Fix: Loss of Audio after Windows 10 Update 1909

Windows updates are released every once in a while to add new features and fix existing bugs. Unfortunately, sometimes it might also break some of the system or software functionalities such as the audio module. The focus of this article is about losing audio after update to Windows 10 1909, but the issue can occur on the previous version of the Windows including 1709, 1803, 1809, 1903. We will show you how to solve the problem with one of the three solutions.

Solution 1: Reinstall the audio driver

In the first solution, we will re-install the audio driver. The driver can be installed from two locations, the first one is by using Microsoft default audio driver and the second location is to download the latest driver from the official vendor’s website. We do recommend downloading it from the vendor’s website. A few users solved the problem with Realtek and Nahimic audio card by downloading an official driver from Realtek or Nahimic websites.

Note: Take a look at Method 1 & 2 in Fixed: Install Realtek HD Audio Driver Failure for steps on how to update the Audio Driver.

Solution 2: Modify registry key (if available)

In this solution we will modify the registry key, but only if it contains value data: LocalSystem. If not, we will skip it and continue with the next step.

1. Hold Windows logo and press R. Type regedit and then press Enter
2. Navigate to the following key:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > CurrentControlSet > Services > Audiosrv > ObjectName

   

3. Only if the value is LocalSystem then continue to next step
4. Right-click on ObjectName and select Modify
5. Change Value data to NT Authority\LocalService and click OK
6. Close Registry Editor and reboot you Windows. Verify if audio works properly

Solution 3: Run System Restore

If the first two solutions do not work for you, we recommend using System Restore. System Restore is a tool integrated into Windows that can create checkpoints whenever you perform system change, install or update drivers or install or update software. In case your Windows does not behave properly after the change, you will be able to restore it to the state when everything worked properly. The nice thing about checkpoints is that they can be created manually. To restore Windows to the previous state, System Restore must be enabled.

We already talked about the way how you can restore your operating system to the previous state when everything worked fine.