The Windows 10 sound not working properly is one of the most frequent complaints from consumers, especially right after upgrading from an earlier version of Windows or some other settings. If you’re dealing with this, know that you’re not alone. What’s more, fixing the issue is typically straightforward.
Here are a few quick solutions to consider. You need not sample every one. First, let’s consider some potential causes of Windows’ sound problems.
Why Is Windows 10 Sound Not Working?
The following are some of the most common causes of the Windows 10 audio not working issue:
- The audio jack may have a problem if you cannot hear sound from your external audio devices (it could be broken or loose).
- The possibility that your system hasn’t been updated
- Your laptop may be using an old version of audio drivers.
- Recent alterations to your computer’s configuration
- Possible breakdown of audio services
- Your microphone or speaker may not be working.
- It’s possible that malware infected your computer’s audio hardware.
This issue may potentially result from a hardware or system setup error.
Now, let’s dive into the world of easy and simple solutions to solve the problem and get back the sound of your high definition audio device.
Check Volume Sliders
You should start with the most basic checks, such as making sure the volume isn’t muted by accident. You can get a brief rundown and control the level by clicking the speaker icon in the taskbar. You can also use the sound control panel for this.
Be sure the master volume is set properly. You may adjust the level for individual apps by going to the Settings menu and tapping the Sound option.
Individualize auditory profiles in third-party applications.
Check Your Speaker Output
Verify that the audio default output device is selected if numerous options exist. What We mean is this:
- To access it, right-click the taskbar’s Speakers icon.
- Then, click the arrow to reveal the available inputs for your computer’s audio system.
- Check the settings and ensure the sound comes from your preferred speakers or headphones.
Note: Speakers may be in the overflow if you don’t see them on the main screen. To inspect the area, you’ll need to enable the option to display hidden icons. If this advice doesn’t work, read on.
Run The Audio Troubleshooter
Some audio problems can be automatically resolved using the audio troubleshooter. Follow these steps to launch the troubleshooter:
- Type audio troubleshooter into the taskbar search box, then click Find and fix audio problems with playing sound.
- To use the troubleshooter, choose the devices giving you difficulties and follow the on-screen prompts.
- The audio settings menu is also a good place to access the troubleshooter.
- Click Start > Settings > System > Sound > Troubleshoot.
If the troubleshooter isn’t successful, move on to the next solution to recover the computer audio.
Update Your Sound Card Drivers
Windows 10’s inability to communicate effectively with your chosen sound card or chip is a typical cause of audio issues. Because of this, your audio may stop working completely. Luckily, there are approaches to ensuring compatibility between Windows 10 and your sound devices. All that’s required is a bit of research to track down the installed audio drivers and find appropriate driver updates.
Step 1: Type “device manager” in the search bar. Click on the relevant result.
Step 2: You will find a list of icon alternatives inside the Device Manager. Select your preferred Video, Audio, and Gamepads. This driver will be under ” Sound, Video, and Game Controller.”
Step 3: Double-click the sound card to open it and select the Driver tab. In the next window, select “Search Automatically.”
With this, Windows will automatically look for and download any necessary driver updates. Ensure that you update both specialized and generic audio drivers.
If Windows can’t update drivers this way, you can download an auto driver update tool or visit the official website of your laptop provider. You can also download the required sound driver and manually install it.
Step 4: Restart your computer after the update is complete to check if your audio is operational.
Disable Audio Enhancements
Microsoft suggests turning off any audio enhancements that might be active in Windows 10 if you’re experiencing a lack of sound. Through the playback device’s settings, you can deactivate the audio enhancements.
- Click on the Speaker icon on the right side of the window. And open sound settings. Proceed to the Playback menu and double-click the target device.
Go to the labeled “Enhancements Tab” now.
- Ensure no options are selected, or select the checkbox next to “Disable all sound effects” at the top.
- The next step is to click on the ” Advanced Tab tab.” Here uncheck the box beside the “Enable Audio Enhancements” tab.
Restart Audio Services
If there’s still no sound after that, you can try restarting the audio services in the Services Panel on Windows 10. To open the Services Panel, press Win + R and type services.msc into the prompt.
- Have a look at the Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder services.
- To restart a service, double-click it, then choose to Stop and Start.
If you haven’t already, ensure both services are marked as Startup. If it is not set to Automatic, do so now and click OK to save your changes and depart. Hopefully, this will fix problems related to Windows 10 sound not working.
Update The BIOS
A hardware problem or a software update could be the basis of laptop audio troubles. Although this is not the most prevalent explanation for a non-functioning volume. You can fix this by installing a newer version of the BIOS on your computer, which is accomplished through:
- Initiate the BIOS/UEFI configuration menu by restarting the computer.
- Take a close look at the sound options when doing so.
- You must enable the sound card in the BIOS’s Advanced Settings section.
- If it doesn’t work, try updating your BIOS to see if that resolves your audio issues.
Update Windows 10 To The Latest Version
Reports from some customers indicate that the “No Audio Output Device Is Installed” error was resolved after upgrading to the most recent version of Windows 10. You may also gain access to brand-new, interesting features in addition to enhanced security and optimization.
- Access the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I or accessing it directly from the Start menu.
- Navigate to Update & Security.
- Check for updates by clicking the relevant button in the Windows Update section of the Control Panel.
- If an update is available, select it and click the Install option.
If the most recent Windows 10 update installs without a problem, you may see that the volume icon has returned to its proper location, and the sound is playing once more.
Set Default Playback Device
If audio isn’t playing in Windows 10, making the external devices the default could be the problem. Sometimes audio upgrades will conflict with the device drivers. Turn them off until a new driver update for your PC becomes available.
Launching the Start menu and typing “Sound” will take you to a menu where you can select a new default device for Windows 10’s audio.
Next, select the desired outcomes and head to their Playback tab. Here, find the correct audio device and Set Default audio device.
Use System Restore
If you’re experiencing audio issues for the first time after making adjustments to your system settings or installing a new Windows update, using Windows’ system restore feature can help you return to a previous operating system version.
The system restoration tool allows you to roll back to a specified point before substantial system changes without losing your data. If the audio issues persist, you can use it to roll back to a previous save point and see if that helps.
The Final Thoughts
If the Windows 10 sound not working on your laptop, try these troubleshooting steps. These methods are a complete guide to fixing a frequent laptop sound issue and should be followed in the order presented.
Most of the solutions we’ve heard about require updating, removing, reinstalling, or rolling back this driver software. However, Windows 10 prefers you to utilize the built-in High Definition Audio Driver.
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