Vanguard crashes my Audio Driver
Since the last Update i started experiencing issues with my sound card while playing Valorant. After running Valorant for a while, the sound card driver crashes, I lose all audio, and the system starts to slow down. This exact issue with Creative Sound Blaster cards already existed 2–3 years ago. For me, it only started after the latest update. Creative Labs hasn’t updated its drivers or software in years… I’m using a Creative Sound Blaster AE-5 Plus. Maybe someone has a fix, or at least the same problem, so I know I’m not the only one dealing with it.
What I’ve tried so far:
Windows powershell commands:
sfc /scannow
Repair-WindowsImage -Online -RestoreHealth
I uninstalled and reinstalled the Audio Driver using DDU in Safe Mode.
I uninstalled and reinstalled Valorant
I uninstalled the last Windows Update
I tried previous Driver
When that didn’t help, I tried using the standard Windows driver, but that doesn’t work with my card because it requires Creative’s Command Center to switch between speakers and headset or to enable Direct Mode.
I also disabled exclusive mode for applications.
I found a Valorant Vanguard Guide and i tried to Enable IOMMU in my Bios... since that i cant enter my Bios anymore. I must clear my CMOS to solved that.
CPU: Ryzen 5800x
Soundcard: Creative Sound Blaster AE-5 Plus
Windows 11 Pro Build 26100.6584
Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.234.0
Last Update: 2025-09 Kumulatives Update für Windows 11 Version 24H2 für x64-basierte Systeme (KB5065426) (26100.6584)
What I’ve tried so far:
Windows powershell commands:
sfc /scannow
Repair-WindowsImage -Online -RestoreHealth
I uninstalled and reinstalled the Audio Driver using DDU in Safe Mode.
I uninstalled and reinstalled Valorant
I uninstalled the last Windows Update
I tried previous Driver
When that didn’t help, I tried using the standard Windows driver, but that doesn’t work with my card because it requires Creative’s Command Center to switch between speakers and headset or to enable Direct Mode.
I also disabled exclusive mode for applications.
I found a Valorant Vanguard Guide and i tried to Enable IOMMU in my Bios... since that i cant enter my Bios anymore. I must clear my CMOS to solved that.
CPU: Ryzen 5800x
Soundcard: Creative Sound Blaster AE-5 Plus
Windows 11 Pro Build 26100.6584
Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.234.0
Last Update: 2025-09 Kumulatives Update für Windows 11 Version 24H2 für x64-basierte Systeme (KB5065426) (26100.6584)
Solution
Anyway I would recommend removing the device if it cannot be used without its drivers
