1. Check your speaker output. 2. Run the audio troubleshooter. 3. Verify that all Windows Updates are installed. 4. Check your cables, plugs, jacks, volume, speaker, and headphone connections. 5. Check sound settings. 6. Fix your audio drivers. 7. Set your audio device as the default device. 8. Turn off audio enhancements. 9. Restart Audio Services

If some Windows functions aren't working or Windows crashes, use the System File Checker to scan Windows and restore your files. Though the steps below might look complicated at first glance, just follow them in order, step-by-step, and we’ll try to get you back on track. Run the System File Checker tool (SFC.exe)

Codecs allow you to play different formats of audio and video files. Media Player supports a wide variety of codecs. Most are included out of the box; some additional codecs can be installed from the Microsoft Store.

Sound effects can enhance your productivity in Microsoft Office by providing audio cues. For example, a sound cue might notify you when options on the screen change. Or, a sound can confirm that an action (such as send a mail, delete something, or paste content) actually completed.

Voice access is a feature in Windows 11 that enables everyone to control their PC and author text using only their voice and without an internet connection. For example, you can open and switch between apps, browse the web, and read and author email using your voice.

To install a new microphone, follow these steps: Make sure your microphone is connected to your PC. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound. In Sound settings, go to Input to see your connected microphones. If it's a Bluetooth microphone, select Add device. To test a microphone that's already installed:

Check in quick settings: Select the Network, Sound, or Battery icons ( ) on the right side of the taskbar, look for the Bluetooth quick setting, then select Bluetooth to turn it on. You’ll see “Not connected” if your Windows 11 device isn’t connected to any Bluetooth accessories.

Use text or visual alternative to sounds. You can get visual cues instead of sound alerts in Windows by changing your settings. Here's how. Select (Start) > Settings > Accessibility > Audio. Expand the Flash my screen during audio notifications dropdown menu and select the option you want.

Starting in Windows 11, version 24H2, you can adjust audio presets and ambient sound volume configured by you or your audiologist from Settings or Quick Settings. These controls allow you to quickly tweak your hearing devices’ behavior to suit different environments.

Learn how to update drivers in Windows using Device Manager to update or reinstall a driver.