None of my audio devices are being recognized all of a sudden

[susbaconhairman]

Yesterday, I tried connecting a Bluetooth headset to my computer, and when it failed to do so, I restarted the system. However, I noticed that Windows was not detecting any audio devices on my laptop. I have built-in speakers, as well as a headphone jack, but neither of those will show up. I looked in the Sound configuration settings from the Control Panel and there were also no devices. Some audio drivers did show up in Device Manager, but they all had yellow triangles next to them. I checked their properties, and they all contain this error message: "Windows cannot start this hardware device because its configuration information (in the registry) is incomplete or damaged. (Code 19)". So, I uninstalled all of those drivers and reinstalled them with tools from HP's website, and Windows Update, but they just came back up with the same errors. I also tried an audio test in the BIOS settings, and I booted up Linux Mint to see if the audio would work, which they both did. I'm also able to connect the Bluetooth headset now, but it still does not show up in the list of audio outputs. Running the system file checker on Windows also did not help.

My computer is an HP Victus 15-fb1013dx running Windows 11 24H2 build 26100.4349. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[zoey7886]

@susbaconhairman, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding Missing Audio Devices on HP Victus Gaming Laptop 15-fb1013dx! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

I know how frustrating it is when everything looks fine but sounds like nothing. Let's work together to bring the audio back to life on your HP Victus Gaming Laptop 15-fb1013dx.

Here are some steps you can try:

Step 1: Make Sure the Audio Service is Alive and Kicking

Sometimes the audio service just... takes a nap.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.

Type services.msc and hit Enter.

In the Services window, scroll down and find Windows Audio.

Make sure it's running. If not, right-click and choose Start.

If it’s already running, right-click and select Restart—just to give it a fresh breath.

Step 2: Update Audio Drivers via Device Manager

Let’s help Windows find its voice again.

Press Windows + X, then click Device Manager.

Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section.

Right-click on your audio device (like “Realtek High Definition Audio”) and select Update driver.

Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

If that doesn’t do the trick, head over to the HP Support website and download the latest audio drivers tailored for your model.

You’ve already done some impressive groundwork by checking BIOS audio tests, booting into Linux Mint, and even running System File Checker. Since audio works fine in BIOS and Linux, the issue likely stems from a registry misconfiguration or corrupted Windows audio stack.

Let me know how these steps go. I'm here to help restore the soundscape of your system.  

Hope this helps! 

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

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Regards,