Microsoft has acknowledged a newly discovered bug in the Windows 11 24H2 update that causes audio on gaming PCs to spike to maximum volume (100%) without warning.

A recently updated support document shows the issue primarily affects gaming PCs using Windows 11, version 24H2, in conjunction with external USB digital audio converters (DACs) like the Creative Sound BlasterX G6.

The problem can be triggered by several specific actions, including:

• Using the Creative Sound BlasterX G6 USB DAC.
• Running Windows 11, version 24H2.
• Manually putting the gaming system to sleep and then waking it.
• Attaching and immediately detaching the external sound system from the Windows gaming system.
• Adjusting the external sound system’s volume and disconnecting it immediately from the Windows gaming system.

Microsoft has clarified that the only sign of this issue is a sudden increase in volume to 100%, with no accompanying error messages or other alerts.

The Redmond giant has identified the root cause as a “timing problem” in the AudioEndpointBuilder service. Introduced in Windows Vista, this service detects and activates new audio devices in Windows.

While a fix is not currently available, Microsoft has stated that a resolution is in progress, and updates will be shared as soon as they are available.