Fix audio issues when no sound plays from speakers or headphones in Windows
Applies To
Sometimes, you don't hear any sound from your speakers or wired headphones, even though the volume icon appears normal. This issue occurs if the wrong audio output device is selected, the sound is muted, audio enhancements are interfering, or the audio driver isn’t working correctly.
Try the following troubleshooting solutions to resolve the issue:
If multiple audio output devices are available, check that you have the appropriate one selected. Here's how:
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Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
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Under Output, select the correct audio device.
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Make sure the volume is not muted and the slider is turned up.
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Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
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Select More sound settings > Playback.
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Right‑click the device, and select Set as default.
Sometimes having audio enhancements on can result in audio issues. Disabling them may resolve your issue.
​​​​​​​Having trouble playing the video? Watch it on YouTube.
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Select Start >Â Settings > System > Sound.
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In the Output section, select the audio device you're using (e.g., your speakers or headphones).
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On the page that opens, scroll to Advanced settings,then set Audio enhancements to Off from the dropdown menu.
If turning off audio enhancements doesn't help, see the next sections for additional troubleshooting.
If you are using a Windows 11 device, start by running the automated Audio troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix this audio problem.
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.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Sometimes, you don't hear any sound from your speakers or wired headphones, even though the volume icon appears normal. This issue occurs if the wrong audio output device is selected, the sound is muted, audio enhancements are interfering, or the audio driver isn’t working correctly.
Try the following troubleshooting solutions to resolve the issue:
-
Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
-
Under Output, select the correct audio device.
-
Make sure the volume is not muted and the slider is turned up.
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Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
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Under Related settings, select Sound Control Panel.
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On the Playback tab, select your audio device, and then select Set Default.
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Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
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Select the playback device, and then select Properties.
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Select the Enhancements tab, select Disable all enhancements, and then select OK.
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If you don’t see the Enhancements tab, select Advanced, and then turn off any available audio effects.
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If you are using a Windows 10 device, start by running the automated Audio troubleshooter in the Get Help app. It will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix this audio problem.
If you are facing a different audio issue, refer to Fix Audio/Sound problems in Windows.
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