Windows 10: Intermittent Windows Issues: Dead Audio/Media Files

I've been having this problem for a few months, but it's becoming more and more prevalent recently.


The problem:


Sometimes, I will boot up my PC, and no audio comes out of my devices. Media files (ex: MP4 files, and YouTube videos) refuse to play. I check my sound settings, and the little graphic bar tells me that in fact, my speakers and microphone are picking up sound, but I can't hear it. A restart fixes the problem, but sometimes it happens in the middle of a video, or I'll hear a short 'beep', and then my audio stops working, and ditto for the media files.


I first noticed the problem when I started editing videos with Sony Vegas. I'm aware this isn't a windows program, but I feel like I should list this. I'd render a video, and then have the problem immediately afterwards. I've ruled this out as the root of the problem, since after I completely deleted all Vegas files off my PC, this continues to happen.


What I've done:

• Updated my audio drivers (actually, they're the latest version, and there's no option to roll them back)
• Updated windows 10 to the latest version (didn't help)
• Reverted to a previous build of windows 10 (also didn't help)
• Updated my graphics drivers
• Unplugged and troubleshooted all my USB audio devices. I plugged a test speaker in, which I knew worked. Still no audio.

The last thing I'm going to try before I go back to Windows 8 is to try AMD audio drivers.


Not sure if this is related at all, but I get frequent blue screens from 'DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION'


Help is appreciated.

:)

 

Intermittent audio with Windows 10

Hi Larry,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community, we appreciate your interest in Windows 10.

As you facing issues with sound in iTunes, do let us know the following to assist you better:

• Is this issue specific only to iTunes and particular file?
• Are you facing any issues with sound in operating system?
• What exactly do you mean by reloaded iTunes?

As a basic troubleshooting step, I suggest you to
Run Playing Audio Troubleshooter.

This troubleshooter is an automated Windows 10 in-built tool which finds and fixes the common issues with the playing audio on your device.

Steps:

• Press Windows key from the keyboard, type
  Troubleshooting and select it.
• Click on View all in the left pane of the window and click on
  Playing Audio.
• Follow the On-screen instructions.

For further reference:Fix sound problems





Hope it helps. Reply to the post with an updated status of this issue and required information to assist you further.

 

Audio out of sync in video Windows 10

Hi,

Thank you for posting on Microsoft Community.

I would suggest you to provide some information to help you better.

• Are you facing this issue with particular video file or all the video files?
  
• Did you make any changes prior to this issue?

I would suggest you to follow the below steps to try resolving this issue.

Note: The steps mentioned below are applicable to Windows Media player only.

Make sure “Drop frames to keep audio and video synchronized”

1. Open Windows Media Player.

2. Click on Tools and then on Options

3. Switch to Performance tab.

4. Ensure that a check is next to the "Drop frames to keep audio and video synchronized" and "Turn on DirectX Video Acceleration for WMV files" options.

5. Click "Apply" and click "OK."

Restart Windows Media Player and open a video file. Ensure that the audio and video are in sync.

Keep us informed if the issue is resolved. We are glad to help you further.

 

Windows 10 Media file problems

Hi Pravesh,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

I understand your inconvenience. We will assist you with it.



I suggest you to update you audio drivers and check.

Method 1: Update drivers.

I suggest you to update graphic drivers and check if it helps. Follow the steps given below.

• Press Windows key + X key and click on
  Device manager.
• Search for audio inputs and outputs.
• Right-click on the audio card and click on
  Update driver software.

You may also download and install the latest graphic drivers from the manufacturer’s website.

I suggest you to run Media player troubleshooter and check.

Method 2: Run the troubleshooter.

• Press Windows + X key.
• Go to Control panel.
• In the search box, type Troubleshooter
  and then click Troubleshooting.
• Click on Programs.
• Under Media player, Click on Windows media player
  and run the troubleshooter.

Hope it helps. Do let us know if your issue is resolved. For any further query, feel free to contact us.

Thank you.