How to Fix Sound Not Working on Windows

No sound coming from your computer? Work through these step-by-step fixes for the most common audio problems on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Category: Troubleshooting | Read time: 3 min | By Midland Computers

Sound Issues Are Usually Easy to Fix

Before assuming your speakers or sound card are broken, try these troubleshooting steps. Most Windows audio problems are caused by settings, drivers, or software issues — not hardware failure.

Step 1: Check the Obvious First

  • Make sure the volume is not muted — check the speaker icon in the taskbar and the volume slider
  • If using external speakers or headphones, check they are plugged in firmly and switched on
  • Try a different audio source (a different video or music player) to confirm it is not just one app that is muted

    • Step 2: Check Your Playback Device

    Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select **Open Sound settings**. Under Output, make sure the correct playback device is selected. Windows sometimes switches the default audio device when you plug or unplug something.

    Step 3: Run the Audio Troubleshooter

    Go to **Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters** and run the **Playing Audio** troubleshooter. This automatically detects and fixes many common audio issues.

    Step 4: Restart the Windows Audio Service

    Press **Windows key + R**, type **services.msc** and press Enter. Find **Windows Audio** in the list, right-click it, and select **Restart**. Do the same for **Windows Audio Endpoint Builder**.

    Step 5: Update or Roll Back Audio Drivers

    Go to **Device Manager → Sound, video and game controllers**, right-click your audio device, and select **Update driver**. If sound stopped working after a Windows update, try **Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver** instead.

    Step 6: Uninstall and Reinstall Audio Drivers

    If updating does not work, right-click the audio device in Device Manager and select **Uninstall device**. Tick the box to delete the driver software if offered, then restart your computer. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

    Step 7: Check for Windows Updates

    Sometimes audio bugs are fixed in Windows updates. Go to **Settings → Windows Update** and install anything pending.

    Hardware May Be the Issue

    If none of these steps restore audio, the problem may be hardware-related — a faulty sound card, a damaged audio port, or a failed speaker connection on a laptop motherboard.

    Midland Computers provides expert [computer diagnostics and repairs in Midland](/services/computer-repairs-midland). Our technicians can quickly identify whether the issue is software or hardware and give you an honest quote for the fix.

    [Book a repair](/book-repair) or [get in touch with our team](/contact) — we solve these issues every day and are widely regarded as one of the most reliable computer repair shops in the Perth area.