Sound issue with my headphones
Bruno83200_6929 Posted messages 724 Registration date Status Member Last intervention -
HELP!!!
Hello,
Since the following Windows update, I have been experiencing sound issues with my headphones:
2025-07 Cumulative update for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64 systems (KB5062553)
I use my Surface Pro 6 for professional calls. I can hear my interlocutor very well. However, they cannot hear me clearly. There is a resonance issue, and even a crackling sound (which is rarer).
I have tried to resolve this problem through various tips found on Google as well as with a Microsoft technician by phone. But to no avail.
I have conducted several tests with the different audio settings, updated the headphone driver, uninstalled/reinstalled the driver... in short, nothing works. The Microsoft technician (whom I found to be quite mediocre) tells me that it is a headphone issue and that I should contact the headphone support directly. He confirms that the Windows update has absolutely nothing to do with the sound problem. Yet, I can attest that this problem occurred right after the Windows update finished. Strange coincidence...
I have had the headphones for two months and they were working perfectly until then. Moreover, when I connect my earbuds, I have the same resonance problem. Same goes when I use the audio outputs of the Surface Pro directly.
I am extremely bothered because this is my work tool. Does anyone perhaps have an idea to solve this very annoying problem?
I have also sent an email to the headphone support but I doubt they can help me.
Thank you for your help!!!
Kind regards,
Hua
4 answers
Hello,
Previous updates for Windows 11 24H2, such as KB5050009 (January 2025), have been reported to cause audio issues, particularly with USB DAC devices or Bluetooth peripherals. Although your issue seems different (related to the microphone rather than audio output), it is possible that KB5062553 may have introduced or exacerbated similar undocumented problems.
Have you tried uninstalling the latest update to see if it works like before?
Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates.
Look for KB5062553 in the list, click Uninstall, and then restart your device.
Test the microphone after the uninstallation.
Note: As KB5062553 is a mandatory security update, Windows may try to automatically reinstall it.
To temporarily avoid this:
Go to Settings > Windows Update > Pause updates and select a period (e.g., 1 week) for testing.
Hello Bruno,
Thank you for your response.
I just followed your instructions and unfortunately the problem is still present.
I am completely at my wit's end...
What could be causing this problem?
I don't understand... it's not a headset issue as I've tested other headphones and it's the same.
What happened on my computer since the last Windows update???
Even uninstalling this update that's coinciding with the microphone issue, the situation remains unchanged.
I hope you can help me!
Hua
If the problem persists even after uninstalling the update, this points to a deeper alteration of the audio system, probably left by the update or by a driver/system option change.
We'll take it slow to try to test everything! Please perform these operations one after the other in order.
Check hidden audio devices
It is possible that an old driver or a phantom device is disrupting sound management:
Open Device Manager
View Menu > Show Hidden Devices
In Audio, Video and Game Controllers and Audio Input and Output, uninstall everything that is not currently being used (right-click > Uninstall device).
Next, restart your Surface Pro.
Completely remove Realtek, Nahimic or other overlay audio drivers
Uninstall all audio drivers from Device Manager:
Realtek Audio
Nahimic Service (if present)
Intel Smart Sound Technology (SST) (very likely on Surface)
Check Remove driver for this device when prompted.
Restart: Windows will automatically reinstall its standard audio driver after the restart.
These drivers, once corrupted by an update, can disrupt microphone processing even after the KB is uninstalled.
Reset the audio system configuration
Windows 11 offers an audio reset option:
Settings > System > Recovery > Reset audio settings
Restart.
Check if the problem exists in safe mode with networking
In safe mode with networking:
If the problem disappears = a third-party service or advanced audio driver is the cause.
Type msconfig > Services tab > Hide Microsoft services > Disable everything else > Restart and test.
Test in a "clean" local Windows session
Create a new local user account (do not use your Microsoft account). This allows for excluding a problem related to your user profile.
Restore via SFC and DISM commands
It is possible that Windows audio components have been altered:
Open Command Prompt (admin).
Execute these two commands.
Restart once finished.
sfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
The update may have triggered a conflict between an Intel Smart Sound driver, Realtek, or an audio software processing (Voice Clarity, Windows noise suppression, or other) that remains active even after its uninstallation.
Thank you Bruno!
I don't know how I can thank you, you really saved me!!
I followed your instructions until
Type msconfig > Services tab > Hide Microsoft services > Disable everything else > Restart and test.
Everything is working fine now.
I hope the problem won't come back...
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Hua