FIX: Generic audio driver problem [Issue Detected]

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by Matthew Adams 

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Key notes

  • The Playing Audio troubleshooter displays generic audio driver detected issue for some users when PC sound stops working.
  • This troubleshooting guide includes potential fixes for the generic audio driver error.
  • You can find more useful information on this topic by visiting our extensive Drivers section.
  • The Windows 10 hub includes audio troubleshooting articles more specifically for that platform.
fix generic audio driver problem

Some users have posted on Microsoft’s forum about generic audio driver issues. When a generic audio driver error arises, the sound on your desktop or laptop can stop working entirely. In one forum post, a user stated:

Recently I updated to Windows 10 Anniversary Update and everything seemed to be working fine, however all of sudden the sound output stopped… The troubleshooting app isn’t able to fix the problem and shows generic audio driver not fixed (detected).

So, the troubleshooting app doesn’t help fix the generic audio issue; but it detects a generic audio driver issue. If you’re wondering how to fix generic audio driver issues, check out these potential resolutions.

How can I fix the generic audio driver problem?

1. Reinstall your audio driver

  1. Press the Windows + X keys at the same time to open a Win + X menu.
  2. Click Device Manager on the Win + X menu.
  3. Next, double-click Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.
    Device Manager window generic audio driver problem
  4. Right-click your sound driver and select the Uninstall device option.
  5. Select the Delete the driver software for this device checkbox.
    Uninstall Device window generic audio driver problem
  6. Click the Uninstall option to confirm.
  7. Restart your desktop or laptop after uninstalling the audio driver.
  8. Open Device Manager again.
  9. Click the Action menu.
    Scan for hardware changes option generic audio driver problem
  10. Select the Scan for hardware changes option to reinstall uninstalled audio drivers.

Note: You might need to reinstall drivers for multiple audio devices listed within the Sound, video, and game controller to fix the generic audio driver issue.

2. Update your drivers

  1. Go to Settings and select Update & Security
  2. Click on Check for Updates and then on View optional updates
  3. Select the Driver Updates section and expand it
  4. Select the drivers you want to update
  5. Restart your PC

Follow these steps to manually update your audio drivers with ease using Windows Update.

Alternatively, to resolve the generic audio driver issue, you can use a third-party software that downloads and installs the latest drivers for your PC with a few clicks.

Most common Windows errors and bugs can result from faulty or incompatible drivers. An outdated system can lead to lags, system issues, or even BSoDs.

You can prevent these problems by using an automatic tool that will search and install the correct drivers on your computer with just a few clicks. That's why we recommend you use Outbyte Driver Updater. Here's how to do it:
  1. Download and install the Outbyte Driver Updater app.
  2. Launch the software.
  3. Wait for the app to detect all incompatible drivers.
    OutByte Driver Updater Scan
  4. Afterward, it will show you a list of the drivers found to select the ones to Update or Ignore.
  5. Click on Update & Apply Selected to download and install the newest versions.
  6. Restart your PC to ensure the applied changes.
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3. Check the status of the Windows Audio service

  1. Start the Run accessory by pressing the Windows and R keyboard keys at the same time.
  2. Type services.msc in Run and click OK to open the Services window.
    Services window generic audio driver problem
  3. Double-click the Windows Audio service to open the properties window for it.
    audio properties window generic audio driver problem
  4. Click Start.
  5. Select the Automatic startup option.
  6. Select the Apply option.
  7. Click OK to close the properties window.
  8. Double-click the Windows Auto Endpoint Builder service.
  9. Click the Start button on the Windows Auto Endpoint Builder Properties window.
  10. Click Automatic on the Startup type drop-down menu.
  11. Select the Apply and OK options.

4. Disable audio enhancement effects

  1. Open the Run window.
  2. Input Control Panel and press Enter.
  3. Click Sound.
    Sound window generic audio driver problem
  4. Select your default sound device, and press the Properties button.
    Speaker Properties window generic audio driver problem
  5. Select the Disable all sound effects checkbox on the Enhancements tab.
  6. Click Apply, and Ok.

These are some of the best fixes that will help you resolve the generic audio driver issue.

If you managed to resolve the issue with alternative resolutions, feel free to share them in the comments section below.

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Matthew Adams

Matthew Adams Shield

Windows Hardware Expert

Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it. He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes. In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.