Windows update caused audio cutting out in PC.
Windows update caused audio cutting out in PC.
It was a simple issue before. Occasionally, hours passed between events. My front audio jack would take over the focus from my main jack for speakers and then return after a short delay. The same occurred when using the speaker jack. I stopped using it altogether. After a Windows update, the problem returned but was more severe and different. I removed the updates and it didn’t fix it. There seems to be an issue with Windows reverting to old settings during updates. Every 20-40 seconds, my audio would stop and then resume briefly. It happens even when nothing is playing, producing that faint "connection" sound like a switch being flipped. Not the Windows alert tone. It’s more like a buzz-click, similar to turning a guitar amp on or off. So far, I’ve done: disabled all non-speaker audio devices, uninstalled two of three updates (can’t access settings now), rebooted, reinstalled drivers, used the troubleshooter, unplugged and reconnected cables, yelled at my computer three times, and listened to the issue over 12 times while typing. Currently, I’ve turned off every other audio source except speakers, reinstalled drivers, restarted, and tried using the "rewind 5 seconds" feature every half hour. It’s frustrating because it disrupts games and causes frequent crashes. I’m still trying to figure out why this keeps happening despite all the fixes.
Is this Ryzen? If yes, it could simply require a BIOS update. Details are rarely clear without full specifications. Edited February 4, 2023 by Bombastinator
Pre-Ryzen Intel setup. Intel 4790K Asus Z-97E 32GB G-skill Ripjaws DDR3 MSI GTX 970 standard, budget Logitech speakers, 3.5mm link EVGA 450 watt power supply. Most components were assembled in 2015, but the PSU and 16GB RAM are only a few years newer.
It's clearly being activated and then deactivated. The connections are in good condition since the desktop has been well maintained. Using a poor cable causes problems, but this one works flawlessly. It's been reliable for years, and I noticed the issue right away after the update—transitions from no problems to issues every few minutes happened within the 15-minute update window. No changes to the hardware or accessories.
The intermittent behavior is what led me to this conclusion. It feels more like a power issue. Countless devices rely on that update, so it’s not just one problem. Likely the speakers are the culprit rather than the motherboard, especially if they’re inexpensive. There might still be traces from the original assembler inside. What happens to solder after seven years when the flux isn’t fully removed? Probably not a big deal, but a quick reset of the speaker connector could help. Updated February 4, 2023 – Bombastinator
Occurs with other speakers (Pioneer shelf stereo) as well. Yes, they use different cables. Doesn't happen when connecting a phone. These are $20 Logitech units from 2015—should last a long time. I also have older sets that still work fine, and they’re just as good.
If this were a technical matter, many users would face similar challenges. Comparing the phone and speakers is important. The speaker issues seem distinct—phone might have its own amplifier while speakers don’t. Computer speakers could be affected too, but stereo speakers likely wouldn’t. This analysis was made on February 4, 2023 by Bombastinator
I experienced this problem before and successfully resolved it. It has remained stable for about seven years, but now it restarts after a 15-minute period following a Windows update.
It seems the problem started after adjusting the machine signal. I’m still considering the manufacturing side of things. Also, the phone and speakers seem to have different reasons behind them.