If your Windows PC has no sound, first run Microsoft’s audio troubleshooter, then check that sound is routed to the right device and that the device is connected and unmuted. If only one app is silent, check its volume and output assignment before changing system drivers. The steps below cover Windows 11 and Windows 10; menu labels can differ between versions.
Start with the Windows audio troubleshooter
On Windows 11, open the Get Help app and run its automated audio troubleshooter. It checks for common audio problems and attempts to fix them. This is a useful first step whether sound is missing entirely or Windows cannot find an output device. Microsoft’s instructions are in Fix sound or audio problems in Windows.
If you use Windows 10, the same Microsoft support page includes troubleshooting guidance, though the available controls and paths may differ from Windows 11.
Check output selection, connections, and volume
Make sure Windows is using the intended output
Open the sound controls from the taskbar and select the speakers or headphones you want to use. A computer may list several outputs, such as built-in speakers, a headset, or a display, and sound can be routed to the wrong one.
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Inspect the physical connection and mute state
- Check speaker and headphone cords or cables for loose connections. Microsoft specifically recommends checking for loose cords and cables.
- Confirm the speakers or headphones are powered on and their own volume control is turned up, if they have one.
- Check that Windows volume is not muted and is set to an audible level.
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Turn off audio enhancements as a test
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If system sounds work but one app is silent
When Windows sounds play but a particular app does not, check the app’s individual volume and assigned output before troubleshooting the whole PC.
- Open Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer.
- Find the affected app and make sure its volume is not muted or turned down.
- Check the app’s output-device assignment and select the device you want it to use.
- Test the app again. If it remains silent, Microsoft advises restarting the Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder services.
See Microsoft’s Fix app audio not working while system sounds work in Windows for the app-specific procedure.
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If Windows does not detect an audio device
Run the Get Help audio troubleshooter first. If the output is still missing, the audio driver may be missing, outdated, disabled, or failing to load. Microsoft’s guidance for a missing or undetected output device is available at Fix missing or undetected audio output device in Windows.
In Device Manager, expand Sound, video and game controllers and inspect the relevant audio device. Depending on what is wrong, Microsoft’s driver guidance includes updating the driver, uninstalling the device and restarting Windows so it can reinstall the driver, or using a generic Windows audio driver in some cases. Follow the instructions that match your device and symptom; not every option applies to every PC.
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If sound stopped after a Windows update
If the problem began immediately after an update, check for pending Windows updates and review the audio driver. Microsoft includes rolling back the driver as an option when an audio problem follows a driver or Windows update. Use Device Manager’s driver options where available, and follow Microsoft’s Update audio drivers in Windows instructions.
If Windows cannot find a suitable driver or the device still does not work, get the driver and support instructions from your PC or audio-device manufacturer. Avoid downloading drivers from unverified third-party sites; the correct driver can depend on the specific computer or audio hardware.
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Choose the next step by symptom
| What you notice | Start with | If it continues |
|---|---|---|
| No sound anywhere | Selected output, connections, mute and volume, troubleshooter, and enhancements | Inspect and troubleshoot the audio driver |
| Output device is missing or undetected | Get Help audio troubleshooter | Check the device in Device Manager and consult the manufacturer’s driver guidance |
| Only one or a few apps are silent | App volume and output assignment in Volume mixer | Restart Windows Audio and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder; investigate the driver if needed |
| Sound stopped after an update | Pending Windows updates and the audio driver | Consider rolling back the driver if the issue followed an update |
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, according to Microsoft. That support-status date does not change the immediate checks above, but it is relevant if you still rely on Windows 10. Microsoft’s support status information is at Microsoft Support.
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