Quick checks

Physical connections

  • Are your speakers or headphones plugged in?
  • Are external speakers turned on?
  • Are the cables damaged?
  • Try a different port

Checking volume settings

  1. Click the speaker icon in the bottom right
  2. Check that the volume slider is not at zero
  3. Make sure no mute symbol is visible
  4. Right-click and choose "Open Volume mixer"
  5. Check individual applications

Setting the default audio device

  1. Right-click the speaker icon
  2. Select "Sound settings"
  3. Go to "Playback" or "Output"
  4. Click the device you want
  5. Select "Set as default"

Tip: Check "Show disabled devices" if you do not see the right device.

Updating audio drivers

Via Device Manager

  1. Press Windows + X > "Device Manager"
  2. Expand "Sound, video and game controllers"
  3. Right-click your audio device
  4. Select "Update driver"

Reinstalling the driver

  1. Right-click your audio device
  2. Select "Uninstall device"
  3. Restart your computer (Windows installs drivers automatically)

Restarting Windows audio services

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc
  2. Look for "Windows Audio"
  3. Right-click > "Restart"
  4. Do the same for "Windows Audio Endpoint Builder"
  5. Check that both are set to "Automatic"

Windows troubleshooter

  1. Right-click the speaker icon
  2. Select "Troubleshoot sound problems"
  3. Follow the instructions

Advanced solutions

Turning off audio enhancements

  1. Sound settings > Playback
  2. Double-click your audio device
  3. "Enhancements" or "Advanced" tab
  4. Check "Disable all enhancements"

Checking the BIOS

Check that "Onboard Audio" is set to "Enabled".

Testing the hardware

  • Test with other speakers or headphones
  • Test your speakers on another device
  • Try a USB sound card
  • Check the audio jack for dust

Frequently asked questions

Why do I only hear sound through my headphones?

Windows has set your headphones as the default. Go to the sound settings and set your speakers as the default.

My sound stopped working after a Windows update.

Update or reinstall your audio drivers. If needed, download the latest drivers from your computer manufacturer's website.

Can malware cause sound problems?

Yes, although it is rare. Run a full scan with Windows Defender. After removing malware, you may need to reinstall drivers.

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