Symptoms

The computer audio may not function correctly with Windows 11 version lower than 26100.5074 (8D_KB5064081). An X icon appears on the audio icon in the taskbar, yellow exclamation marks are displayed in Device Manager, and there are no audio output and input devices listed in Settings > System > Sound. Affected Platform: Dell 24 All-in-One EC24260Dell 27 All-in-One EC27260Dell Pro 14 Premium PA14260Dell Pro 3 14 P314260Dell Pro 3 16 P316260Dell Pro Precision 7 14 PW714260Dell Pro Precision 7 16 PW716260Dell Pro Rugged 13 RA13250Dell Pro Rugged 14 RB14250XPS 13 DX13260XPS 14 DA14260 Affected Operating System: Windows 11 version lower than 26100.5074 (8D_KB5064081)

Cause

Windows 11 OS builds earlier than version 26100.5074 do not include the required Microsoft SoundWire Device Class for Audio (SDCA) audio driver, which is necessary for proper audio device functionality on affected platforms.

Resolution

This behavior is not a hardware defect. To resolve the issue, update the operating system to Windows 11 24H2 with hotfix KB5064081 or later. After the update, the OS build version will be 26100.5074 or higher, and audio functionality should be fully restored. Open Settings > Windows Update.Select Check for updates.Download and install KB5064081 (or any later cumulative update that includes it).Restart the computer when prompted.After restarting, verify that audio devices appear under Settings > System > Sound and that the audio icon in the taskbar no longer displays an "X".

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