Microsoft confirms Windows 11 updates can break USB audio devices

Microsoft has confirmed that its September 2026 security updates can cause some USB audio devices to stop working on Windows 11 systems.

The issue affects USB Audio Class 1.0 devices following the installation of the September 8 security updates KB5124008 and KB5124012. Microsoft has listed the problem as a confirmed known issue while it works on a permanent resolution.

USB audio devices may stop working

Affected users may find that their USB headphones, microphones, sound cards or other USB Audio Class 1.0 equipment no longer starts correctly after the update has been installed.

Microsoft says one possible symptom is a “Code 10” error appearing in Device Manager, indicating that the device cannot start. Other affected systems may have no audio output, while volume controls can become unresponsive or remain at zero.

Some devices may continue to work when configured for standard two-channel stereo audio but fail when multichannel audio is enabled. Microsoft specifically identifies configurations including eight-channel and 3D audio as potentially affected.

The issue has been confirmed across Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2 and 26H1. KB5124008 applies to Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2, while KB5124012 is the corresponding update for Windows 11 26H1.

Microsoft is working on a fix

Microsoft says it is currently working on a resolution and will provide further information when it becomes available. At present, the company has not released a permanent fix for the USB audio problem.

For users experiencing the problem, Microsoft has previously recommended checking for newer Windows updates and updating or rolling back audio drivers when audio problems occur following Windows updates.

However, users should be cautious about removing a security update simply to restore audio, as doing so would also remove the security fixes included in the September release.

The latest problem adds to a growing list of known issues being tracked by Microsoft following the September 2026 Patch Tuesday release. Users relying on USB audio hardware for communications, recording, streaming or accessibility may want to check their systems after installing the latest Windows updates.