Windows 11 January 2025 Update Breaking Audio and Video Devices on some PCs

  Microsoft's 2025-01 Cumulative Update KB5050009 released on January 14, 2025 for the current Windows 11 24H2 build has been reported by some users to cause various audio and video devices to stop working, such as speakers, headsets and webcams, whether they are connected via bluetooth or USB. Ironically this update was in part intended to correct bugs discovered since the release of the Windows 11 24H2 build on October 2, 2024, but instead added new problems to the mix. Currently there are 2 known solutions if your PC has been affected by this problem.  One is to uninstall the KB5050009 update, or install an optional preview of update KB5050094 available starting on January 28, 2025. To uninstall the KB5050009 go to Windows Start > Settings > Windows Update > Update History > scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Uninstall Updates.  locate KB5050009 and click Uninstall.  It may also be a good idea to temporarily pause Windows Updates to prevent this update from automatically reinstalling by going back to the main Windows Update page, click the drop down arrow next to Pause updates and select Pause for 2 weeks. For solution 2, install the optional preview of update KB5050094 by going Windows Start > Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates > check the box next to 2025-01 Cumulative Update Preview for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64 based Systems (KB5050094) and click Download & install. If audio/videos issues persist after performing these steps then additional troubleshooting is required.  Feel free to reach out to me if you need assistance.   ~Ted Eiler