No sound in Windows
Audio playback is silent in Windows. Check the output and its controls before changing drivers. Use the dedicated guide if only Bluetooth headphones or microphone input is affected.
Try this first
1 quick checks · ~2 min
Diagnostic signals
- ObservationAnother app plays sound
- The output works for that test; check the mixer and the silent app’s own controls.
- ObservationNo usable output is listed
- Check device connection and detection rather than repeatedly increasing volume.
Step-by-step solutions
Choose an output and check volume
Check where Windows is sending audio.
Open Settings > System > Sound and choose the output you actually use. A connected monitor may offer another output.
Unmute and test at moderate volume. Check the physical controls on speakers or headphones too.
Check external connections
Rule out missing power or a disconnected device.
Check speaker power and cables. For analog jacks, use the PC labels to distinguish microphone input from headphone output.
For USB audio, try another port. Compare with another known-working output if available, changing one thing at a time.
Check the app and run diagnostics
Separate an app setting from a wider audio problem.
Try two apps. If only one is silent, check its mute, volume and output in the Windows mixer.
If neither plays, open Get Help and run audio diagnostics. Check which device it is testing.
Advanced checks
Continue if the earlier steps did not help. Read each procedure’s precautions first.
Update the correct audio driver
Check the driver after the basic checks fail.
Find the affected audio device in Device Manager and use Update driver.
If Windows offers no newer driver, check official support for the exact PC model and your Windows version. Restart after installation if requested.
Still not working?
If a known-working output still fails, record which devices appear and when the problem began. Give those details to PC support; a microphone that cannot record requires input troubleshooting instead.
Sources
Documentation behind this guide. Editorial recommendations are identified separately.
- Microsoft SupportOfficialFix sound or audio problems in Windows
- Microsoft SupportOfficialUpdate Audio drivers in Windows
Source review: . A documentation review, not a physical hardware test.
Related problems
Bluetooth connected but no sound
A connected accessory is not necessarily the audio output Windows is using. Check the selected output and volume first. This guide is not for pairing that never completes.
View solutionMicrophone not working in Windows
The microphone does not capture your voice, or an app cannot receive it. Start with physical mute and input selection, then distinguish device detection from app permissions.
View solution