Windows 11 Windows 10 More...Less
If you’re having sound or audio problems, the following suggestions might help. The tips are listed in order, so start with the first one, see if that helps, and then continue to the next one if it doesn’t.
Before you begin
Start by running the automated audio troubleshooter in the Get Help app. Get Help automatically runs diagnostics and takes the correct steps to fix most audio issues.
If the Get Help app is unable to resolve your sound or audio issue, try the possible solutions listed:
Windows 11Windows 10
If multiple audio output devices are available, check that youhave the appropriate one selected. Here's how:
-
Select the Speakers icon on the taskbar.
Note:If you don't see Speakers displayed, it may be in the overflow area. Select Show hidden icons to check there.
-
Next, select the arrow to open a list of audio devices connected to your computer.
-
Check that your audio is playing to the audio device you prefer, such as a speaker or headphones.
If this doesn't help, continue to the next tip.
The audio troubleshooter might be able to fix audio problems automatically.
To run the troubleshooter:
-
Go to Search in the taskbar, type audio troubleshooter, and select Find and fix problems with playing sound from the results to launch the troubleshooter.
-
Select Next, and then select the device you want to troubleshoot and then continue through the troubleshooter.
You can also launch the troubleshooter from audio Settings:
-
Select Start > Settings > System > Sound> Troubleshoot common sound problems and select Output devices or Input devices.
If running the troubleshooter doesn't help, continue to the next tip.
To check for updates:
-
Select Start > Settings > Windows Update and selectCheck for updates.
Open Windows Update
-
Do one of the following:
-
If the status says, "You're up to date," go to the next tip.
-
If the status says, "Updates are available," select Install now.
-
-
Select the updates you want to install, then select Install.
-
Restart your PC and check if your sound is working properly.
If that didn't solve your problem, continue to the next tip.
Try these steps:
-
Check your speaker and headphone connections for loose cords or cables. Make sure all cords and cables are plugged in.
-
If you have multiple 5mm jacks to plug into, especially on a surround sound system, make sure all cords and cables are plugged into the correct jack.
-
If it’s not clear which jack goes with which cord, consult your hardware manufacturer, or try the most obvious outputs one at a time and see if they work.
Note:Some systems use a green jack for output and a pink jack for mic input and others will be labeled "headphone" or "microphone."
-
-
Make sure the power is turned on.
-
Make sure the mute setting is not turned on and try turning up all the volume controls.
Note:Some speakers and apps have their own volume controls. Be sure to check them all.
-
Try connecting your speaker and headphones to a different USB port.
-
It's possible that your speakers won't work when your headphones are plugged in. Unplug your headphones and see if that helps.
If you're still having audio problems, see the next sections for additional troubleshooting.
Check to make sure your audio devices aren't muted and haven't been disabled.
-
Select and hold (or right-click) the Speakers icon on the taskbar, and then select Open Volume mixer.
Note:If you don't see Speakers displayed, it may be in the overflow area. Select Show hidden icons to check there.
-
You’ll see a set of volume controls for your devices. Make sure none of them are muted. If any of them are muted, you’ll see an "x" next to the volume control . To unmute do one of the following:
-
Select the volume control and adjust to the desired volume level.
-
Select the Unmute speakers icon.
(Video) How To FIX No Sound and Audio Problems on Windows 10
-
-
Check your device properties to make sure that your devices have not been disabled by mistake. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
-
Under Advanced, select More sound settings and select either the Playback (output) or Recording (input) tab.
-
Select your device andthen select Properties.
-
Next to Device usage, check that Use this device (enable) is selected from the list for the output and input devices.
If that didn't solve your problem, continue to the next tip.
Hardware problems can be caused by outdated or malfunctioning drivers. Make sure your audio driver is up to date and update it if needed. If that doesn't work, try uninstalling the audio driver (it will reinstall automatically). If that doesn't work, try using the generic audio driver that comes with Windows. If you're having audio issues after installing updates, try rolling back your audio driver.
To update your audio driver automatically:
-
In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.
-
Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.
-
Select and hold (or right-click) the listing for your sound card or audio device, such as headphones or speakers, select Update driver, then select Search automatically for drivers. Follow the instructions to complete the update.
If Windows doesn't find a new driver, look for one on the device manufacturer's website and follow those instructions. If that doesn't work, try uninstalling your audio driver.
To uninstall your audio driver:
-
In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.
-
Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.
-
Select and hold (or right-click) the listing for your sound card or audio device, select Uninstall device, select the Attempt to remove the driver for this device check box, and then select Uninstall.
-
Restart your PC.
Note:Be sure to save your documents and any other current work before you restart.
-
This restart will automatically prompt your PC to reinstall your audio driver.
-
To restart, select Start > Power > Restart .
-
If those options didn’t work, try using the generic audio driver that comes with Windows.
To use the generic audio driver that comes with Windows:
-
In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.
-
Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.
-
Select and hold (or right-click) the listing for your sound card or audio device, then select Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers> Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
-
Select the audio device whose driver you want to update, select Next, and then follow the instructions to install it.
If these steps didn't solve your audio issue, visit your device manufacturer’s website and install the most recent audio/sound drivers for your device. The following is an example of a driver download page for a sound device manufacturer.
If you have audio issues after installing updates
If your audio was working before you ran Windows Update and now isn’t working, try rolling back your audio driver.
To roll back your audio driver:
-
In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.
-
Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.
-
Select and hold (or right-click) the listing for your sound card or audio device, then select Properties.
-
Select the Driver tab, then select Roll Back Driver.
-
Read and follow the instructions and then selectYes if you want to roll back your audio driver.
If rolling back your audio driver didn't work or wasn't an option, you can try to restore your PC from a system restore point.
Restore your PC from a system restore point:
When Microsoft installs updates on your system, we create a system restore point in case problems arise. Try restoring from that point and see if that fixes your sound problems. For more info, see "Restore from a system restore point" in Recovery options in Windows.
If you're connecting to an audio device—such as headphones or speakers—using USB or HDMI, you might need to set that device as the default audio device. If you’re using an external monitor that doesn’t have built-in speakers, make sure that the monitor isn’t already selected as your default output device. if it is, you won’t have any audio. You can check that when you set your default output audio device. Here’s how:
-
In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel, then select it from the results.
-
Select Hardware and Sound from the Control Panel, and then select Sound.
-
On the Playback tab, select and hold (or right-click) the listing for your audio device, select Set as Default Device, and then select OK.
If setting your audio device as the default device doesn't help, continue to the next tip for additional troubleshooting.
Sometimes having audio enhancements on can result in audio issues. Disabling them may resolve your issue.
-
In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel, then select it from the results.
-
Select Hardware and Sound from the Control Panel, and then select Sound.
-
On the Playback tab, select and hold (or right-click)the Default Device, and then select Properties.
-
Select the Advancedtab and uncheck either the Enable audio enhancements or the Enable sound effects check box (depending on which option you see), select Apply, and try to play your audio device.
-
If that doesn't work, on the Playback tab, select and hold (or right-click) another default device (if you have one), and select Properties. Uncheck either the Enable audio enhancements or the Enable sound effects check box (depending on which option you see), select Apply,and try to play audio again. Do this for each default device.
If turning off audio enhancements doesn't help, see the next sections for additional troubleshooting.
-
In the search box on the taskbar, type services, then select it from the results.
-
Select each of the following services, select and hold (or right-click), select Restart, and then select Yes:
-
Windows Audio
-
Windows Audio Endpoint Builder
-
Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
-
If restarting these services doesn’t resolve your issue, see the next sections for more troubleshooting.
-
In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel, and then select it from the results.
-
Select Hardware and Sound from the Control Panel, and then select Sound.
-
On the Playback tab, select and hold (or right-click) Default Device, and then select Properties.
-
On the Advanced tab, under Default Format, change the setting, select OK, and then test your audio device. If that doesn't work, try changing the setting again.
If trying different audio formats doesn't help, see the next sections for additional troubleshooting.
Many updates require you to restart your device.
To check and see if you have installed updates pending and need to restart:
-
Save your work and close all open applications.
-
Select Start > Power . If you have installed updates pending, you’ll see options to Update and restart and Update and shut down.
-
Select one of those restart options to apply the updates.
Need help with Windows Update? See Troubleshoot problems updating Windows.
If restarting doesn't help, see the next section for additional troubleshooting.
Some audio problems might be caused by an issue with the audio system’s IDT High Definition Audio CODEC. This can be fixed with a manual driver update which allows you to choose the sound driver you want to use.
Note:Not all systems will have an IDT High Definition Audio CODEC.
To check and see if you have one, and to manually update the driver:
-
In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.
-
Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.
-
Look for IDT High Definition Audio CODEC. If it's listed, select and hold (or right-click) it and select Update driver,then select Browse my computer for drivers> Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
-
You’ll see a list of pre-installed drivers. Select High Definition Audio Device, and then select Next.
-
Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security.
-
Under App permissions,select Microphone.
-
Make sure that the Microphone access and Let apps access your microphonetoggles are turned On.
-
If you’re having this issue with a specific app, scroll down under Let apps access your microphoneand make sure that the toggle next to that specific app is turned On as well.
If multiple audio output devices are available, check that youhave the appropriate one selected. Here's how:
-
Select the Speakers icon on the taskbar.
Note:If you don't see Speakers displayed, it may be in the overflow area. Select Show hidden icons to check there.
-
Next, select the arrow to open a list of audio devices connected to your computer.
-
Check that your audio is playing to the audio device you prefer, such as a speaker or headphones.
If this doesn't help, continue to the next tip.
The audio troubleshooter might be able to fix audio problems automatically.
To run the troubleshooter:
-
In the search box on the taskbar, type audio troubleshooter, select Find and fix problems with playing sound from the results, then select Next.
-
Select the device you want to troubleshoot and then continue through the troubleshooter.
You can also launch the troubleshooter from audio Settings. Select Start > Settings > System> Sound> Troubleshoot.
If running the troubleshooter doesn't help, continue to the next tip.
To check for updates:
-
Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Open Windows Update
-
Do one of the following:
-
If the status says, "You're up to date," go to the next tip.
-
If the status says, "Updates are available," select Install now.
-
-
Select the updates you want to install, then select Install.
-
Restart your PC and see if your sound is working properly.
If that didn't solve your problem, continue to the next tip.
Try these steps:
-
Check your speaker and headphone connections for loose cords or cables. Make sure all cords and cables are plugged in.
-
If you have multiple 5mm jacks to plug into, especially on a surround sound system, make sure all cords and cables are plugged into the correct jack.
-
If it’s not clear which jack goes with which cord, consult your hardware manufacturer, or try the most obvious outputs one at a time and see if they work.
Note:Some systems use a green jack for output and a pink jack for mic input and others will be labeled "headphone" or "microphone."
-
-
Make sure the power is turned on.
-
Make sure the mute setting is not turned on and try turning up all the volume controls.
Note:Some speakers and apps have their own volume controls. Be sure to check them all.
-
Try connecting your speaker and headphones to a different USB port.
-
It's possible that your speakers won't work when your headphones are plugged in. Unplug your headphones and see if that helps.
If you're still having audio problems, see the next sections for additional troubleshooting.
Check to make sure your audio devices aren't muted and haven't been disabled.
-
Select and hold (or right-click) the Speakers icon on the taskbar, and then select Open Volume mixer.
Note:If you don't see Speakers displayed, it may be in the overflow area. Select Show hidden icons to check there.
-
You’ll see a set of volume controls for your devices. Make sure none of them are muted. If any of them are muted, you’ll see a red circle with a line through it next to the volume control. In that case, select the volume control to unmute.
-
Check your device properties to make sure that your devices have not been disabled by mistake. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
-
Select your audio device, and then select Device properties. Be sure to selectDevice properties for both the output and input devices.
-
Make sure the Disable check box is cleared for the output and input devices.
If that didn't solve your problem, continue to the next tip.
Hardware problems can be caused by outdated or malfunctioning drivers. Make sure your audio driver is up to date and update it if needed. If that doesn't work, try uninstalling the audio driver (it will reinstall automatically). If that doesn't work, try using the generic audio driver that comes with Windows. If you're having audio issues after installing updates, try rolling back your audio driver.
To update your audio driver automatically:
-
In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.
-
Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.
-
Select and hold (or right-click) the listing for your sound card or audio device, such as headphones or speakers, select Update driver, then select Search automatically for updated driver software. Follow the instructions to complete the update.
If Windows doesn't find a new driver, look for one on the device manufacturer's website and follow those instructions. If that doesn't work, try uninstalling your audio driver.
To uninstall your audio driver:
-
In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.
-
Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.
-
Right-click the listing for your sound card or audio device, select Uninstall device,select the Delete the driver software for this device check box, and then select Uninstall.
-
Restart your PC.
-
Note: Be sure to save documents and any other current work before you restart.
-
This restart will automatically prompt your PC to reinstall your audio driver.
-
To restart, select Start > Power > Restart .
-
If those options didn’t work, try using the generic audio driver that comes with Windows.
To use the generic audio driver that comes with Windows:
-
In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.
-
Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.
-
Select and hold (or right-click) the listing for your sound card or audio device, then select Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers> Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
-
Select the audio device whose driver you want to update, select Next, and then follow the instructions to install it.
If these steps didn't solve your audio issue, visit your device manufacturer’s website, and install the most recent audio or sound drivers for your device. The following is an example of a driver download page for a sound device manufacturer.
If you have audio issues after installing updates
If your audio was working before you ran Windows Update and now isn’t working, try rolling back your audio driver.
To roll back your audio driver:
-
In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.
-
Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.
-
Select and hold (or right-click) the listing for your sound card or audio device, then select Properties.
-
Select the Driver tab, then select Roll Back Driver.
(Video) How to Fix No Audio Sound Issues in Windows 10 -
Read and follow the instructions and then selectYes if you want to roll back your audio driver.
If rolling back your audio driver didn't work or wasn't an option, you can try to restore your PC from a system restore point.
Restore your PC from a system restore point:
When Microsoft installs updates on your system, we create a system restore point in case problems arise. Try restoring from that point and see if that fixes your sound problems. For more info, see "Restore from a system restore point" in Recovery options in Windows.
If you're connecting to an audio device—such as headphones or speakers—using USB or HDMI, you might need to set that device as the default audio device. If you’re using an external monitor that doesn’t have built-in speakers, make sure that the monitor isn’t already selected as your default output device. If it is, you won’t have any audio. You can check that when you set your default output audio device. Here’s how:
-
In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel, then select it from the results.
-
Select Hardware and Sound from the Control Panel, and then select Sound.
-
On the Playback tab, select and hold (or right-click) the listing for your audio device, select Set as Default Device, and then select OK.
If setting your audio device as the default device doesn't help, continue to the next tip for additional troubleshooting.
Sometimes having audio enhancements on can result in audio issues. Disabling them may resolve your issue.
-
In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel, then select it from the results.
-
Select Hardware and Sound from the Control Panel, and then select Sound.
-
On the Playback tab, select and hold (or right-click) the Default Device, and then select Properties.
-
On the Enhancements tab, select either the Disable all enhancements or the Disable all sound effects check box (depending on which option you see), select OK, and try to play your audio device.
-
If that doesn't work, on the Playback tab, select and hold (or right-click) another default device (if you have one), then select Properties. On the Enhancements tab select either the Disable all enhancements or the Disable all sound effects check box (depending on which option you see), select OK, and try to play audio again. Do this for each default device.
If turning off audio enhancements doesn't help, see the next sections for additional troubleshooting.
-
In the search box on the taskbar, type services, then select it from the results.
-
Select each of the following services, right-click, and then select Restart:
-
Windows Audio
-
Windows Audio Endpoint Builder
-
Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
-
If restarting these services doesn’t resolve your issue, see the next sections for more troubleshooting.
-
In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel, and then select it from the results.
-
Select Hardware and Sound from the Control Panel, and then select Sound.
-
On the Playback tab, selectand hold (or right-click)Default Device, and then select Properties.
-
On the Advanced tab, under Default Format, change the setting, select OK, and then test your audio device. If that doesn't work, try changing the setting again.
If trying different audio formats doesn't help, see the next sections for additional troubleshooting.
Many updates require you to restart your device.
To check and see if you have installed updates pending and need to restart
-
Save your work and close all open applications.
-
Select Start > Power . If you have installed updates pending, you’ll see options to Update and restart and Update and shut down.
-
Select one of those restart options to apply the updates.
Need help with Windows Update? See Troubleshoot problems updating Windows.
If restarting doesn't help, see the next section for additional troubleshooting.
Some audio problems might be caused by an issue with the audio system’s IDT High Definition Audio CODEC. This can be fixed with a manual driver update which allows you to choose the sound driver you want to use.
Note:Not all systems will have an IDT High Definition Audio CODEC.
To check and see if you have one, and to manually update the driver:
-
In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.
-
Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.
-
Look for IDT High Definition Audio CODEC. If it's listed, select and hold (or right-click) it and select Update driver,then select Browse my computer for drivers> Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
-
You’ll see a list of pre-installed drivers. Select High Definition Audio Device, and then select Next.
-
Select Start > Settings> Privacy , and then select Microphone from the left menu.
-
Under Allow access to the microphone on this device, select Change. Make sure the toggle is turned On.
-
If you’re having this issue with a specific app, scroll down to Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your microphone and make sure that the toggle next to that app is turned On as well.
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FAQs
How do you fix there might be a problem with your audio device? ›
- Make sure that your audio driver is up to date. ...
- Install the latest updates. ...
- Make sure that the correct device as the default playback device. ...
- Reinstall the audio driver. ...
- Modify the registry. ...
- Run the troubleshooter. ...
- Try a different audio format and turn off audio enhancements.
Windows 10 update kills sound for some systems • The Register.
How do I reset my Windows sound System? ›- Open the Settings app and click Sound, then scroll down to select More sound settings.
- This will open a new menu that lists out all your audio output and input devices. ...
- In the pop-up that appears, click the Advanced tab, then click Restore Defaults at the bottom.
The issue could be associated with your audio driver software. Sometimes, the driver can go missing or become corrupt and cause problems such as the stuttering sound. It's also possible that the driver is too old to properly communicate with your operating system. In any case, reinstalling it won't solve the problem.
Will resetting PC fix audio issues? ›If you're experiencing issues with your audio, resetting your PC may help resolve the issue. A reset will restore your PC to its default settings, which can help fix audio problems. However, a reset will also erase any personal files and data on your PC, so be sure to back up your files before resetting.
How do I reset my audio driver Windows 10? ›Alternatively, you can quickly launch the Device Manager by pressing the Windows logo + X keys and then pressing the M key. Step 2: In the Device Manager, expand Sound, video and game controllers to see your audio driver entry. Step 3: Right-click on your audio driver entry and then click Disable device option.
How do I reset my audio service? ›- In Windows 10, right-click the Windows icon and select Run. Type services. ...
- Scroll down to Windows Audio and double-click to open menu.
- If the service has been stopped for any reason, the system audio will not function correctly. ...
- Double-check the service start-up type. ...
- Click Apply.
- In the search box on the taskbar, enter device manager, then select Device Manager.
- Select a category to see names of devices, then right-click (or press and hold) the one you'd like to update.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Select Update Driver.
- Open the app.
- Open the app settings (or preferences).
- Open the Audio settings.
- Change the default settings to correct the audio device.
- Save the settings (if applicable).
- Go Into Device Manager to Find Your Drivers. First, you need to identify the driver version you have for Realtek. ...
- Perform a Manual Update Push. Once you locate the Realtek HD Audio driver, right-click on that driver and select Update Driver. ...
- Reboot Your PC.
Why is my audio acting weird? ›
The problem may be from simple human errors, such as improper level settings, misaligning microphones, recording too loud, and more. Even if you keep your setup relatively error-free, noise, RF interference, rumbles, and faulty equipment can distort your sound. Making audio sound immaculate after distortion isn't easy.
Why is my PC audio crackling and stuttering? ›Crackling and popping sounds from your audio output device are usually caused by external interference such as faulty hardware, faulty ports, and sometimes even the medium of connection. Most of the time, you'll find that the issue lies with the hardware.
Why is my sound cutting in and out? ›Defective hardware or improper network configuration can cause audio to cut in and out. If the problem occurs on one phone, the underlying cause can vary from equipment to network configuration. If audio cuts in and out on multiple phones, the issue is likely network related.
Is it healthy to reset your PC? ›Resetting your PC lets you perform a clean reinstallation and update of Windows while keeping your personal data and most Windows settings intact. In some cases, a clean installation may improve your device's performance, security, browsing experience, and battery life.
Will I lose everything if I reset my PC? ›This reset option will reinstall Windows operating system and keeps your personal files, such as photos, music, videos or personal files. However, it will remove apps and drivers you installed, and also removes the changes you made to the settings.
How do I fix a corrupted audio driver? ›- Press and hold Windows + R keys to open the Run dialogue box. ...
- Check the drivers' list and expand the list if necessary. ...
- Once you find the corrupted driver, right-click on it and select Update driver from the context menu.
Restart required. This package contains the Realtek High Definition audio driver. Audio driver is the software that helps your operating system to communicate with audio devices such as internal sound cards, speakers, headsets, and microphones. Recommended.
How do I fix the sound quality on my computer? ›You can try some things on this issue: Right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar and select Sounds. In the playback tab, deselect Headset Hands-Free (low audio quality option), and select headset stereo (high audio quality option) as the default device.
How do I restore my audio device? ›- Open Start Menu.
- Type Device Manager and Open it.
- Double-Click on the category "Audio inputs and outputs".
- Under this category, right-click on the driver of your audio output device and select "Properties".
- Click the "Driver" tab and look for "Roll Back Driver" button* below and click it.
- Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard. This is going to bring up the Run utility.
- Type in services. ...
- Right-click on the Windows Audio service and choose Properties.
- Set the Startup type to Automatic. ...
- Repeat the same steps for the Windows Audio Endpoint Builder service.
How to improve sound quality? ›
- Record in a quiet location. ...
- Avoid echo. ...
- Invest in a decent microphone (if you can) ...
- Get a microphone stand. ...
- Use a pop filter. ...
- Stay close to your microphone. ...
- Use a mixer to split up audio channels. ...
- Make a test recording.