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Anyone else lose their volume and sound bar on their computer with this last update? How do we fix this?

1 REPLY 1
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Hi @JKlosterman,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I understand how frustrating it is to lose your volume control and sound bar after an update; it makes everything feel suddenly off and interrupts your workflow. Let’s walk through the fix to restore normal audio control on your HP desktop.

1. Reinstall the Audio Controller (Proven Solution)

The HP Community found this fix effective after Windows updates that break audio:

  1. Press Win + X, then select Device Manager.
  2. Expand System devices.
  3. Right-click your Audio Device Controller and choose Delete device.
  4. Restart your PC, and Windows will automatically reinstall the audio controller on reboot.
  5. Check if your volume icon and sound are back.


2. Restore the Volume Icon in the Taskbar

If your audio is working but the icon is still missing:

  1. Right-click the taskbar → select Taskbar settings.
  2. Scroll to Notification area → click Turn system icons on or off.
  3. Make sure Volume is toggled On.
  4. If it’s already on, toggle it off and then back on to refresh.

Restarting Windows Explorer via Task Manager can also help restore the icon:

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, locate and select Windows Explorer, then click Restart.


3. Use HP Support Assistant’s Audio Diagnostic

  1. Open HP Support Assistant (install it via the Microsoft Store if needed).
  2. Go to My devices → Troubleshooting and fixes.
  3. Select Audio Check to scan, diagnose, and auto-fix sound issues.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

 

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.