Sound cuts out on Windows 11

[Jelapprand]

I have an urgent problem. I have already raised this, but I absolutely need this solved. Windows forced us to switch to Windows 11. The very day I did that, sound started cutting out in Zoom (can't hear anything at all). I know it is Windows 11 because the problem corresponds exactly with the moment I switched.

This is a professional risk for me that I cannot afford. I am an interpreter and use Zoom (client's preference) almost on a daily basis. This sound cutting out happens every single time. And again I know it was Windows 11 because I used Zoom just as frequently before making the switch, so it was immediately noticeable.

This is absolutely unacceptable, and the problem needs to be remedied NOW. Especially since it is Microsoft who is forcing everyone to switch to Windows 11; I was not hyper enthusiastic about it myself since Windows 10 works perfectly fine, but Microsoft said it is ceasing support for all previous versions of Windows including Windows 10 starting next month. Again, UNACCEPTABLE. Need a fix NOW.

Posting this on a Zoom forum, too, just to keep Zoom in the loop.

[johneliajohn61]

I understand how frustrating this must be, especially since your work depends on stable audio. Windows 11 updates have introduced some compatibility issues with Zoom for certain users. A few things you can try right away:

1. Update Audio Drivers: Go to Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers, and make sure your audio drivers are updated. Sometimes Windows 11 installs generic drivers that don’t work well with Zoom.

2. Check Zoom Audio Settings: In Zoom > Settings > Audio, try switching between different input/output devices and disable “Automatically adjust volume” to see if stability improves.

3. Disable Exclusive Mode: In Windows, right-click the speaker icon > Sounds > Playback device properties > Advanced tab, and uncheck “Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.”

4. Run Zoom in Compatibility Mode: Right-click Zoom > Properties > Compatibility tab > check “Run this program in compatibility mode for Windows 10.”

5. Windows Updates: Make sure you have the latest cumulative updates for Windows 11, as some audio hotfixes have been rolled out.

If none of these solve it, you might want to temporarily use the Zoom web client in Chrome/Edge as a workaround until the desktop app becomes more stable on your setup.

Hopefully this helps you get back on track quickly.

[Jelapprand]

Thank you very much. I will try this. Thank you very much for taking the time to write.

[Jake0]

Update drivers: Go to Device Manager → Sound, video and game controllers → Right-click your audio device → Update driver.

Check Zoom audio settings: In Zoom, go to Settings → Audio → Speaker/Microphone, and test each device. Disable “Automatically adjust microphone volume.”

Set default audio device: Right-click the speaker icon → Sound settings → Output/Input, and set your main device as default.

Disable audio enhancements: Right-click your device → Properties → Enhancements → Disable all enhancements.

Reinstall Zoom: Fully uninstall Zoom, then reinstall the latest version.

Windows update check: Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates, sometimes audio fixes are included.