Introduction
If you use Windows 10/11 and one day the “Sound Not Working” error comes up, then how frustrating is it? Whether you are watching YouTube videos, attending online meetings, or want to enjoy songs—without sound, it all seems incomplete.
In this detailed guide, we will troubleshoot the reason for sound not working in Windows 10/11 and its solutions. Step-by-step methods along with images are also given so that you can easily get your sound back. Fixdady brings solutions for such problems, so stay connected with us.
Why does the “sound not working” error appear in Windows?
Common reasons why sound is not working: –
- 🔇 Accidentally turning on the mute button
- 🎚️ Volume level set low
- 🎧 Wrong output device selected
- 🖥️ Outdated or missing audio drivers
- ✓ Windows update bug
- 🔌 Loose headphone/speaker connection
- 📴 Sound card disabled
- 🦠 Third-party software or antivirus conflict
Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Sound Not Working
1. Check Basic Sound Settings
- Click on the speaker icon in the taskbar
- Check that Mute is off
- Move the volume slider to 100.
2. Restart Your Device
- Start menu → Power → Restart
- Check sound after restart
3. Select Correct Output Device
- Right Click Speaker Icon → Sound Settings
- Choose the correct Speakers/Headphones
4. Run Windows Troubleshooter
- Settings → System → Sound
- Run Troubleshoot common sound problem → Output devices / inputs devices
5. Update or Reinstall Audio Driver
- Windows + X → Device Manager
- Right-click audio driver → Update Driver
- If fix is not done, then uninstall & restart.
6. Roll Back Driver
- Device Manager → Audio Properties → Driver Tab → Roll Back Driver
7. Enable Sound Card
- Device Manager → Right Click audio device → Enable Device,
8. Install Windows Updates
- Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates
9. Check App Volume Settings
- Settings → System → Sound → App volume and device preferences
- Check App-specific volume
10. Hardware Check
- Check the headphones in another device
- Test the speakers in another laptop
- Connect the ports properly
Image Suggestion: Picture of Laptop headphone jack with headphones plugged in
📌 Alt Text: Check headphone connection for fixing Sound Not Working
11. Disable Audio Enhancements
- Control Panel → Sound → Playback → Properties → Enhancements
- Tick: “Disable all enhancements”
12. Clear Temporary Files
- Windows + R → %temp% → Delete all files
13. Reset Sound Settings
- Settings → System → Sound → Advanced Sound Options → Reset
14. Check BIOS Settings
- Restart → BIOS (F2/F10/Del) → Integrated Audio → Enable
15. Use System Restore
- Return to a previous working state using System Restore
Bonus Tips
- Always use lightweight antivirus.
Heavy antivirus suites sometimes block audio services. - Check Windows updates regularly
Installing updates every 15 days is important for both audio driver and security. - Reset pairing for Bluetooth headphones
If Bluetooth sound is not working, try “Remove device → Reconnect”. - Test Safe Mode in Windows
If sound is playing correctly in Safe Mode, there may be a third-party software conflict. - Try changing the Sound Format
In Playback device properties, select “Advanced → Default Format” 44100 Hz / 48000 Hz. - Check Volume Mixer for every app
Sometimes only one app (like Chrome/Zoom) gets muted. - Internal link for Wi-Fi issue
If you have Wi-Fi Not Connecting / No Internet issue, then read this guide [Wi-Fi Not Connecting in Windows 10/11 – Fix Guide]. - Internal link for USB issue
If system is not detecting USB device, then read this guide [How to Fix USB Device Not Recognized Error in Windows 10/11]. - Optimize Startup apps
Heavy apps running in the background can create audio conflicts—disable them from Task Manager. - Try an external USB sound card
If the internal sound card is faulty, a cheap USB sound adapter may be the solution. - Internal link for Slow Boot Issue
If your Windows PC is very slow to boot, then this detailed guide is for you [Slow Boot and Startup in Windows 10/11 – Easy Ways to Fix].
FAQs
Q1. My laptop shows headphones connected but no sound – what to do?
Select the correct output device and reinstall the audio driver.
Q2. Sound not working issue occurred after Windows update, how to fix it?
Roll back driver or use System Restore.
Q3. Speakers are not getting sound but headphones are getting sound – what is the reason?
Check for loose cable or faulty speaker connection.
Q4. Sound icon is greyed out in Windows 10/11 – what to do?
Enable audio device in Device Manager and check Windows Audio service.
Q5. Only one app (like Chrome/Zoom) is not getting sound – what is the solution?
Check App volume and device preferences.
Q6. Bluetooth headphones are connected but there is no sound – what to do?
Remove the Bluetooth device and then reconnect and update the driver.
Q7. Sound is not fixed even after running the audio troubleshooter – what is the next step?
Uninstall the audio driver and restart the PC or install Windows Updates.
Q8. Sound was working after restarting the laptop but now there is a problem again – why?
Background apps or heavy antivirus can block sound services; optimize startup apps.
Q9. Headphones or speakers are working on some other device but not on the laptop – what is the solution?
Check the audio port or cable, update the driver and select the correct output device.
Q10. Audio is disabled in BIOS settings – how to enable it?
Restart PC → BIOS (F2/F10/Del) → enable Integrated Audio.
Conclusion
“Sound Not Working in Windows 10/11” is a very common problem which is mostly resolved by audio driver update, correct output device selection, or a simple restart.
If you have followed the above steps, there are 90% chances that your sound will be back.
If the problem is still not fixed, visit Microsoft‘s official website. The solution to this problem is given in detail there. There may be a hardware fault – in which case visiting the service center is the best option.
Next time whenever you face Sound Not Working issue, just follow this guide without any tension. And for any other Windows related problem, definitely visit our website, fixdady.
