Headphones Connected but No Sound

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After Windows Update no sound

When playback died right after a cumulative or optional driver update, roll back the audio/Bluetooth driver or uninstall the update, then restore Default output.

First cut Use this page when headphones worked, then went silent right after a Windows quality/feature update or a driver delivered by Windows Update. Roll back the update or the audio/Bluetooth driver before rebuilding the PC.

Step 1 — Confirm timing

Step 2 — Roll back audio / Bluetooth drivers

  1. Device Manager → audio or Bluetooth device → Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver if enabled.
  2. If Roll Back is unavailable, install the previous OEM audio/Bluetooth package — drivers.
  3. Reboot and retest headphones.
Device Manager Realtek Audio Properties with Roll Back Driver highlighted on the Driver tab
Roll back the audio or Bluetooth driver when silence started after an update.

Step 3 — Uninstall the Windows Update

  1. Settings → Windows Update → Update history → Uninstall updates.
  2. Remove the newest quality update first; reboot and test sound.
  3. Pause updates briefly while you verify a later cumulative is safe.
  4. Re-run Playing Audio / Bluetooth troubleshooters — troubleshooter.
Defaults reset after update
→ default output
Bluetooth Hands-Free only
→ Bluetooth
Win11 Settings
→ Windows 11
Home
→ decision tree

FAQ

Headphones no sound after Windows Update — first step?

Roll back the audio/Bluetooth driver if possible, restore Default output, then uninstall the latest quality update if needed.

Should I uninstall security updates forever?

No. Use uninstall to regain sound, pause briefly, then take a newer cumulative when available.

Optional driver updates caused this

In Update history, uninstall the optional audio/Bluetooth driver package or roll it back in Device Manager.

Official / primary sources

  1. Microsoft Support — Fix audio stops working after a Windows update
  2. Microsoft Support — Update / roll back drivers
  3. Microsoft Support — Fix sound or audio problems
  4. Microsoft Support — Bluetooth connected but no sound

Symptom map