Microsoft confirms audio issues after September updates

Microsoft has officially confirmed that some Windows PCs may experience issues with USB audio devices after installing the September security updates KB5124008 and KB5124012. These updates were released on September 12, 2026, and were originally intended to close security vulnerabilities and improve system stability.

Affected users report that their USB audio devices, such as headphones and speakers, no longer function properly after the installation of the updates. The issues range from complete audio failure to sporadic interruptions and delays in audio output. Microsoft has already initiated an investigation to determine the causes of these problems.

Details on the affected updates

The updates KB5124008 and KB5124012 are part of Microsoft's monthly patch rollouts aimed at addressing security vulnerabilities and optimizing the performance of Windows systems. These specific updates were provided for various Windows versions, including Windows 10 and Windows 11. Microsoft recommends installing the updates to ensure the security of systems, while also warning about the potential audio issues.

The problems do not seem to occur for all users but affect a specific group of Windows PCs that may be using particular hardware or driver configurations. Microsoft has advised affected users to check their drivers and update to the latest versions if necessary to restore the functionality of their audio devices.

User and community reactions

In various online forums and social media, users have shared their experiences with the audio issues. Many express frustration as they rely on their USB audio devices for work, gaming, or entertainment. Some users have tried alternative solutions to restore audio output, but with varying degrees of success.

The Microsoft community has already created a variety of posts on this topic, where users discuss their problems and possible workarounds. Microsoft is committed to taking user concerns seriously and is working on a solution that is expected to be provided in a future update.

The audio issues are not the first time Microsoft has faced difficulties after an update. In the past, there have been similar incidents where updates caused unexpected problems. However, Microsoft has emphasized that user security is a top priority and that they are continuously working to improve the quality of their updates.

Currently, there is no official announcement regarding when a fix for the audio issues will be provided. However, Microsoft has stated that they will keep users informed of any developments. Users affected by the issues should regularly check the official Microsoft channels for information on possible solutions or new updates.