Windows 11 January 2025 Update Problems Confirmed by Microsoft: DAC Audio Failures

The Windows 11 updates released in January 2025 have confirmed our suspicions—significant issues exist, particularly for users relying on Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) for their audio output. An official acknowledgment from Microsoft has confirmed that the installation of Windows 11 24H2 (KB5050009), 23H2 (KB5050021), alongside Windows 10 (KB5049981) is linked to these audio disruptions.

On January 14, 2025, Microsoft rolled out its first batch of security updates for the year. These updates were anticipated to be more reliable than prior ones since they primarily focused on security enhancements rather than feature additions. However, the reality has proven to be far from expectations.

The moment we installed these January updates, users began to report audio failures across various systems. This issue is not restricted to just Windows 11; it is also impacting Windows 10 users significantly.

Regardless of whether you are operating on Windows 11 versions 24H2, 23H2, 22H2, or Windows 10, encountering audio failure immediately post-update is a possibility—especially for those utilizing USB DAC devices.

Impact of the January 2025 Updates on DAC Audio

In discussions with Windows Latest, Microsoft has acknowledged the problems users face following the January 2025 updates. An updated support document provides further details about this issue.

If audio problems arise, the company suggests that users should temporarily refrain from using their DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters).To clarify, DACs are essential devices that enable sound playback through headphones or speakers by transforming digital signals emitted by the computer into analog audio signals.

These devices are not solely a relic of older systems; they continue to be favored amongst audiophiles and professionals who insist on superior sound quality and fidelity in their audio setups.

Audio Device Issues Post-Update

After the installation of KB5050009, KB5050021, or KB5049981, users have reported encountering the following error in Device Manager:

This device cannot start.(Code 10) Insufficient system resources exist to complete the API.

This error indicates that Windows 11 is failing to allocate the necessary system memory for the DAC, leading to a complete audio loss. If your DAC setup relies on USB 1.0 audio drivers, it is advisable to postpone the January updates.

In light of these issues, Microsoft has refrained from recommending the uninstallation or pausing of these important updates due to their critical security fixes. Instead, they suggest directly connecting audio devices to the PC without using external DACs while they develop a resolution.

“To bypass this problem, users are encouraged to connect audio devices directly to the PC rather than through an external DAC, ” Microsoft stated.“We are actively working on a fix and will inform users when a solution becomes available.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What specific audio issues have been reported after the January 2025 updates?

Users have primarily reported that DAC audio output stops functioning entirely after installing the January 2025 updates, with Device Manager displaying error code 10 due to insufficient system resources.

2. Are there any immediate workarounds for users experiencing DAC audio issues?

Microsoft recommends that users connect their audio output devices directly to their computers, bypassing the external DACs until they can provide a permanent fix for the issue.

3. When can we expect a resolution from Microsoft regarding these DAC audio issues?

While Microsoft has not provided a specific date for a fix, they have confirmed they are working on resolving the DAC-related audio issues and will communicate updates as they become available.

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