How to Fix No Sound on a Computer

No audio output is almost always a settings or driver issue, not a hardware failure. These fixes resolve the vast majority of cases.

Likely causes

• Wrong audio output device selected
• Volume muted in system settings or app
• Audio driver outdated or corrupted
• App-level volume turned down
• Headphone jack partially inserted

Step-by-step fix

1. 1
   Check the volume mixer

   Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar → Open Volume Mixer. Make sure nothing is muted and the master volume is up.

2. 2
   Check the output device

   Click the speaker icon → click the arrow next to the volume slider → make sure the correct output device is selected (speakers, headphones, etc.).

3. 3
   Run the audio troubleshooter

   Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Playing Audio → Run.

4. 4
   Update audio drivers

   Device Manager → Sound, video and game controllers → right-click your audio device → Update driver.

5. 5
   Restart the Windows Audio service

   Search "Services" → find "Windows Audio" → right-click → Restart.

6. 6
   Check the physical connection

   If using a headphone jack, remove and reinsert it firmly. Try a different pair of headphones to rule out a faulty cable.

Frequently asked questions

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