If system sound is not working, first check that audio is routed to the right speakers or headphones and that neither the device nor the app is muted. Then check connections and power. If only one app is silent, troubleshoot that app; if the output device is missing from settings, follow the device-detection steps below. The fix depends on whether the problem affects all sound, one app, or a particular output device.
First, identify what is failing
Work out which sound should be playing and where it should go: built-in speakers, wired or Bluetooth headphones, a monitor, a dock, or USB speakers. Then check whether all audio is silent or only one application. These distinctions help separate a routing or volume issue from an app problem, connection fault, or missing device.
- All sound is silent: check the selected output, system volume, mute, and physical connections.
- Only one app is silent: check its volume and output-device setting before changing system drivers.
- The output device is missing: use the device-detection steps for your operating system.
Check output selection and volume
Windows
- Open Settings > System > Sound.
- Under Output, select the speakers or headphones you intend to use.
- Check that the device is not muted and raise its volume slider.
- If sound still goes to the wrong place, set the intended playback device as the default device.
A normal-looking volume icon does not confirm that the correct output is selected. Some applications and speakers also have their own volume controls, so check those separately. See Microsoft’s Windows no-sound troubleshooting guide and broader audio troubleshooting guide.
Mac
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > Sound > Output.
- Select the intended output device, such as the built-in speakers.
- Raise the output volume and make sure mute is off.
Check volume within the app as well. For web audio, confirm the media itself is not muted. Apple’s guidance includes app audio and muted web media among the checks for a Mac with no sound; see Apple’s internal-speaker troubleshooting steps.
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Check cables, power, and connected equipment
External speakers and headphones
- Make sure audio cables are firmly connected to the correct port.
- Confirm powered speakers are switched on and their hardware volume is up.
- For USB speakers or headphones, try another USB port.
- Unplug headphones temporarily if speakers have stopped playing; connected headphones can affect which output is used.
Mac audio peripherals and displays
Temporarily disconnect audio interfaces, USB- or jack-connected headphones and speakers, and external displays that can receive audio. Then select the built-in speakers under System Settings > Sound > Output. Apple’s Mac speaker guidance covers selecting the output and checking sound settings.
If only one app has no sound
If system sounds work but one app does not, start with that app’s mute, volume, and selected output device. Some apps can route audio to a different device than the one selected for system sound.
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On Windows, if the app’s own controls and output choice are correct, audio services or drivers may also be involved. Microsoft’s steps for app audio failing while system sounds work address those possibilities.
Try reversible Windows software checks
Turn off audio enhancements as a test
Audio enhancements can sometimes interfere with playback. In Windows sound settings, open the properties for the selected output device and turn off audio enhancements, then test sound again. If that makes no difference, you can restore the previous setting.
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Run the automated troubleshooter in Windows 11
Open the Get Help app and run the audio troubleshooter. It can guide you through checks for common playback problems. Microsoft’s Windows audio guide includes this option.
If Windows says no audio output device is installed
If the output device does not appear in Settings > System > Sound, or Windows reports No audio output device is installed, check whether Windows can detect the audio hardware.
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- Open Device Manager.
- Expand Sound, video and game controllers and look for the audio device.
- If the device is disabled, enable it.
- If it is not shown, use Device Manager’s option to show hidden devices, then select Action > Scan for hardware changes.
- If the device remains missing or has a driver problem, get the driver for your exact computer or sound card and Windows version from its manufacturer’s support site, follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions, and restart.
A device may be absent because its driver is missing, outdated, disabled, incompatible, or not loading correctly. Microsoft’s missing-device guide provides detection and driver steps. Its broader Windows audio guide also covers updating, uninstalling and reinstalling, or rolling back a driver after an update. Prefer the computer or sound-card manufacturer’s instructions for your specific hardware.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When basic checks do not restore sound
Mac built-in speakers
If the built-in speakers remain silent after you select them in Sound > Output and check volume and mute, Apple says service may be needed. A failed physical component cannot necessarily be fixed with a software setting; consult Apple’s guidance for internal speakers.
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Windows audio hardware or drivers
If Windows still cannot detect the audio hardware, or manufacturer-specific driver steps do not resolve the problem, contact the computer or sound-card manufacturer’s support channel.
Windows 10 support status
Microsoft says Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Free software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes through Windows Update ended on that date. This is support-status context, not evidence that the end of support caused a particular audio failure. See Microsoft’s Windows audio support page.
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