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Fix Windows that has no sound

We'll rule out volume, mute, and output device, then isolate driver or hardware failure—or tell you when to call a pro.

Troubleshooting · Home maintenance
5–15 min
What you'll need
  • Headphones or external speakers (to test)
Step 1 of 5

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Steps

Goal: Rule out volume, mute, and output device, then isolate driver or hardware failure.

  • Check the volume is not muted and the correct output device (Speakers) is selected.
  • Good: Volume up, Speakers selected. Proceed to Run audio troubleshooter.
  • Bad: Fix volume or output device first.

Check volume and output device

Goal: Rule out mute and wrong output device.

  • Click the speaker icon—confirm volume above zero and no mute. Open sound settings, set Output to Speakers. Disconnect Bluetooth headphones.
  • If the wrong device was selected, switching to Speakers should restore sound.
  • Good: Volume and output correct. Proceed to Run audio troubleshooter.
  • Bad: If still no sound after fixing, run the troubleshooter.

Run audio troubleshooter

Goal: Let Windows detect and fix common audio issues.

  • Settings, System, Sound, Troubleshoot. Apply any fixes Windows suggests.
  • Good: Troubleshooter fixes the issue—sound restored.
  • Bad: If not fixed, reinstall the audio driver in Device Manager.

Reinstall audio driver

Goal: Reset a corrupted audio driver.

  • Device Manager, Sound, video and game controllers—right-click the audio device, Uninstall. Restart.
  • Good: Sound returns after restart—driver was the issue.
  • Bad: If headphones work but built-in speakers do not, the speakers may have failed—call a technician.

When to get help

Call a technician if:

  • Headphones or external speakers produce sound but the built-in speakers stay silent after driver reinstall.
  • Internal speaker replacement requires opening the PC.

Verification

  • Volume slider is above zero and no mute icon.
  • Speakers (not headphones) selected as output device.
  • Sound plays from built-in speakers when testing a video or music.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Volume and output Check mute; confirm Speakers selected; disconnect Bluetooth.
  2. Troubleshooter Run Windows audio troubleshooter.
  3. Driver reinstall Uninstall audio device in Device Manager; restart.
  4. Call a pro Headphones work but built-in speakers do not.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • PC model and audio device name
  • Whether headphones or external speakers produce sound
  • Output device selected in sound settings
  • Steps already tried

Is the volume up and the correct output device selected?

Mute and wrong output device are common causes.

Check the speaker icon—volume above zero, no mute. Open sound settings and confirm Speakers (not headphones or Bluetooth) is selected. Good: volume up, Speakers selected—run troubleshooter. Bad: fix volume or output device first.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Fix volume and output device

Unmute, raise volume. In sound settings, select Speakers as output. Disconnect Bluetooth headphones. Test sound.

Done

Did the audio troubleshooter fix it?

Windows can detect and fix common audio issues.

Run Settings, System, Sound, Troubleshoot. If it fixes the issue, you are done. If not, reinstall the audio driver in Device Manager.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Reinstall audio driver

Device Manager, Sound, video and game controllers—uninstall the audio device. Restart. If sound returns, the driver was the issue. If headphones work but speakers do not, call a technician.

Done

Sound restored

The troubleshooter fixed the issue. Test with a video or music to confirm.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would Windows have no sound?
Volume muted, wrong output device (headphones selected), Bluetooth headphones connected, audio driver issue, or failed speakers. Check volume and output device first.
Can I fix Windows with no sound myself?
Yes. Check volume, output device, run the audio troubleshooter, reinstall the audio driver. If headphones work but speakers do not, the speakers may have failed—call a technician.
When should I call a technician for no sound?
If headphones or external speakers work but the built-in speakers stay silent after driver reinstall. Internal speaker replacement may need a professional.

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