After updating Win 11 to version 24H2, notification icon says "no audio device is installed"

[Erhamma]

Laptop was originally provided with Win 10 OS, but Win 11 was released shortly afterward, and I updated to Win 11 (years ago). Yesterday, I updated to Win 11 version 24H2, after a push from Microsoft (notification that update to 24H2 was necessary ASAP). After update, received notification of "no audio device is installed". I interpret this to be referring to the internal 'audio device'. According to Windows Device Manager, there are 3 up-to-date audio drivers (Intel, NVidia, and RealTek) present, but for whatever reason, the OS doesn't recognize their presence. Given that 24H2 has been around for a number of months, it's hard to imagine that this issue has not been encountered before. Thanks for any help that may be provided.

[Max3Aj]

Hi @Erhamma,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

It sounds like the Windows 11 24H2 update may have caused a conflict with your audio drivers, preventing the OS from recognizing your internal audio device. Since your HP Spectre x360 - 15 originally came with Windows 10 and has gone through multiple major OS updates, the issue may be due to outdated or incompatible audio drivers.
 

Reinstall Audio Drivers Manually

Since Device Manager shows Intel, NVIDIA, and Realtek audio drivers, try reinstalling them manually:

Uninstall Existing Drivers:

• Right-click the Start button → Select Device Manager.
• Expand Sound, video, and game controllers.
• Right-click each audio device (Intel, NVIDIA, Realtek) → Select Uninstall device.
• Check Delete the driver software for this device if available.
• Restart your laptop.

Reinstall Updated Drivers:

• Go to HP's official support website and download the latest audio drivers for your Spectre x360 - 15 (preferably for Windows 11).
• If HP doesn't have a 24H2-compatible driver yet, try downloading the latest Realtek HD Audio or Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers from Intel’s website:
  • Intel SST driver: Intel Download Center
  • Realtek Audio driver: Realtek official website

Use Windows' Built-in Audio Troubleshooter

• Go to Settings → System → Sound → Scroll down and click Troubleshoot under Advanced sound options.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and fix audio issues.

Restore Windows' Generic Audio Drivers

• In Device Manager, right-click on each audio device → Select Update driver.
• Click Browse my computer for drivers → Let me pick from a list of available drivers.
• Choose High Definition Audio Device (Microsoft) instead of Realtek/Intel.
• Click Next and restart your laptop.

Check BIOS Audio Settings

• Restart your laptop and enter the BIOS (usually by pressing Esc or F10 during boot).
• Look for Advanced settings and ensure the Audio Controller is enabled.
• Save and exit.

Roll Back to a Previous Windows Version (If Needed)

If nothing works, you may need to roll back the update until a proper driver update is available:

• Settings → Recovery → Go back to the previous version of Windows 11.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

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Max3Aj

HP Support