Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Is the speaker icon on your Windows 10 taskbar not working? No worries, this guide contains the solutions you need to solve this issue.
Solution 1: Restart the Audio Service
Sometimes, the Windows 10 computer’s audio service might cause the speaker icon not to work. So, you must restart the audio service to fix the problem.
To do that, follow the procedures below.
- Press Windows + R keys on your keyboard and input “services.msc”. Then, click the OK button.
- After doing that, locate and right-click Windows Audio. Then, select Properties.
- Following that, make sure the Startup Type is set to Automatic.
- After that, click the Stop button. When you click the Stop button to stop the Windows Audio service, you may receive a warning that this action may stop other services.
Note the services in the list, then click Yes – see the second screenshot below. In step 5, you will start all these services before starting the Windows Audio service.
- When the service has been stopped, click the Start button to restart it.
- Then, click the OK button to save the changes.
- Before you proceed, check that all the services you automatically stopped in step 4 have started. If they have not been started, start them.
In this example, I started the “Agent Activation Runtime_6bc99” service.
- Finally, restart your Windows 10 computer, and the speaker icon should start working again.
However, if the speaker icon still isn’t working for any reason, check out the next solution below.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Solution 2: Uninstall the Audio Driver
One way to fix the speaker icon in Windows 10 if it isn’t working is to uninstall the computer’s audio driver. To perform this task, follow the steps below.
Popular on Amazon
- External computer speaker in Black (set of 2) for amplifying PC or laptop audio
- USB-Powered from USB port of PC or Laptop
- In-line volume control for easy access
- Blue LED lights; metal finish and scratch-free padded base
- Bottom radiator for “springy” bass sound
- Right-click the Windows 10 Start menu on the taskbar and select Device Manager from the options that pop up.
2. After doing that, locate and double-click Sound, video, and game controllers.
3. Then, right-click your computer’s audio driver – it is mostly Realtek(R) Audio or Intel(R) Display Audio – and select Uninstall device. However, for this demonstration, I choose High Definition Audio Device.
4. Finally, restart your computer, Windows 10 will automatically reinstall the audio driver, and the speaker icon should start working again.
Also popular on Amazon
- [COMPATIBLE WITH USB DEVICES] - Our USB Speakers are compatible with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux, making them ideal for PC, laptop, and desktop computer. Incompatible Devices: Monitors TVs and Projector.
- [COMPATIBLE WITH USB-C DEVICES] - Thanks to the built-in USB-C to USB Adapter, our USB-C speakers are now compatible with devices that only have USB-C interface, such as the latest MacBook, Mac mini, iMac, iPad, Android phones, and tablets.
- [INCREDIBLE LOUD SOUND WITH RICH BASS] - Our small computer speaker is equipped with dual ultra-magnetic drivers and dual passive radiators, providing high-quality stereo sound with powerful volume and deep bass for an incredible audio experience.
- [ADAPTIVE-CHANNEL-SWITCHING WITH G-SENSOR] - Ensures the left and right sound channels remain correctly positioned whether the speaker is clamped to the top or bottom of your monitor.
- [CONVENIENT TOUCH CONTROL] - Three intuitive touch buttons on the front allow for easy muting and volume adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow the steps below to turn on your Windows 10 computer desktop icons.
(i) Click the Windows 10 Start menu and select the Settings icon.
(ii) After that, select Personalization.
(iii) Then, switch to the Themes tab on the left pane.
(iv) On the right pane, select Desktop icon settings under the Related Settings category.
(v) After doing that, check the boxes of the desktop icons you wish to turn on under the Desktop Icons category.
(vi) Then, click the OK button.
The speaker icon in Windows 10 looks like an actual speaker with sound waves emanating from it.
Follow the steps below to hide the icons on your Windows 10 desktop.
(i) Right-click any free space on your computer’s desktop and hover the mouse cursor on View.
(ii) Then, click Show desktop icons.
Also popular on Amazon
- IMPORTANT UPDATE NOTICE -- Based on extensive customer advises, we’ve rolled out two major upgrades to this desktop speaker. First, volume control buttons have been added. Second, we increased the product thickness for a larger sound cavity, bringing moderate improvements in sound quality and volume.
- HIGH-QUALITY SOUND -- This laptop speaker is equipped with Dual 3W High-Excursion Drivers & Passive Radiator, delivering louder sound, wider dynamic range, enhanced bass and reduced distortion.
- ONE CABLE FOR BOTH AUDIO & POWER -- No 3.5mm AUX jack needed. Just one USB cable delivers both audio signal and power for the computer speaker to cut down cable clutter.
- WIDE SYSTEM COMPATIBILITY -- This upgraded PC speaker works with Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS laptops & PCs, compatible with HP, Lenovo, ThinkPad, ASUS, Dell, Samsung, Acer, LG and more. Simply install the latest audio driver for smooth audio playback.
- PLUG-N-PLAY FOR SIMPLE SETUP -- For Windows PCs: Plug the speaker into your computer’s USB port, click the taskbar “Speaker” icon, then select “USB Speakers” as your playback device, and you’re ready.
Absolutely! Soundbars are usually compatible with laptops and desktop computers.
Click the speaker icon on the Windows 10 taskbar and use the speaker slider to adjust the volume.
Conclusion
Although most people don’t use computers primarily for sound, nobody wants a PC with an unresponsive speaker icon. Thankfully, we just covered two solutions to fix the Windows 10 speaker icon when not working.
Also popular on Amazon
- Surge Stereo Sound - 4 large amplifier IC horns! Computer speakers achieved Distortion Free and Noiseless in stunning sound. Immersive cinema effect for movies, videos, games and music.
- Touch Angular Game Lights - Unique Dynamic Angular Game Atmosphere design! Desktop speaker with latest One Touch to turn on/off lights, avoid the traditional cumbersome button design.
- All In One Compact - Fits any desktop computer! Perfectly under the monitor without taking up any extra desktop space. Cables are glued together to avoid desktop clutter.
- Plug And Play - No need for any driver! Must Plug in the USB powered cable and 3.5mm audio cable to enjoy now! Top volume knob for easier volume adjustment.
- Type C Adapter Included & Compatibility - USB speakers match computers, desktops, PCs, laptops. Suitable for windows(Vista/7/8/10), Mac OS, Chrome OS, etc.
Specifically, we looked at a solution that involves installing the computer’s audio driver. Also, I demonstrated how to fix the problem by restarting the computer’s audio service.
So, with the solutions provided in this guide, this problem should be something of the past.
I hope you found this guide helpful. If you did, click on “Yes” beside the “Was this page helpful” question below.
Also popular on Amazon
- USB-powered (5V) speakers plug directly into your computer for portable convenience
- Turn the speakers on and adjust the volume using one simple control (located on the front of the speakers); volume control includes On/Standby
- Simple plug-and-play setup (no drivers needed); can be used with headphones via the 3.5mm jack connector
- Frequency range of 103 Hz - 20 KHz; 2.2 watts of total RMS power (1.1 watts per speaker)
- Measures 2.76 by 3.55 by 5.3 inches (LxWxH); weighs approximately 1.4 pounds;
You may also express your thoughts and opinions by using the “Leave a Comment” form at the bottom of this page.
Finally, you may find our other Windows 10 Fix-it guides helpful.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →
![DistributedCOM DC Server Event ID 10016 DCDIAG Error [Fixed]](https://www.itechguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/DistributedCOM-DC-Server-Event-ID-10016-DCDIAG-Error-Fixed-768x494.jpg)
![Attribute Editor Tab Missing in ADUC [Fixed]](https://www.itechguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Attribute-Editor-Tab-Missing-in-ADUC-Fixed-featured-image-768x512.jpg)
