update doesn’t configure it properly resulting in the loss of sound. Here are some tips to perform a successful windows update without the loss of sound if you have RME installed.
Disconnect RME, reboot your computer and after it is fully rebooted, connect it again.If you are performing Windows update, you shouldn’t have RME interface connected with your computer. It is ideal to disconnect all external hardware before proceeding with the Windows update.
Another workaround which worked for people was performing a hard reset of RME using the interface.
Open the interface, select “Options”, “Reset Mix” and “Total Reset”.
The application might confirm your actions before proceeding. Press “Yes” for the reset. Restart your computer afterwards and check if the problem has been solved.
Solution 4: Refreshing Sound Blaster Drivers
Sound Blaster is a very old sound manufacturer and was once the de facto standard for IBM PC compatible system platforms. There are many type of sound blasters available such as type z, zx or zxr. If you have sound blaster on your computers, follow the instructions below to perform a work around to solve the problem.
Solution 5: Editing the Registry for the Speaker having a Red “X” icon
Having a red “X” on your system tray on top any device means that the device isn’t properly configured or there are problems with the drivers. Sometimes these red crosses also point to an error condition on your device. Nonetheless, we will try to solve the issue by first uninstalling the drivers, editing the registry and reinstalling the drivers after rebooting your machine.
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class{4d36e96c-e325-11ce-bfc1-08002be10318}
UpperFilters LowerFilters Right-click on the entries and select “Delete” from the list of options available.
Solution 6: Checking your Speaker Ports and Hardware
You can try plugging the audio output wire from your computer in the front (instead of the back). In many towers, there are two audio ports available. One is situated at the back of the PC and one at the bottom rear (depending on your manufacturer). Doing this will fix the issue if you are having low volume instead of no volume at all. You can also try availing one of the USB sound card if you are in doubt that your sound card isn’t functioning as it should. If you are already using a remedy for the soundcard and after the update it doesn’t work, try changing the hardware.
If you are experiencing popping sounds on your external speakers, it might be possible that your audio jack is damaged or isn’t working as expected. You can purchase a USB to 3.5mm jack. You plug one end of the cable into the USB slot on your computer and the other end will be connected to your audio device. This way Windows will automatically detect that an external speaker is connected and we can bypass your audio jack.
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