Windows Audio or Sound Is Not Working
If Windows suddenly has no sound, work through these steps before reinstalling Windows or making major system changes.
1. Check the Selected Output Device
Open:
Settings → System → Sound
Under Output, confirm that Windows is sending audio to the correct device.
For example:
Headphones
Speakers
Monitor
USB headset
Audio interface
Windows can sometimes switch output devices after connecting a monitor, headset, or Bluetooth device.
2. Check Volume and Mute Settings
Make sure:
Windows volume is not muted
The application itself is not muted
Your headset or speakers are powered on
Any physical volume controls are turned up
3. Restart the PC
A restart can restore an audio device or driver that failed to initialize properly.
4. Run the Windows Audio Troubleshooter
Open the Get Help application and search for the audio troubleshooter.
Follow the diagnostic steps Windows provides.
5. Check Device Manager
Open Device Manager.
Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
Check whether your audio device appears.
Look for warning icons.
If the device is disabled, enable it.
6. Update Your Audio Driver
Check Windows Update first.
You can also obtain the latest audio driver from your motherboard, laptop, headset, or audio-device manufacturer.
7. Reinstall the Audio Device
If the driver appears corrupted:
Right-click the audio device in Device Manager.
Select Uninstall device.
Restart Windows.
Windows may automatically reinstall the device.
Still No Sound?
Test another headset, speaker, port, or cable if available.
If the problem started immediately after a system change, driver update, or optimization, revert the most recent change and test again.