How to Fix No Sound in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Are your computer speakers or headphones not producing any sound? Does the volume icon look normal even though you cannot hear anything? Audio problems can occur on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers.

Computer speakers and headphones connected to a Windows desktop computer.

The problem may come from an incorrect playback device, a muted application, a loose speaker connection, a damaged audio driver, the Windows audio service, or faulty hardware. Sometimes, sound stops working after installing a Windows update or connecting a new USB or Bluetooth audio device.

This guide explains how to fix no sound in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Follow the solutions in order. Test your speakers after each step so you can identify the actual cause without making unnecessary changes.

Before you start: Disconnect unnecessary audio devices, restart your computer, and check whether your speakers or headphones work with another device. This simple test can help identify a hardware problem.

Table of Contents

Common causes of Windows sound problems
1. Check speakers, headphones, and cables
2. Select the correct audio output device
3. Check Windows volume and Volume Mixer
4. Run the Windows audio troubleshooter
5. Check whether the audio device is disabled
6. Turn off audio enhancements
7. Fix USB and Bluetooth audio problems
8. Update or reinstall audio drivers
9. Roll back a recently updated audio driver
10. Restart Windows audio services
11. Change the default audio format
12. Check for Windows updates
13. Check BIOS or UEFI audio settings
14. Check for audio hardware failure
Frequently asked questions
Related articles

Common Causes of Windows Sound Problems

Before trying advanced repairs, understand what can prevent your computer from producing sound.

Incorrect output device: Windows sends sound to a monitor, HDMI device, headphones, or another output instead of your speakers.
Muted volume: The system volume or an individual application's volume is muted.
Connection problems: Speakers, headphones, or USB audio devices are not connected correctly.
Audio driver problems: The installed driver is outdated, corrupted, or incompatible.
Disabled audio device: Windows cannot use a playback device that has been disabled.
Audio service problems: Windows audio services are not running correctly.
Software conflicts: Audio enhancements or applications interfere with normal playback.
Hardware failure: The speakers, audio jack, motherboard, or sound hardware may be damaged.

1. Check Speakers, Headphones, and Cables

Start by checking your audio hardware. A loose connection or incorrect speaker connection can make Windows appear to have an audio problem.

Check external speakers.

Make sure your speakers are connected to a working power source.
Turn on the speakers using their power switch.
Check the speaker's physical volume control.
Make sure the audio cable is firmly connected to the computer.
Check whether the cable is plugged into the correct audio output jack.

On many desktop computers, the green audio jack is used for front-channel speaker output. However, jack colors and layouts can differ between motherboards and sound cards. Check the manufacturer's documentation if you are unsure.

Check headphones.

Disconnect your headphones.
Check the headphone plug and cable for visible damage.
Reconnect the headphones firmly.
Test them with another computer or phone if possible.
Try another pair of headphones on your computer.

If another pair works, your original headphones or their cable may be faulty.

Check laptop speakers.

If you use a laptop, disconnect external headphones and speakers. Check the laptop's physical volume keys and any keyboard mute key. Some laptops also have separate audio controls in their manufacturer's software.

Diagnostic tip: If both internal speakers and external headphones fail, investigate Windows settings and audio drivers. If only one device fails, check that device and its connection first.

2. Select the Correct Audio Output Device

Windows can automatically switch audio output when you connect headphones, an HDMI monitor, a docking station, or a Bluetooth device. Sound may be playing, but through a different device.

Windows 11

Click the speaker icon on the taskbar.
Select the arrow next to the volume slider to view available audio devices.
Select your computer speakers or preferred headphones.
Play an audio file or video to test the sound.

You can also open Settings > System > Sound. Under Output, select the device you want to use.

Windows 10

Click the speaker icon on the taskbar.
Select the output device shown above or beside the volume slider.
Choose your speakers or headphones from the available list.
Play an audio file to check whether sound is restored.

Important: If your monitor is connected through HDMI or DisplayPort, Windows may select the monitor as the default audio device. Some monitors do not have built-in speakers. Select your actual computer speakers instead.

3. Check Windows Volume and Volume Mixer

Windows has separate volume controls for the system and individual applications. Your browser, media player, game, or meeting application may be muted even when the main Windows volume is turned up.

Windows 11

Right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar.
Select Open Volume mixer.
Check the System volume slider.
Find the application that has no sound.
Make sure its volume is turned up and it is not muted.
Check the application's selected output device.

Windows 10

Right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar.
Select Open Volume mixer.
Check the volume slider for your speakers and running applications.
Make sure none of the required controls is muted.
Close the mixer and test the application again.

If only one application has no sound, do not immediately reinstall the audio driver. First, check that application's volume and output device.

4. Run the Windows Audio Troubleshooter

Windows includes automated audio troubleshooting tools. They can detect common configuration problems and suggest repairs.

Windows 11

Open Settings.
Select System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Find Audio and select Run, if available.
Follow the instructions on the screen.

You can also open the Get Help application and search for audio troubleshooting. Follow its diagnostic instructions.

Windows 10

Open Settings.
Select Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
Open Additional Troubleshooters if that option is displayed.
Select Playing Audio.
Click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the suggested fixes.

The exact troubleshooting interface can vary by Windows version. If the automated tool does not solve the problem, continue with the manual checks below.

5. Check Whether the Audio Device Is Disabled

Windows may not play sound if your speakers or headphones have been disabled in the sound settings.

Press Windows + R on your keyboard.
Type mmsys.cpl and press Enter.
Open the Playback tab.
Right-click an empty area inside the device list.
Enable Show Disabled Devices, if available.
Look for your speakers or headphones.
If the device is disabled, right-click it and select Enable.
Select your preferred device and click Set Default.
Click Apply and OK.

Play an audio file to check whether sound works.

Be careful: Do not enable or change unrelated recording devices. Focus on the playback device you actually use.

6. Turn Off Audio Enhancements

Audio enhancements are designed to improve sound quality. However, some enhancements can cause distortion, low volume, crackling, or complete audio failure on certain computers.

Windows 11

Open Settings > System > Sound.
Under Output, select your speakers or headphones.
Find the Audio enhancements setting.
Change it to Off.
Test the sound again.

Windows 10

Press Windows + R.
Type mmsys.cpl and press Enter.
Open the Playback tab.
Select your default speakers and click Properties.
Open the Enhancements tab, if available.
Select Disable all enhancements.
Click Apply and OK.

Some audio drivers do not display an Enhancements tab. In that case, check the Advanced settings or the manufacturer's audio control application for available sound effects.

7. Fix USB and Bluetooth Audio Problems

External audio devices can have their own drivers and output settings. If you use a USB headset, USB speaker, Bluetooth headphones, or external USB sound card, try these steps.

USB audio devices

Disconnect the USB audio device.
Restart your computer.
Connect the device to another USB port.
Wait for Windows to recognize the device.
Open Sound settings and select the USB device under Output.
Test the sound.

Avoid using a faulty USB hub while troubleshooting. Connect the device directly to the computer where possible.

If Windows does not recognize your USB audio device, the problem may involve the USB port, connection, or driver. See our guide on how to fix USB Device Not Recognized errors for additional troubleshooting steps.

Bluetooth headphones and speakers

Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
Check that your headphones or speakers are charged.
Open Settings > Bluetooth & devices in Windows 11, or Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices in Windows 10.
Confirm that the audio device is connected.
Open Sound settings and select the Bluetooth device as the output.
Disconnect and reconnect the device if sound is still missing.

If the problem continues, remove the Bluetooth device from Windows, pair it again, and test the audio.

If Bluetooth headphones are not connecting correctly, follow our guide on how to turn on Bluetooth in Windows 10.

8. Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers

Device Manager showing sound video and game controllers.

An audio driver allows Windows to communicate with the computer's sound hardware. A damaged, outdated, or incompatible driver can cause missing sound, distorted playback, or an audio device that is not detected.

Check the audio device in Device Manager

Right-click the Start button.
Select Device Manager.
Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
Find your audio device. It may be listed as Realtek Audio, High Definition Audio Device, or another manufacturer's name.
Check whether the device has a warning symbol.

A yellow warning symbol can indicate a driver or device problem. Open the device's Properties and read the Device status message to identify the reported error.

Update the audio driver

Right-click your audio device in Device Manager.
Select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers.
Follow the instructions if Windows finds an updated driver.
Restart your computer and test the sound.

Check optional driver updates

Open Settings > Windows Update.
Open Advanced options.
Select Optional updates, if available.
Expand Driver updates.
Check whether a suitable audio driver is listed.
Install the appropriate driver and restart the computer.

Do not install unrelated drivers simply because they appear in the optional updates list.

Download the driver from the computer manufacturer

If Windows cannot find a suitable driver, visit the official support website for your computer or motherboard manufacturer.

Search using the exact computer model or motherboard model. Download the audio driver that matches your Windows version and system architecture.

For example, laptop manufacturers may provide customized Realtek audio drivers that include additional features for their particular hardware. A generic driver may not provide the same functionality.

Driver safety: Avoid unofficial driver download websites and third-party driver updater programs. Download drivers from Windows Update or the official computer, motherboard, or audio-device manufacturer's website.

Reinstall the audio driver

If the installed driver is corrupted, reinstalling it may help.

Open Device Manager.
Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
Right-click your audio device.
Select Uninstall device.
Read the confirmation carefully. Avoid selecting an option to delete the driver package unless you have a replacement driver ready.
Confirm the uninstall.
Restart your computer.

Windows may detect the audio hardware and reinstall a compatible driver. If it does not, install the driver downloaded from the computer manufacturer's support website.

If Device Manager displays an error code, see our guide on how to fix Windows 11 Error Code 43.

9. Roll Back a Recently Updated Audio Driver

If your computer had working sound before a driver update, the new driver may be incompatible with your hardware or Windows version.

You can try restoring the previous driver.

Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
Right-click your audio device and select Properties.
Open the Driver tab.
Click Roll Back Driver, if available.
Choose a reason and follow the instructions.
Restart your computer.

The Roll Back Driver button may be unavailable if Windows has no previous driver version stored.

10. Restart Windows Audio Services

Windows uses background services to manage audio playback. If these services stop or fail to respond, sound may stop working even when the audio device and driver appear normal.

Restarting the relevant services can resolve some temporary audio problems.

Press Windows + R.
Type services.msc and press Enter.
Find Windows Audio.
Right-click it and select Restart.
Find Windows Audio Endpoint Builder.
Right-click it and select Restart.
Check that both services are running.
Close the Services window and test your speakers.

Note: Windows may restart dependent services automatically. Do not change service startup types or disable Windows audio services as a troubleshooting shortcut.

11. Change the Default Audio Format

Some audio devices or drivers may not work correctly with a particular playback format. Changing the default format can help when you experience distorted, crackling, or missing sound.

Press Windows + R.
Type mmsys.cpl and press Enter.
Open the Playback tab.
Select your speakers and click Properties.
Open the Advanced tab.
Find Default Format.
Select another available format.
Click Apply and test the sound.

If the new format makes no difference, return to the original setting. Avoid choosing the highest available sample rate simply because it is higher.

12. Check for Windows Updates

Audio problems sometimes appear after installing a Windows update. In other cases, a pending update may contain a compatible driver or software fix.

Open Settings.
Select Windows Update.
Click Check for updates.
Install relevant available updates.
Restart the computer if requested.
Test your audio again.

If the sound stopped working immediately after a specific update, investigate the driver rollback option in Step 9 before attempting more disruptive recovery methods.

If you are also experiencing failed updates or installation errors, read our guide on how to fix Windows 11 Update Not Working problems.

Windows 10 support notice: Microsoft ended standard support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 computers can still run, but standard free security updates and technical support are no longer provided. Eligible devices enrolled in Microsoft's Extended Security Updates program may receive applicable security updates. Consider moving to a supported Windows version when your hardware allows it.

13. Check BIOS or UEFI Audio Settings

If Windows does not detect your computer's built-in audio hardware, the onboard audio controller may be disabled in BIOS or UEFI settings.

This is more likely after changing firmware settings, resetting BIOS, or servicing the motherboard.

Restart your computer.
Enter BIOS or UEFI setup using the manufacturer's specified key.
Look for an option such as Onboard Audio, HD Audio Controller, or Integrated Audio.
Check whether the audio controller is enabled.
Save changes and exit if you made a necessary correction.
Allow Windows to start and check Device Manager again.

Warning: BIOS menus vary between manufacturers. Do not change unrelated firmware settings. If you are unsure, consult your motherboard or laptop manual.

14. Check for Audio Hardware Failure

If none of the previous solutions work, the problem may be related to the computer's audio hardware.

Try the following diagnostic tests:

Connect another pair of headphones to the computer.
Test the original headphones with another device.
Try an external USB audio adapter.
Check whether the internal laptop speakers produce sound during the manufacturer's hardware diagnostic test, if available.
Inspect desktop audio connections and motherboard ports for physical damage.

If a USB audio adapter works but the built-in audio output does not, the internal audio hardware, jack, or its driver may be responsible. This test does not prove that the motherboard itself is faulty, but it helps narrow down the problem.

If the built-in audio hardware is not detected even after installing the correct driver and checking firmware settings, professional hardware inspection may be necessary.

Before contacting a technician, you can identify your computer's hardware components using our guide on how to check system information in Windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is there no sound on my Windows 11 computer?

Common causes include an incorrect output device, muted volume, disabled speakers, audio driver problems, and Windows audio service failures. Start by checking the selected output device and Volume Mixer.

2. Why does my computer have no sound even though the volume is turned up?

Windows may be sending sound to another device, such as an HDMI monitor or Bluetooth headset. An individual application may also be muted. Check the output device and Volume Mixer.

3. Why are my speakers not showing in Windows?

The audio driver may be missing or corrupted, the audio hardware may be disabled, or Windows may not detect the device. Check Device Manager and install the correct audio driver from your computer manufacturer's website.

4. How do I fix Realtek audio not working?

Check the selected output device, restart Windows Audio services, and inspect the Realtek device in Device Manager. If necessary, reinstall the compatible Realtek driver provided by your computer or motherboard manufacturer.

5. Why does sound stop working after a Windows update?

An update may install an incompatible audio driver or affect audio components. Try updating the driver, rolling back to the previous version, and restarting Windows audio services.

6. Why do my headphones work but my laptop speakers do not?

The internal speakers may be disabled, the wrong playback device may be selected, or the speaker hardware may be damaged. Check the Playback settings and test the speakers separately.

7. Can a faulty audio driver cause no sound?

Yes. A missing, corrupted, outdated, or incompatible driver can prevent Windows from communicating correctly with the sound hardware. Updating or reinstalling the correct driver may restore audio.

8. How can I test whether my computer's sound card is working?

Open Device Manager and check the audio device status. You can also test another pair of speakers or headphones and use an external USB audio adapter to compare the results. These checks help identify whether the issue is related to software or hardware.

Final Thoughts

No sound in Windows 10 or Windows 11 does not always mean that your sound card or speakers are damaged. Incorrect playback settings, muted applications, driver problems, and audio services are common causes.

Start with the simple checks, including cables, volume levels, and output devices. Move to driver repairs and audio services only when necessary. If the computer still produces no sound after these checks, investigate the audio hardware.

Following these troubleshooting steps can help you identify the cause and restore sound without immediately replacing your speakers or reinstalling Windows.

Official Microsoft Resources

Last reviewed: November 2026. Windows settings and troubleshooting options may vary depending on the device, driver, and Windows version.