Fix app audio not working while system sounds work in Windows
Applies To
If system sounds play but audio doesn’t work in some apps, app‑specific volume settings, per‑app output device selection, audio services, or audio drivers might be causing the issue. Use the steps below to restore app audio.
App volume controls can override system volume.
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Select Start > Settings >Â System > Sound.
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Select Volume mixer.
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Under Apps, make sure the affected app isn’t muted and the volume slider is turned up.
Apps can use a different output device than the system default.
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Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
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Select Volume mixer.
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Under Apps, confirm the correct Output device is selected for the affected app.
Restarting audio services can resolve temporary app audio issues.
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Select Start, type services.msc, and press Enter.
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Right‑click Windows Audio, and select Restart.
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Right‑click Windows Audio Endpoint Builder, and select Restart.
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Test audio in the affected app.
Outdated or incompatible audio drivers can prevent apps from playing sound.
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Select Start, search for Device Manager, and open it.
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Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
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Right‑click your audio device, and select Update driver.
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Restart your PC.​​​​​​​
Support for Windows 10 has ended on October 14, 2025
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
If system sounds play but some apps don’t have audio, app volume settings, output device selection, audio services, or driver issues may be the cause.
Each app has its own volume setting.
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Right‑click the Volume icon on the taskbar.
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Select Open Volume mixer.
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Make sure the affected app isn’t muted and its volume slider is turned up.
Apps may use a different playback device.
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Right‑click the Volume icon, and select Sounds.
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Select the Playback tab.
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Make sure the correct audio device is set as Default.
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Return to Volume mixer and confirm the app is using the correct device.
Restarting audio services can restore app sound.
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Select Start, type services.msc, and press Enter.
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Right‑click Windows Audio, and select Restart.
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Right‑click Windows Audio Endpoint Builder, and select Restart.
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Test audio in the affected app.
Driver issues can prevent apps from playing audio.
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Select Start, search for Device Manager, and open it.
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Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
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Right‑click your audio device, and select Update driver.
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Restart your PC.​​​​​​​
If you are facing a different audio issue, refer to Fix Audio/Sound problems in Windows.
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