Security News > 2021 > May > Microsoft investigating new Windows 10 high-pitched noise issue

Microsoft is working on resolving a high-pitched noise issue Windows 10 users hear when using some 5.1 audio configurations after applying recently released cumulative updates.
"After installing KB5000842 or later updates, 5.1 Dolby Digital audio may play containing a high-pitched noise or squeak in certain apps when using certain audio devices and Windows settings," Microsoft explains on the Windows 10 Health Dashboard.
The high-pitched noise issue only affects the Windows 10, version 20H2 and Windows 10, version 2004 client platforms.
Microsoft also removed the last remaining compatibility holds, blocking customers from upgrading to Windows 10 2004 and 20H2 after fixing Conexant and Synaptics audio driver issues, causing errors and problems while updating.
These issues impacted computers with Conexant ISST audio drivers and Conexant or Synaptics audio devices and have been under investigation since May 2020, when the first Windows 10 2004 version was released.
Microsoft customers have also had to deal with audio 'difficulties' in the past, with Windows 10 audio problems affecting gamers in September 2019 and Windows 10 issues causing audio to no longer work after system updates.
News URL
Related news
- Microsoft to force install new Outlook on Windows 10 PCs in February (source)
- Microsoft ends support for Office apps on Windows 10 in October (source)
- Windows 10 KB5051974 update force installs new Microsoft Outlook app (source)
- Windows 10 users urged to upgrade to avoid "security fiasco" (source)
- Microsoft may have scrapped Windows 11's dynamic wallpapers feature (source)
- Microsoft 365 apps crash on Windows Server after Office update (source)
- Windows 10 KB5049981 update released with new BYOVD blocklist (source)
- Microsoft fixes actively exploited Windows Hyper-V zero-day flaws (source)
- Microsoft expands testing of Windows 11 admin protection feature (source)
- Microsoft starts force upgrading Windows 11 22H2, 23H3 devices (source)