Windows 10 Build 10162 Working around the audio issue
Personally, I think Microsoft is screwing up this release.
Its all about making money with the Windows Store and release the unfinished OS as fast as possible.
Yep, it IS a bug, and it is not related to the SMALL changes in the audio subsystem.
The default audio stream format registry data is corrupted when:
- Speakers configuration is changed;
- Default format is changed to a different sample rate;
- Some audio enhancements are enabled (rarely).
As the format becomes invalid no audio is played back and Windows reports a "Failed to play test tone" error in Speakers test.
Everytime time you change the Speakers configuration or the Sample Rate (regardless of the bit depth), change the default format to a different bit depth while keeping the same sample rate.
If the current bit depth is 24-bit, change it to 16-bit, then change it back to 24-bit. Make it sure the sample rate is always the same. The other way round is also valid (16-bit -> 24-bit -> 16-bit).
When you do this, the default audio stream registry data is corrected.
If the audio is working you can change the bit depth with no harm.
Example 1 - Current format is 16-bit, 48000 Hz and you want to change it to 24-bit, 96000 Hz.
- change to 24-bit, 96000 Hz, click on apply.
- change to 16-bit, 96000 Hz, click on apply.
- change to 24-bit, 96000 Hz, click on apply.
Example 2 - Illustrated guide for those not tech savvy.
- Realtek HD Audio drivers default format is 24-bit, 44100 Hz.
- Open the Playback devices.
- Double-click the Speakers device (Realtek High Definition Audio).
- Click on Advanced tab.
- Change it to 16-bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality):
- Apply the change:
- Now restore the default format back to the desired format:
- Apply the change and click the Test button. Now it works!
Edit: the issue was fixed in build 10166 and 10240.