How to Troubleshoot Common Audio Issues in Windows 11/10

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Audio issues on Windows can result from a hardware-related issue like a damaged sound card or a software-related issue like a corrupt driver. Microsoft frequently rolls out updates to fix a lot of the software-related issues, but you can also troubleshoot those issues yourself. If you’re on Windows 10 or 11, and facing audio issues, this guide will help you find a fix.

Before you start troubleshooting, try restarting your PC. In some cases, a reboot will fix your problem without having to tinker with any settings on your Windows PC. For instance, a Windows update may have put the audio drivers on standby until you reboot. If a reboot doesn’t work, try the following fixes.

Check Cables or Wireless Connections

Before changing settings on your Windows PC, double-check if the audio cables are inserted properly into the PC. It’s best to disconnect and reconnect all devices to make sure there are no loose connections. While you’re at it, also check your cable for physical damage. If the cable is damaged, you may need to replace it.

If you’re using a Bluetooth headset, external speakers, or another wireless sound device, you’ll want to check that it’s properly connected to the PC. PressWin + Iand selectBluetooth & devices.

Check if your device is paired properly with your PC. If in doubt, just remove the device and pair it again. You can remove the device by selecting the vertical ellipsis at the right of a device and selectingRemove device.

Then pair your audio device again and see if that fixes the sound problem.

Check the Volume Mixer

Windows allows you to adjust volume app-wise. Even though the sound icon in your taskbar may not show the mute symbol, you could’ve still knowingly or unknowingly changed the volume for a particular app.

You can check a particular app’s audio playback level from the volume mixer. To open the volume mixer, right-click on the speaker icon at the right end of the taskbar and selectOpen Volume Mixer.

Doing this will take you to the Settings app. You’ll be able to adjust the volume for all apps from theAppssection.

If the volume for any of those apps is closer to 0, unmute it. Bring it up to 100 just to test it and see if that fixes the sound problem.

Check the Active Output Device

If you’ve connected more than one audio device to your PC, it may be playing the sound on a different device than the one you’re using. This may be particularly true if you’ve connected the audio device using a USB or HDMI cable because you’ll need to set those devices as default yourself.

You can change the audio device from the sound settings. To open sound settings, right-click on the speaker icon at the right end of the taskbar and selectSound settings.

At the top of the window, you’ll see an option toChoose where to play sound. Select the appropriate default audio device and check if that fixes the audio problems on your PC. However, you can alsoplay sound on multiple devicesat the same time.

You can also test the audio when you set the default device by selecting the relevant audio device and selecting theTestbutton on the next screen.

Alternatively, you can also choose a different playback device by going toControl Panel>Hardware and Sound>Sound. Switch to thePlaybacktab, select a device, and select theSet Defaultbutton from the bottom.

Use the Built-In Audio Troubleshooter

Windows has several built-in troubleshooters, including an audio troubleshooter that can determine and fix the problem automatically. The built-in troubleshooters aren’talwayseffective, but it’s a good option to try before you try more intrusive fixes.

You’ll find the built-in troubleshooter in the Settings app. PressWin + Ito launch the Settings app and navigate toSystem>Troubleshoot>Other troubleshooters. Search the list of troubleshooters for an item calledPlaying Audioand select theRunbutton next to it.

Follow the on-screen instructions and let Windows attempt to find and fix issues.

Update, Reinstall, or Roll Back Audio Drivers

If your sound drivers have become outdated, corrupt, or been removed, you might not be able to get any audio output. You can fix audio problems caused by a driver by simply updating or reinstalling them. Even without an audio problem, it’s best to update drivers every once in a while.

To update or reinstall a driver, you’ll need to use the Device Manager. PressWin + R, typedevmgmt.msc, and pressEnterto launch the Device Manager. Search for a category calledSound, video, and game controllersand select the tiny arrow to its left to expand the list.

Find the driver for the relevant device, right-click on it, and selectUninstall device.

In many cases, you’ll see a Realtek audio driver, but other devices may be listed separately. You can uninstall all devices one by one and then selectActionfrom the ribbon at the top, and selectScan for hardware changes.

Doing this will reinstall the new drivers for all devices that you uninstalled. Alternatively, if you’ve downloaded the drivers from the manufacturer’s website, right-click on the device and selectUpdate driver.

SelectBrowse my computer for driversand select the driver files from your PC.

In some cases, though, a driver update may be faulty. If your playback device was working fine until you updated the device driver, you canroll back the driverand use the previously installed device driver. Note that you’ll have this option only if the driver has been updated at least once and Windows still has the older driver that it can roll back to.

To roll back drivers, right-click on the device, selectProperties, switch to theDrivertab, and selectRoll Back Driver.

Disable Windows Audio Enhancements

Windows Audio Enhancements is a built-in feature that can improve the audio quality on Windows PCs. However, they can also cause sound issues on some PCs. Usually, the fix is to simply disable enhancements.

You can disable enhancements from within the Settings app. PressWin + Ito launch the Settings app and navigate toSystem>Sound>All sound devices. Select the relevant audio device and turn the button next toEnhance audiooff. Doing this will disable all enhancements.

Restart the Windows Audio Service

If you’re still trying to fix sound on your Windows 11 or 10, it may be worthwhile to restart the Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder services. The services may also have automatically disabled itself in some cases, leaving you with no sound.

PressWin + R, typeservices.msc, and pressEnterto launch theServicesconsole. Search the list for a service calledWindows Audio. You can do this by pressingCtrl + F, typingwindows audioin the search box, and pressingEnter.

Double-click on the service once you find it. If theService statusappears asStopped, just select theStartbutton.

If the service is already running, select theStopbutton and then theStartbutton to restart it.

Also, check theStartup type. If it’s set to anything butAutomatic, change it toAutomatic. Once you’re done, selectOK. Repeat the same process for theWindows Audio Endpoint Builderservice.

Windows Audio Problems Fixed

Hopefully, one of these fixes worked for you and the audio works fine on your PC. However, if it doesn’t, you may want to consider a System Restore. If you’re having a bunch of other issues as well,resetting Windowsmight be another viable option. Just be sure tobackup your PCbefore using either of those options.

Arjun is a freelance writer based in India. After working as an equity research analyst, Arjun decided to do something that he has been passionate about – tech. He gets excited talking about and explaining how to solve everyday tech problems. His area of expertise is Windows and is a go-to for all things Excel.Read Arjun’s Full Bio

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How to Troubleshoot Common Audio Issues in Windows 11/10#

Check Cables or Wireless Connections#

Check the Volume Mixer#

Check the Active Output Device#

Use the Built-In Audio Troubleshooter#

Update, Reinstall, or Roll Back Audio Drivers#

Disable Windows Audio Enhancements#

Restart the Windows Audio Service#

Windows Audio Problems Fixed#

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