Run the Windows audio troubleshooter 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 most audio problems. If you are using an older version of Windows or a mobile device, please skip to General troubleshooting steps.

Windows 11 Windows 10 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: Solution 1. Check ...

Download the latest audio driver for your Windows version. Install the driver and restart your PC. Solution 3: Run the automated audio troubleshooter 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.

Windows 11 Windows 10 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. Solution 1. Check app volume in Volume mixer App volume controls can override system volume.

If audio sounds distorted, crackling, or low quality in Windows 10, enhancements, audio format settings, driver problems, or audio services may be affecting playback.

Fix low or quiet sound in Windows Windows 11 Windows 10 If sound plays quietly, is muted, or apps output at different levels, use these steps to restore normal audio. Solution 1. Check volume levels in Volume mixer Select Start > Settings > System > Sound. Select Volume mixer. Make sure the volume slider is turned up for: System The affected app Ensure the app isn’t muted. Solution 2. Turn ...

Windows 11 Windows 10 If audio stops working after installing a Windows update, incompatible or partially installed audio drivers can prevent Windows audio services from working correctly. Use the steps below to restore sound. Solution 1. Install the latest Windows updates Installing pending updates can replace missing components and fix known audio issues. Select Start > Settings > Windows ...

Windows 11 Windows 10 Keeping your audio drivers up to date helps ensure that sound plays correctly on your device. Updated drivers can fix issues such as no sound, distorted audio, crackling noises, or problems with microphones and headsets. Update audio drivers using Windows Update (Recommended) Windows Update is the recommended way to get the latest audio drivers. Select Start > Settings ...

Available Windows troubleshooters Get Help has troubleshooters, or diagnostic tests, that can check your system configuration for anything that might be causing issues using your devices. Audio troubleshooter Use the audio troubleshooter if you experience issues with sound on your computer. Open the Get Help app.

Windows 11 Windows 10 If you're having trouble with the sound, volume, audio playback, or recording on your Surface—or if you're having trouble with an audio accessory like headphones, external speakers, or a mic—here are some things to try. Things to try first Update Surface drivers manually Get the latest updates Restart your Surface Force shutdown and restart Restore or reset your ...