lost audio driver on last windows update

Hi Pamela L Kenney,

Thank you for reaching out.

After a Windows 11 update, audio may stop working if the sound driver is removed, replaced, or not fully reinstalled. This can result in no audio output or missing sound devices.

In addition to Q&A Assist's answer, you can try the approach below to restore audio functionality:

1, Reinstall the audio driver

• Press Win + X > select Device Manager
• Expand Sound, video and game controllers
• Right‑click your audio device > Uninstall device
• Check Delete the driver software for this device
• Restart the device (Windows will reinstall the driver automatically)

2, Update the audio driver

• Open Device Manager
• Right‑click the audio device
• Select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers

If needed, install the driver from the device manufacturer

• Visit the laptop manufacturer’s support website
• Enter your exact device model
• Download and install the Windows 11 audio driver
• Restart after installation

3, Verify sound settings

• Right‑click the speaker icon > Sound settings
• Confirm the correct output device is selected
• Ensure sound is not muted

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Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

You can usually find the drivers in the support section of the computer manufacturer's website. I'll help you find the driver.

Please, tell me the manufacturer and model of your computer.

If you prefer, you can share a screenshot of your system information.

• Press "Windows + R", type msinfo32 and press Enter.

Maximize the window and use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

Looking forward to your reply.

Use these steps to restore the audio driver after the Windows 11 update:

1. Check Windows Update for driver reinstall (recommended)
   1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update.
   2. Select Check for updates.
   3. Install all available updates, including any optional or driver updates.
   4. Restart the PC and test audio.
2. Reinstall the audio driver via Device Manager
   1. Select Start, type Device Manager, and open it.
   2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
   3. Right‑click the audio device (for example, Realtek, Intel SST, or similar) and select Uninstall device.
   4. If prompted, confirm the uninstall.
   5. Restart the PC. Windows will automatically reinstall the audio driver after restart.
3. If the device is missing or still not working
   1. In Device Manager, on the menu, select Action > Scan for hardware changes to see if the audio device reappears.
   2. If Windows still does not install a working driver, visit the laptop manufacturer’s support site, download the latest Windows 11 audio driver for the exact model, install it, then restart.
4. If audio broke immediately after the update (roll back driver)
   1. Open Device Manager.
   2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers and right‑click the audio device > Properties.
   3. Go to the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver.
   4. Follow the prompts and select Yes to roll back.
   5. Restart and test audio.

If rolling back is not available or does not help, restoring the PC from a system restore point created before the update is another option, as described in the recovery options article linked from the audio troubleshooting documentation.

References:

• Update Audio drivers in Windows
• Fix sound or audio problems in Windows