Fix audio & touchpad problems after a Windows update — step-by-step

Fix Audio & Touchpad Problems After a Windows Update. After certain updates, drivers, power settings, or defaults can change; consequently, sound or touchpad input may stop working. In this guide, you’ll first try quick, low‑risk checks. Next, you’ll learn when to roll back or reinstall drivers. Finally, you’ll see how to prevent the issue in the future and when to call a pro.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer (fast, low risk)

• First, save your work and choose Start → Power → Restart. This simple action often clears temporary driver locks and restarts services the update may have stopped.
• Next, check Windows Audio services after the restart: press Windows + R, type services.msc, and then confirm Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder are Running. If not, right‑click and choose Restart.
• Additionally, for touchpad issues, toggle it in Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Touchpad. On some laptops, there is also an Fn‑key toggle; therefore, check your keyboard symbols.

Step 2: Check Volume, Devices, and Cables

• First, click the speaker icon; ensure system volume isn’t muted and the correct output device is selected (speakers, headphones, or Bluetooth).
• Then, right‑click the speaker icon → Sound settings → Output. Select the expected device and, consequently, test sound.
• Meanwhile, for wired headphones, try a different jack or cable. For Bluetooth, remove and re‑pair the device (Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Remove device → Pair again) so the profile refreshes.
• Additionally, for touchpad problems, unplug any external mouse. Some USB/BT mice can disable the touchpad; therefore, verify any physical touchpad switch is enabled.

Step 3: Run Windows Troubleshooter

• To begin, open Settings (Windows + I) → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
• After that, run the “Playing Audio” troubleshooter and follow the recommendations. Often, it resets defaults and restarts services automatically; as a result, sound returns.
• Additionally, run “Hardware and Devices” or related troubleshooters. For touchpads, use the self‑test in Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → Touchpad, if available.

Step 4: Update or Roll Back the Driver

• First, right‑click Start → Device Manager. For audio, expand “Sound, video and game controllers.” For touchpad, expand “Mice and other pointing devices” (or “Human Interface Devices”).
• Next, right‑click the device (Realtek, Intel, Synaptics, ELAN, etc.) → Properties → Driver. Click Update Driver → Search automatically. Then restart after installation.
• However, if the problem appeared immediately after an update, use Roll Back Driver (same Driver tab) to revert to the previous working version.
• If Roll Back is greyed out, consequently proceed to Step 5 to install the manufacturer’s driver manually.

Step 5: Reinstall the Manufacturer’s Driver (when Windows Update isn’t enough)

• First, visit the PC or motherboard maker’s support page (Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, etc.). Then locate your exact model and download the latest audio and touchpad drivers.
• Before installing, optionally create a Restore Point; consequently, you can roll back if needed.
• After installation, restart. If issues persist, therefore repeat for chipset and BIOS/UEFI updates carefully, following vendor instructions.

Step 6: Test Another Device to Isolate the Issue

• First, boot to BIOS/UEFI. If the touchpad doesn’t move there, it’s likely a firmware or hardware setting; accordingly, check UEFI for an “internal pointing device” option and ensure it’s enabled.
• Next, test audio with a Linux Live USB or another OS. If sound works outside Windows, then the cause is likely a Windows driver or configuration issue; otherwise, it may be hardware.
• Additionally, try a different Windows user account to rule out per‑profile settings: create a temporary local account and, afterward, test audio and touchpad there.

Finally, consider advanced repairs if drivers don’t help. First, run sfc /scannow from an elevated Command Prompt. If SFC reports unfixable issues, then use DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. Alternatively, restore to a pre‑update System Restore point when available.