Microsoft Confirms Audio Issues in Latest Windows 10 Updates

New USB DAC Bug Discovered in Recent Windows 10 Updates

The latest Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 10, released on January 14, 2025, have introduced a range of known issues, with some being relatively benign. However, one significant concern has arisen, as Microsoft has identified a critical bug associated with USB DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters) that can lead to audio devices ceasing to function properly.

Details of the Bug

According to Microsoft’s support document, this issue predominantly affects users utilizing USB 1.0 driver-based DACs. In addition to rendering audio devices inoperable, affected users may encounter the following error in Windows Device Manager: “This device cannot start.”

After installing this security update, you might experience issues with USB audio devices. You are more likely to experience this issue if you are using a USB 1.0 audio driver based DAC (Digital to Analog converter) in your audio setup. This issue might cause USB audio devices to stop working, preventing audio playback.

DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters) are commonly used in scenarios where users need to improve the quality of their audio systems. A few scenarios where they are used are home audio systems, professional music studios, and portable music players.

Resulting from this issue, the Device Manager might display the error ‘This device cannot start.(Code 10) Insufficient system resources exist to complete the API’.

Workarounds and Solutions

Currently, there are no feasible workarounds to address this audio issue related to USB DACs. Microsoft recommends that users refrain from using USB DACs temporarily. Instead, users should connect their audio devices directly to the motherboard to avoid experiencing this problem. The company has indicated that a resolution is being developed and that it will be included in an upcoming update.

Users can avoid this issue by avoiding the use of an external DAC in the connection process and directly plugging your audio device to your PC.

We are working on a resolution and will provide an update in an upcoming release.

Additional Audio-Related Issues

This USB DAC bug is not isolated. Recently, Microsoft announced another audio-related bug affecting systems running Windows 11 version 24H2, which could unexpectedly blast audio at full volume under certain circumstances. This highlights ongoing challenges within Microsoft’s audio driver framework across its operating systems.

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