Windows sound not playing after recent Win10 Update

Hi all,

Symptom:
Since last windows update, windows doesn't play the windows sounds: Startup, UAC sound, exclamation, warning, notifications, etc.

Note: Other sounds, like games, videos, calls are working well.

I use SoundBlaster Z series sound card. Their recent driver update release notes lists that the driver is fixing this issue.

Actions taken:
Removed the driver completely
rebooted
Reinstalled the driver

Results:
After initial boot and subsequent restarts, the windows sounds play well.
After a computer shutdown and startup - the above symptom is introduced again, i.e., windows sounds don't play anymore.

I've repeated the steps above and ended up with the same problem.

Can anyone please assist?


Win10 Pro
Version 1909
OS Build 18363.657

Thanks.

I can’t restore since I cleaned my SSD prior to noticing the problem.

My onboard sound card is disabled in BIOS.
I use the latest SB drivers.

CountMike said:

System sounds are part of themes, can you test play them from here ?

I tested them and they don't make any sound.

So removing and reinstalling the drivers sorts the issue out till the next reboot then the issue appears again.
This is only since the last windows update.