Windows updates broke sound

realtek Audio reset to stereo from 5.1 after this August windows 10 update, but other than that I haven't noticed any other problems.

erpster4 said:

cumulative updates KB5015878 and KB5016616 update the Windows audio engine & service files (ex. audioeng.dll, audiosrv.dll), which seems to "break" or reset the audio, which is why my Realtek EQ (equalizer) settings in the Realtek HD Audio Manager app or Realtek Audio Control UWP app were lost after installing either one of those updates

This makes sense. I noticed that my USB DAC's sample rate setting had reverted back to its lowest value, 44100Hz. I assumed this had to do with changes made to USB functionality, but your explanation seems more plausible. Other types of sound devices will then have suffered the same consequences which might impact sound quality in an audible way.

problem recently acknowledged by MS and "resolved" by KIR (known issue rollback) as of Fri Aug. 19:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/win...h2#2887msgdesc

After installing KB5015878 or later updates, some Windows devices might have issues with audio not working. Some affected Windows devices might have no audio, but other affected Windows devices might only have issues on certain ports, certain audio devices or only within certain applications. Most affected audio devices drivers have the "audio enhancements" setting disabled before installing KB5015878 or the sound device driver has issues with the "audio enhancements" feature.

Resolution: This issue is resolved using Known Issue Rollback (KIR). Note: This KIR will prevent the issue on Windows devices which have not installed KB5015878 but will have no effect on devices already affected by this known issue.

erpster4 said:

problem recently acknowledged by MS and "resolved" by KIR (known issue rollback) as of Fri Aug. 19:

More importantly, Microsoft stated the best way to prevent it from happening in the first place is just updating your audio driver and saving your OBS settings.