High Definition Audio Controller Driver Error

Question

My laptop crashed recently and when it restarted, there was no sound available. The sound icon in the taskbar says: "No speakers or headphones are plugged in".

Here is what I have done so far:

• Opened Device Manager to find the faulty driver. The driver in question is the "High Definition Audio Controller" driver under the "System Devices" tab. I have tried to update it online with no luck (the latest drivers are already installed), update it via list of drivers already present on my system (Code 10 error: The device cannot start), uninstalled it and tried to reinstall it via Windows Update and also automatic reinstall after restarting the system. The issue has persisted. I cannot rollback to the previous driver version as that option is greyed out.
• Run Memory Diagnostic checks, SFC checks and DISM checks and tried to repair the system via those. No system integrity violations found.
• Updated all device drivers either manually via Device Manager or Driver Updater software like IOBit Driver Booster 6/DriverPack Solutions.
• Updated GPU drivers to the latest version.
• Performed a Safe Boot to check if issue persists (it does) and also performed a clean boot to check for issue. The issue persisted when all third party services along with startup items were disabled. So the issue is most definitely related to Microsoft.
• Restarted Windows Audio Service from the Services window.
• Updated Windows to the latest version. I am currently running on Windows 10 Home Single Language v1903 with OS Build 18362.175. On a side note, I was facing the same problems in the last version (v1809) as well without any solutions, but it went away for a while after I updated my system. So rolling back to my previous build will not help.
• Selectively uninstalled Windows Updates from the past few days to check if the issue was update related.
• Run a system scan to check for malware via both Windows Security and Bitdefender Total Security. Both turned up negative.
• Checked registry in H_KEY for any errors.
• Tried to find alternative driver without any success (The problematic driver is hdaudbus.inf, located in C:\Windows\INF)
• Checked my laptop's manufacturer website for latest drivers.
• I shouldn't need to clarify this, but I obviously ran the Windows Troubleshooter for sound problems without any success.

I am currently on MSI GV 62 - 8RE, if it helps.

I would also appreciate if you would not suggest a clean reinstall of Windows. Given that this is primarily a WIndows OS issue, the problem will only reappear later down the line and I can't be reinstalling Windows every few weeks when this pops up again. But apart from this I am open to other suggestions. Please let me know if you need any other information.

Answer 1

Hi again Sunil -

Are you running the Realtek driver from MSI downloads here:

https://www.msi.com/Laptop/support/GV62-8RE#dow... ?

The reason I ask is that you can get in trouble using driver updaters which no expert recommends. Because the manufacturer for a gaming rig like yours usually modifies the drivers you want to stick with their drivers unless otherwise indicated.

So compare the chipset, display, audio, BIOS and all other downloads available on that page with what you presently have installed in Device Manager and change them out if necessary.

Also, how soon after the 1903 update did this crashing start? Did you try rolling back as shown in the steps I gave earlier? If this was caused by a Version Update then for 10 days you can roll it back in Settings>Update & Security>Recovery and then hide it until it matures using the Hide Updates Tool which is explained more here:

https://www.howtogeek.com/223864/how-to-uninsta....

After 10 days you can reinstall the older version using downloads available from Microsoft TechBench here: https://tb.rg-adguard.net/public.php

Burn to DVD using WIndows Image Burner or create bootable flash using one of the options here: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2376-create...

Answer 2

Hi Sunil. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 9 year Windows MVP here to help you.

I'll give you all possible solutions for Sound problems. If you've tried them already I'd do them over in sequence shown. If you have any problems performing any steps I'll be standing by here to help you.

1. Update the sound driver from the PC or device maker's Support Downloads webpage for your exact model, if it is newer than the one presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button. While there compare to make sure you also have the latest BIOS, Chipset, Display, Network and all other drivers.

It is NOT enough to update drivers from Windows Update or Device Manager "Update Driver" button which only queries Windows Update. The most basic thing we need to learn to maintain a PC is how to keep the latest manufacturer's drivers current: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

2. Restore the Windows Audio Service which may have become disabled: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/57567-resto...
3. Next try this checklist: https://support.microsoft.com/en-in/help/402699...
4. Right click Volume icon in System Tray, choose Sound Settings, from the Output and Input devices dropdown menus, choose then one(s) affected to see if that helps. If not use the Troubleshoot button nearby.
5. Run the Playing Sound troubleshooter at Start button > Settings>Update & Security>Troubleshoot.
6. Try rolling back the sound drivers in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button. Choose Sound controller and other audio devices, then Driver tab, then Roll back if available.
7. If no newer sound drivers then uninstall the one presently installed in Device Manager, reached by right clicking the Start Button. Restart PC to reinstall.
8. Try other and older drivers for your model Sound controller, too. For example, try the next oldest driver in the model's online Support Downloads list. To try all previous drivers installed on your system, in Device Manager choose Sound controller's Driver tab, then Update Driver, then Browse, then Let Me Pick.
9. If this was caused by Windows Updates then you can check which were installed at Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update under Installed Updates, then uninstall them from the link there, and hide with the Hide Updates tool downloaded from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f2...
10. If this was caused by Version 1809 update (which you can confirm at Settings > System > About) then you can roll back Version 1809 in Settings>Update & Security>Recovery and then hide it until it matures using the Hide Updates Tool downloaded from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f2...
11. You can also use System Restore to get before the problem began, then check for Updates with the Hide Update tool and hide them: http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/how-t...
12. Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

13. If nothing else helps then run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This solves many problems and will also bring it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Hi Greg,

Thank you for the quick response. I appreciate you taking the time for this.

As for the steps mentioned, I have already come across your posts in other queries and been through your checklist to no avail. If you read my post, you will notice that I have already mentioned that I have taken many of the steps you have suggested. I am not open to do a clean reinstall because I believe that it does not solve the problem; rather it just pushes it down the road further.

If you have any other suggestions, I will gladly try them out.

Answer 3

Hi Greg,

My apologies for the miscommunication. I misread your last suggestion for a Repair Install as a Clean Install, and was merely reiterating my point that it is not the road I would like to go down. With regards to your query about a clean install, I am afraid I haven't done that on this system yet. I am still running the OS that came with the system and haven't really seen a reason to start over given that I update my system regularly and keep it free from malware.

Having said that, I would still like to reiterate that I have done that you have already suggested, having come across your posts in other requests before, and following through the checklist you have outlined above and elsewhere. I still have no sound on my system yet. I understand that you want me to do my due diligence, as is proper and expected of me, but asking me to check if the issue is being caused by the 1809 update when I have clearly stated that I am on the 1903 version makes no sense to me.

As I have said before, if you have any other suggestions apart from a reinstall, I am all ears.

Again, thank you for taking the time to do this. I appreciate it.

Answer 4

Sunil -

I addressed the need to repeat steps you might have already tried in the first paragraph. I didn't even address a Clean install.

But when was the last Clean Install? What we have found is that in Windows 10 everything depends on the quality of the underlying install, the same reason enthusiasts have never run Factory or Upgrade installs because they know there would be endless issues.

For example there have been zero return problems by those who follow the gold standard Clean Install here: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki.... It is better and faster than any previous version of Windows, and a better install than any amount of money could buy. So when you get time I'd study over that to see if it's something I can help you do.

Answer 5

Hi Sunil. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 9 year Windows MVP here to help you.

I'll give you all possible solutions for Sound problems. If you've tried them already I'd do them over in sequence shown. If you have any problems performing any steps I'll be standing by here to help you.

1. Update the sound driver from the PC or device maker's Support Downloads webpage for your exact model, if it is newer than the one presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button. While there compare to make sure you also have the latest BIOS, Chipset, Display, Network and all other drivers.

It is NOT enough to update drivers from Windows Update or Device Manager "Update Driver" button which only queries Windows Update. The most basic thing we need to learn to maintain a PC is how to keep the latest manufacturer's drivers current: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

2. Restore the Windows Audio Service which may have become disabled: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/57567-resto...
3. Next try this checklist: https://support.microsoft.com/en-in/help/402699...
4. Right click Volume icon in System Tray, choose Sound Settings, from the Output and Input devices dropdown menus, choose then one(s) affected to see if that helps. If not use the Troubleshoot button nearby.
5. Run the Playing Sound troubleshooter at Start button > Settings>Update & Security>Troubleshoot.
6. Try rolling back the sound drivers in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button. Choose Sound controller and other audio devices, then Driver tab, then Roll back if available.
7. If no newer sound drivers then uninstall the one presently installed in Device Manager, reached by right clicking the Start Button. Restart PC to reinstall.
8. Try other and older drivers for your model Sound controller, too. For example, try the next oldest driver in the model's online Support Downloads list. To try all previous drivers installed on your system, in Device Manager choose Sound controller's Driver tab, then Update Driver, then Browse, then Let Me Pick.
9. If this was caused by Windows Updates then you can check which were installed at Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update under Installed Updates, then uninstall them from the link there, and hide with the Hide Updates tool downloaded from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f2...
10. If this was caused by Version 1809 update (which you can confirm at Settings > System > About) then you can roll back Version 1809 in Settings>Update & Security>Recovery and then hide it until it matures using the Hide Updates Tool downloaded from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f2...
11. You can also use System Restore to get before the problem began, then check for Updates with the Hide Update tool and hide them: http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/how-t...
12. Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

13. If nothing else helps then run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This solves many problems and will also bring it up to the latest version which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.