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Microsoft Rushes Emergency Fix After Latest Windows Update Leaves Bluetooth, Audio, and Webcams Useless

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Microsoft's January Windows update leaves millions of users with dead devices
Microsoft’s January Windows update leaves millions of users with dead devices

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The fix requires manual installation as Microsoft races to prevent more devices from failing.

Microsoft’s January Windows updates left a trail of non-functioning devices across millions of systems.

The KB5050094 patch, released January 28th, aims to fix these widespread failures affecting USB audio devices, webcams, and Bluetooth peripherals.

But for some users, the problems persist.

In This Article
In This Article

Windows Update Causes Mass Device Failures

The January 14th Windows updates (KB5050009, KB5050021, KB5049981) triggered extensive device malfunctions across Windows 11 versions 22H2, 23H2, and 24H2, as well as Windows 10 systems.

Microsoft officially acknowledged the USB audio problems around January 28th, though some issues, like the Citrix Session Recording Agent incompatibility, were identified before release.

Users reported that the impact varied depending on their specific hardware and software configurations.

USB audio device failures

The update caused USB audio devices to stop working, showing “Code 10” errors that indicated “insufficient system resources exist to complete the API.” DACs were hit particularly hard, with failures reported in these models:

  • JDS Labs ODAC
  • Fiio E17K USB DAC
  • FX-Audio DAC-X6
  • Hifime Sabre DAC
  • Denon CEOL Carino
  • HyperX USB headsets
The Creative Sound BlasterX G6 also faced a different problem where game audio would suddenly jump to maximum volume.

Bluetooth connectivity issues

Bluetooth audio failed after the January updates.

While devices showed as connected in Windows settings, they produced no sound. This mostly affected devices using HFP for voice calls and A2DP for high-quality audio streaming.

Webcam detection problems

The update broke webcam detection, affecting video calls. Both laptop webcams and USB cameras either vanished from Windows or displayed error messages in Device Manager.

For example, Dell 4K monitors with built-in webcams showed “Device cannot start” errors.

Additional system impacts

Users reported several other device-related problems, including but not limited to:

  • Gaming disruptions, including Alt+Tab freezing and crashes when switching from games
  • Ctrl+Alt+Del and Task Manager becoming slow to open
  • Mouse cursor disappearing during text selection and editing
  • Mouse stuttering during screen movement

Microsoft Provides Update Solution

After two weeks of widespread problems, Microsoft stepped in with a solution. On January 28th, they released KB5050094.

As a large 1127.0 MB update, this targets the following:

  • USB audio device failures
  • Bluetooth connectivity problems
  • Webcam detection issues
  • HDR color display problems in games

However, Microsoft warns that results may vary depending on your specific hardware setup.

Think of this as a sneak peek at February’s Patch Tuesday fixes. For now, though, it’s only available for Windows 11 version 24H2 x64-based systems.

How to install the update

Installing the fix.
Installing the fix.

The KB5050094 is an optional update, so it has to be installed manually.

But before doing so, Microsoft recommends some safety measures:

  • Creating a system restore point
  • Backing up important data
  • Ensuring sufficient disk space
  • Installing the latest Servicing Stack Update (KB5050108)

Then, users can install the update through Windows Update:

  1. Open Settings (Win + I)
  2. Navigate to Windows Update
  3. Click “Check for updates“
  4. Look for KB5050094 under Optional updates
  5. Select “Download and install“
  6. Restart the computer after installation

Alternatively, users can download the update manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog website or use DISM commands through an elevated Command Prompt for deployment across multiple systems.

Once you’re done, verify the installation through Settings > Windows Update > Update history.

Problems Still Exist for Some Users

While KB5050094 fixes many issues, some users still face problems across different hardware setups and Windows versions.

Here’s what’s still causing headaches after the update:

Gaming and performance issues

Systems running Intel Alder Lake+ processors keep running into Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) crashes, when running games with Easy Anti-Cheat software.

Specific Ubisoft titles, including Star Wars Outlaws, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, and various Assassin’s Creed games, also face ongoing compatibility problems.

Hardware-specific problems

The update hasn’t resolved several hardware combinations:

  • Intel 11th Gen Core processors with Smart Sound Technology drivers still show compatibility errors
  • Western Digital SSDs trigger system crashes on certain Lenovo and Asus VivoBook models
  • Multiple monitor setups experience distortion when using Windows Snipping Tool

Installation and update blocks

Not everyone can get the update, thanks to some known conflicts:

  • PCs running Citrix Session Recording Agent v2411 can’t install it
  • Systems installed between October 8 and November 12, 2024, are blocked from future security updates
  • Remote Desktop Gateway users keep running into connection problems

System security and interface

Additional ongoing issues include:

  • Smart App Control incorrectly blocks legitimate applications
  • Windows UI elements malfunctioning on specific hardware configurations
  • Taskbar functionality issues on affected systems
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