Let’s set the stage. You unbox your high-end USB Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC)—maybe it's your cherished Denon CEOL Carino or the ever-popular Fosi Audio DAC-Q4. You've hooked it up to your Windows 11 system to craft the ultimate listening experience, only to be greeted with a giant middle finger in the form of a “This device cannot start. (Code 10)” error. Instead of lush audio, you're left with silence and frustration. What's at fault? Microsoft's latest updates, KB5050021 and KB5050009, for Windows 11's 23H2 and 24H2 versions.
Oh, it gets worse. It turns out this isn't some obscure problem limited to experimental hardware or beta builds—it's a widespread issue hammering a whole range of USB audio DACs after these updates were installed. Here’s the dirt on what’s causing this mess and how you can regain control of your audio experience.
The January 2025 updates KB5050021 and KB5050009 for Windows 11 are intended to fix bugs and improve performance. Ironically, they’ve introduced new issues for audiophiles and anyone who relies on USB audio DACs to convert digital audio signals into analog goodness for their headphones, speakers, or audio systems.
<p style="font-style: italic;">Affected devices include (but aren’t limited to):</p>
With Windows updates breaking compatibility with essential hardware, users are left questioning whether hardware-agnostic drivers like Microsoft’s Generic USB Audio are robust enough for specialized audio tasks. Should premium DAC manufacturers start shipping their devices with proprietary drivers, avoiding reliance on Microsoft’s one-size-fits-all solution? Or should Microsoft double down on improving the compatibility and reliability of their generic audio stack?
While feature updates aim to modernize the Windows experience, they frequently ship with severe defects—alienating both casual users and professionals. For audiophiles or creators in fields like music production, where every second counts, these disruptions are unacceptable.
Did this issue affect you? Were you able to find your silver bullet to restore your DAC’s functionality? Let us—and Microsoft—know in the comments. It may take the collective voice of the Windows community to get this bug squashed sooner rather than later.
Source: Windows Report KB5050021 and KB5050009 for Windows 11 are breaking USB audio DACs on 23H2 and 24H2 versions
Oh, it gets worse. It turns out this isn't some obscure problem limited to experimental hardware or beta builds—it's a widespread issue hammering a whole range of USB audio DACs after these updates were installed. Here’s the dirt on what’s causing this mess and how you can regain control of your audio experience.
What’s Going on with KB5050021 and KB5050009?
The January 2025 updates KB5050021 and KB5050009 for Windows 11 are intended to fix bugs and improve performance. Ironically, they’ve introduced new issues for audiophiles and anyone who relies on USB audio DACs to convert digital audio signals into analog goodness for their headphones, speakers, or audio systems.The Symptom:
The result of this unwanted rendezvous is that users encounter a "This device cannot start. (Code 10)" error accompanied by the equally infuriating message: "Insufficient system resources exist to complete the API." Uninstalling and reinstalling drivers does nothing to resolve the issue, leaving many users frustrated.The Culprit:
The problem appears to stem from Microsoft’s Generic USB Audio Driver, which is the built-in software responsible for communicating with USB audio devices. Typically, this driver ensures that a wide range of audio equipment can function without the need for separate drivers from the manufacturer. While it is generally reliable, these recent updates appear to have broken compatibility with certain USB DACs.<p style="font-style: italic;">Affected devices include (but aren’t limited to):</p>
- JDS Labs The Element
- FiiO USB DAC E17K
- Denon CEOL Carino USB DAC
- Fosi Audio DAC-Q4
What Can You Do Right Now?
The bad news? Microsoft hasn’t acknowledged the issue publicly (as of now), and there’s no official hotfix in sight. The good news? You can take matters into your own hands.Step 1: Uninstall the Problematic Updates
Let’s start by rolling back the updates. This is the tried-and-true solution that most users have reported success with. Follow these steps:- Open Windows Settings:
- Navigate to Start Menu > Settings or simply hit
Win + I. - Access Update History:
- Go to Windows Update > Update history.
- Uninstall Updates:
- Scroll down to Uninstall updates. Look for updates labeled KB5050021 and KB5050009 and uninstall them one at a time.
- Reboot:
- After uninstalling, reboot your PC to reset any lingering processes.
Step 2: Block Further Updates Temporarily
To prevent Windows from reinstalling the pesky updates, follow these steps:- Open the Windows Update Settings page.
- Select Pause updates for a week or use a third-party tool like "wushowhide.diagcab" to block specific updates.
Step 3: Check for Workarounds
- Manufacturer Drivers: Check if your USB DAC’s manufacturer provides dedicated drivers that can override the problematic Microsoft Generic USB driver. While many DACs rely on the generic driver, some premium models have their own software which could bypass this issue entirely.
Wider Implications: A concern for DAC Enthusiasts
This problem raises several questions about Microsoft's quality control process. Audio enthusiasts often invest hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars in DACs, amplifiers, and high-quality equipment. For them, having reliable audio output isn’t just a luxury; it’s a core requirement.With Windows updates breaking compatibility with essential hardware, users are left questioning whether hardware-agnostic drivers like Microsoft’s Generic USB Audio are robust enough for specialized audio tasks. Should premium DAC manufacturers start shipping their devices with proprietary drivers, avoiding reliance on Microsoft’s one-size-fits-all solution? Or should Microsoft double down on improving the compatibility and reliability of their generic audio stack?
A Bigger Trend to Watch: Frequent Bugs in Windows Updates
This issue isn’t an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of unreliable updates. In recent years, several Windows updates have caused printers to malfunction, broken VPN connections, or introduced Blue Screens of Death (BSOD). Windows 11 24H2, specifically, has been riddled with complaints ranging from Mobile Hotspot failures to gaming performance drops.While feature updates aim to modernize the Windows experience, they frequently ship with severe defects—alienating both casual users and professionals. For audiophiles or creators in fields like music production, where every second counts, these disruptions are unacceptable.
Will Microsoft Respond?
As of this writing, Microsoft has yet to respond to the growing number of reports on its official forums regarding KB5050021 and KB5050009. Ideally, this issue will be added to the list of “Known Issues” for the updates, and a patch or workaround will be released by the tech giant. But if history is any guide, it might take weeks for an acknowledgment and longer for a permanent fix.Final Words: A Call to Action for Fellow Windows Lovers
If you’re still reading, you’ve probably encountered this issue firsthand or are trying to stay ahead of the curve. Here’s your takeaway: be proactive. Backup your system, be selective with updates, and always keep an eye on forums like WindowsForum.com, where IT experts and enthusiastic users dissect bugs as they emerge.Did this issue affect you? Were you able to find your silver bullet to restore your DAC’s functionality? Let us—and Microsoft—know in the comments. It may take the collective voice of the Windows community to get this bug squashed sooner rather than later.
Source: Windows Report KB5050021 and KB5050009 for Windows 11 are breaking USB audio DACs on 23H2 and 24H2 versions
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