Windows 11 24H2—the much-anticipated feature update Microsoft rolled out recently—has hit a proverbial sour note, leaving some users in complete silence. We're not talking poetic silence but earsplitting nothingness... as in, no audio. Yes, that dreaded moment where you can’t play your music, your sound effects go mute mid-game, and even your speakers themselves seem to ghost you.
Let’s dig into this frustrating snafu and uncover what’s causing it, what Microsoft plans to do about it, and whether your PC is at risk of riding the silent highway.
The culprit? A conflict with Dirac Audio software. If you’re unfamiliar, Dirac specializes in optimizing and enhancing sound output—think clearer audio and richer audio performance. However, this optimization warrior seems to have met its kryptonite in Microsoft’s latest update.
The conflict lies specifically with a file in the Dirac Audio software called
For now, the bug appears localized to "a limited set of devices” from one unnamed manufacturer. Microsoft hasn't revealed which brand is feeling Dirac's pain, but if your PC just became the equivalent of a glorified paperweight with no audio, chances are you’re in the unlucky camp.
This safeguard stops the update rollout for affected devices until a fix is pushed out. That patch, which Microsoft is working on directly in partnership with Dirac, comes in the form of a new driver. It will automatically pipe its way to any afflicted machines once it’s ready to play ball.
However, if your PC is already hit by the bug—having jumped aboard the 24H2 train before the update block—then your options right now are limited. Sit tight and wait for Microsoft’s next move.
Thus far, no timeline has been given, but early signs point to fast tracking—owing to the severity of users’ audio-thin patience.
On top of that, a different audio bug has also surfaced, whereby PCs randomly blast sound at maximum volume without user command. Imagine watching Netflix at a calm 20% volume and suddenly your PC impersonates an airhorn. The worst part? There’s no immediate pattern to when or why it happens.
It’s clear that Windows 11 24H2 is pulling a “Windows 10-esque greatest hits of bugs and instability,” which many long-time users might find familiar. Historically, Windows 10 was peppered with its share of issues, from botched updates to notorious crashes.
However, Microsoft’s cadence of improving bugs remains relatively quick. It’s appreciative that fixes eventually roll out in weeks rather than months. The real frustration comes from the disruption it causes during launch.
This situation serves as a sobering reminder that early adoption of major updates—even from household names like Microsoft—comes with risks. While Microsoft's quick action to block the update for affected users mitigates damage to some extent, being proactive as an end-user is critical.
The current audio fiasco might leave some laptops and PCs quieter than a library on a Monday morning, but the tech giant's rapid response does provide a silver lining. So hold tight, adjust your patience levels, and look forward to a properly functioning Dirac-powered experience when the fix rolls out. Until then? Maybe invest in a whiteboard and some dry-erase markers for your mute Zoom meetings.
Source: TechRadar Windows 11 24H2 strikes a sour note as audio bug hits the update, leaving some PCs silent
Let’s dig into this frustrating snafu and uncover what’s causing it, what Microsoft plans to do about it, and whether your PC is at risk of riding the silent highway.
What’s Happened?
Call it a case of ‘update envy gone bad.’ The 24H2 version of Windows 11 has been pinpointed for breaking sound output on select devices. Users impacted by this issue find their PCs eerily quiet.The culprit? A conflict with Dirac Audio software. If you’re unfamiliar, Dirac specializes in optimizing and enhancing sound output—think clearer audio and richer audio performance. However, this optimization warrior seems to have met its kryptonite in Microsoft’s latest update.
The conflict lies specifically with a file in the Dirac Audio software called
cridspapo.dll. It’s akin to a duel where the update mangled Dirac's work to such an extent that the devices show no sound output from speakers, Bluetooth headsets, or even wired headphones.For now, the bug appears localized to "a limited set of devices” from one unnamed manufacturer. Microsoft hasn't revealed which brand is feeling Dirac's pain, but if your PC just became the equivalent of a glorified paperweight with no audio, chances are you’re in the unlucky camp.
Microsoft’s Temporary Life Raft: Compatibility Safeguard Hold
Microsoft, not wanting to let this bug fester (or worsen), has taken immediate action by implementing a "compatibility safeguard hold". For the uninitiated, this technical term basically means the 24H2 update has been blocked for any devices running Dirac Audio software, preventing others from falling victim to mute-mode. It’s like slamming the brakes on a speeding train—smart damage control.This safeguard stops the update rollout for affected devices until a fix is pushed out. That patch, which Microsoft is working on directly in partnership with Dirac, comes in the form of a new driver. It will automatically pipe its way to any afflicted machines once it’s ready to play ball.
However, if your PC is already hit by the bug—having jumped aboard the 24H2 train before the update block—then your options right now are limited. Sit tight and wait for Microsoft’s next move.
When Can You Expect a Fix?
The good news is that engineers at Microsoft and Dirac are fully aware of the problem and are working overtime to iron out the mess. A new version of Dirac’s audio driver will be delivered via Windows Update in the near future. Once that's done, Microsoft will lift the update restriction (compatibility hold), and your speakers should sing once again.Thus far, no timeline has been given, but early signs point to fast tracking—owing to the severity of users’ audio-thin patience.
The Bigger Picture: Windows 11’s Buggy Reputation
This isn’t the only hiccup plaguing Windows 11’s rollout of 24H2. A smaller, less invasive (but still irritating) issue has emerged with Auto HDR, which reportedly messes up color display in games. Gamers have reported instances of muted hues and incorrect color rendering. While it doesn’t scream as loudly (ironically) as the audio bug, it adds to the woes of 24H2.On top of that, a different audio bug has also surfaced, whereby PCs randomly blast sound at maximum volume without user command. Imagine watching Netflix at a calm 20% volume and suddenly your PC impersonates an airhorn. The worst part? There’s no immediate pattern to when or why it happens.
It’s clear that Windows 11 24H2 is pulling a “Windows 10-esque greatest hits of bugs and instability,” which many long-time users might find familiar. Historically, Windows 10 was peppered with its share of issues, from botched updates to notorious crashes.
However, Microsoft’s cadence of improving bugs remains relatively quick. It’s appreciative that fixes eventually roll out in weeks rather than months. The real frustration comes from the disruption it causes during launch.
What You Can Do Right Now
For those trying to sidestep the silent treatment, here are a few tips to survive until the fix lands:1. Stick to Previous Versions
- If you haven’t yet updated to Windows 11 24H2, avoid diving in headfirst. Stick to 23H2 or earlier versions. As confirmed, versions prior to 24H2 are unaffected by the Dirac audio hiccup.
2. Roll Back Updates
- If you’ve unknowingly installed the 24H2 update and your system suddenly loses sound, try rolling back your Windows version. Go to:
- Settings > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall Updates
3. Watch Microsoft’s Health Dashboard
Keep tabs on Microsoft’s Windows Release Health Dashboard, where news about bugs, complaints, and immediate solutions is posted. Stay informed to ensure your system avoids accidental update-induced chaos.4. Driver Maintenance
While waiting for the official fix:- Check for updates to the Dirac software directly on the manufacturer’s site.
- Temporarily disable any specific Dirac Audio Enhancement listed under Sound Settings.
Final Thoughts: A Work-in-Progress OS Stumbling Toward Maturity
If 24H2 feels a little rough around the edges, that’s probably because Windows 11 is still very much in a "work-in-progress" stage. While bugs like these are more common than we'd like, they underline Microsoft’s sometimes hasty attempts to push out features while ironing out compatibility flaws later.This situation serves as a sobering reminder that early adoption of major updates—even from household names like Microsoft—comes with risks. While Microsoft's quick action to block the update for affected users mitigates damage to some extent, being proactive as an end-user is critical.
The current audio fiasco might leave some laptops and PCs quieter than a library on a Monday morning, but the tech giant's rapid response does provide a silver lining. So hold tight, adjust your patience levels, and look forward to a properly functioning Dirac-powered experience when the fix rolls out. Until then? Maybe invest in a whiteboard and some dry-erase markers for your mute Zoom meetings.
Source: TechRadar Windows 11 24H2 strikes a sour note as audio bug hits the update, leaving some PCs silent
