Windows Update KB5100998 Audio Issues

Question

After installing Windows Update KB5100998 & Security Update KB5101650 (7/14/2026), audio on internal speakers from applications such as Google Chrome no longer work (barely audible). System sounds are fine, BT headphones are fine.

This same issue happened with Windows Features Update KB5054156. The temporary fix was to uninstall the Realtek Audio driver (6.0.9597.1), reboot, and reinstall the driver. Audio would then work until the machine went to sleep and then the problem reappeared. None of the Windows audio troubleshooting, nor the HP Diagnostics could identify/fix the problem. After several months, HP released a new BIOS Firmware Update F.46 that fixed the problem...until this latest Windows Update.

I'm not a geek and really don't have the time or knowledge to troubleshoot. I'm certain that the Windows Update is causing the problem and looking for help if it's a simple system setting or something. For now I'm going to back-up, Uninstall the Windows Update and reboot to see if that works. If not, I'll Uninstall the Security Update and check again. I don't like this option as I like to keep security updated.

SYSTEM INFO

Device name [Removed PII]

Processor 12th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-12700H (2.30 GHz)

Installed RAM 32.0 GB (31.7 GB usable)

Graphics card Intel(R) Arc(TM) A370M Graphics (4 GB)

Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe Graphics (128 MB)

Storage 236 GB of 954 GB used

Device ID [Removed PII]

Product ID [Removed PII]

System type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

Pen and touch Touch support with 10 touch points

Edition Windows 11 Pro

Version 25H2

Installed on ‎11/‎28/‎2025

OS build 26200.8875

Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.334.0

Edition Windows 11 Pro

Version 25H2

Installed on ‎11/‎28/‎2025

OS build 26200.8875

Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.334.0

Answer 1

Thanks.

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The audio driver reinstallation method you used isn't bad, but it isn't ideal. I suggest performing a clean installation of the audio driver provided by HP for your laptop, as instructed below.

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Download the latest audio driver from the HP website (link below), uninstall the current driver, restart (not shutdown) your computer, and install the driver you downloaded.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/hp-envy-16-inch-laptop-pc-16-h0000/model/2101086039?sku=63U42UA

Driver name: Realtek High-Definition (HD) Audio Driver

Version: 6.0.9597.1 Rev.A

(You will need to expand the Driver-Audio category to find the mentioned driver.)

(Run the downloaded EXE file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the driver.)

You should be able to uninstall the current Realtek driver in "Settings > Apps > Installed apps". It should be named "Realtek Audio Driver" or "Realtek High Definition Audio Driver".

After reinstalling the driver, restart (not shutdown) your PC and see if the audio will work properly.

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If the problem persists, please let me know.

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Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

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

Answer 2

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

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To be able to assist you better, please clarify the following:

1 = Please check the update history to see if Windows installed driver updates along with those updates. ()

• Press "Windows + I" and select "Windows Update > Update history".

2 = When you reinstalled the Realtek driver, did you let Windows install it automatically, or did you use an installer to install it manually? If you used an installer, where did you download it from?

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Also, share a screenshot of your system information.

(You've already provided some of your PC's specifications. However, some details were not covered.)

• Press "Windows + R", type msinfo32 and press Enter.

Maximize the window and use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

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Looking forward to your reply.

Answer 3

Hi David -

That appeared to fix it for now. We'll see what happens when the machine goes to sleep, and then, the next Windows update.

Thank you!

John