How to Fix Audio Issues in Windows 10 April Update: Step-by-Step Solutions

Audio issues can be frustrating, especially after a major Windows update like the April Update for Windows 10. Sound problems might include no audio, distorted sound, or devices not being recognized. Fortunately, many of these problems have simple fixes that anyone can follow.

This guide will walk you through easy, step-by-step solutions to get your audio working again. No technical knowledge is needed, and each step is explained clearly. By following these instructions, you can quickly restore your sound and enjoy your device as usual.

Whether you’re facing no sound at all or just some glitches, these methods cover common causes and solutions. Let’s start with some quick checks to save time before diving into detailed troubleshooting.

Read through all the steps carefully, and don’t hesitate to try multiple solutions if one doesn’t work right away.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

Before troubleshooting, make sure to check the basics. These quick checks can often solve the problem without further steps:

Volume Settings: Ensure your volume is not muted or set too low. Check both the speaker icon in the taskbar and any physical volume buttons on your device.
Output Device: Verify that the correct playback device is selected. Sometimes Windows switches to a different audio device after an update.
Connections: If you use external speakers or headphones, check all cables and connections to make sure they are plugged in properly.
Restart Your PC: A simple restart can reload drivers and fix temporary glitches.

Step 1: Run the Windows Audio Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter designed to identify and fix common audio problems automatically. This is the easiest and safest first step.

Click the Start button and select Settings (the gear icon).
Go to Update & Security and then select Troubleshoot from the left menu.
Click on Additional troubleshooters below.
Find and click Playing Audio, then press Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the on-screen instructions. Windows will check for problems and suggest fixes.

This tool helps detect driver issues, incorrect settings, or hardware problems and tries to correct them automatically.

Step 2: Check and Update Audio Drivers

Audio drivers are software that help Windows communicate with your sound hardware. Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause of sound issues after an update.

Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section.
Right-click your audio device (it may be named something like “Realtek High Definition Audio”) and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for updated driver software. Windows will look online for the latest driver.
If an update is found, follow the prompts to install it, then restart your PC.

If Windows doesn’t find a new driver, you can visit the device manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest driver manually. This is particularly useful if you have a branded PC or specialized audio hardware.

Step 3: Set the Correct Playback Device

Sometimes, after an update, Windows might change the default audio output device. Double-checking this can fix audio issues quickly.

Click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select the small arrow next to it to see a list of available playback devices.
Make sure the device you want to use (speakers, headphones, etc.) is selected as the default.
If your device isn’t listed, right-click the speaker icon, choose Sounds, then go to the Playback tab.
Right-click in the list and enable Show Disabled Devices and Show Disconnected Devices.
If your device appears, right-click it and select Set as Default Device.
Click OK to save changes.

Ensuring the correct playback device is selected tells Windows where to send sound output.

Step 4: Restart Windows Audio Services

The audio services control how sound is processed by Windows. Restarting them can clear glitches that cause sound problems.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
Type services.msc and press Enter.
In the Services window, scroll down to find Windows Audio.
Right-click Windows Audio and select Restart.
Also, check Windows Audio Endpoint Builder and restart it if needed.
Close the Services window and test your audio again.

Restarting these services refreshes the audio system and can fix issues caused by conflicts or errors.

Step 5: Disable Audio Enhancements

Audio enhancements are software effects that improve sound quality but sometimes cause conflicts after updates.

Right-click the speaker icon and select Sounds.
Go to the Playback tab and double-click your default playback device.
Navigate to the Enhancements tab.
Check the box that says Disable all enhancements.
Click Apply and then OK.
Test your audio to see if the problem is resolved.

Disabling enhancements removes any software modifications that might interfere with sound output.

Step 6: Use System Restore to Undo the Update

If your audio stopped working immediately after the April Update and none of the above steps helped, you can use System Restore to revert to a previous state.

Type Create a restore point in the Windows search bar and select it.
Click the System Restore button.
Follow the wizard to choose a restore point dated before the update.
Confirm your choice and wait for Windows to restore your system.

This method rolls back system files, including drivers and updates, which may fix audio problems caused by the April Update.

FAQs

Why is my audio not working after the Windows 10 April Update?

The update can sometimes cause driver conflicts or reset settings, leading to audio problems. Most issues are related to drivers, playback device settings, or audio services.

How can I tell if my audio driver is outdated?

If you experience no sound or distorted audio, and the troubleshooter suggests a driver issue, your driver may be outdated or corrupted. Checking Device Manager for alerts or using manufacturer software can help.

Can I fix audio problems without reinstalling Windows?

Yes, most audio issues can be fixed using troubleshooting tools, updating drivers, and adjusting settings without needing to reinstall the OS.

What if my external speakers or headphones aren’t recognized?

Try unplugging and reconnecting the device, check cables, and make sure the correct playback device is selected in Windows settings.

Is it safe to disable audio enhancements?

Yes, disabling enhancements only turns off extra sound effects and does not harm your system. It can often solve audio conflicts.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps and your audio still doesn’t work, you may need to seek advanced help. Consider the following options:

Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support website for further assistance.
Visit your PC Manufacturer’s Website: Drivers and support pages often have device-specific fixes.
Check Hardware: Test your speakers or headphones on another device to rule out hardware failure.
Reset Windows: As a last resort, you can reset Windows 10 (Settings > Update & Security > Recovery) which reinstalls the OS but keeps your personal files.

Conclusion

Audio problems after the Windows 10 April Update are common but usually easy to fix. Starting with simple checks like volume and playback devices, then moving to driver updates and service restarts, solves most issues. Using built-in troubleshooters and disabling enhancements also helps resolve conflicts.

If all else fails, system restore or reaching out to official support can provide the necessary next steps. By following these detailed instructions, you can enjoy clear sound on your device again quickly and confidently.