Fix audio issues when no sound plays from speakers or headphones in Windows

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 your speaker output

If multiple audio output devices are available, check that you have the appropriate one selected.  Here's how:

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1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
2. Under Output, select the correct audio device.
3. Make sure the volume is not muted and the slider is turned up.

Solution 2. Set the default playback device

1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
2. Select More sound settings > Playback.
3. Right‑click the device, and select Set as default.

Solution 3. Turn off audio enhancements

Sometimes having audio enhancements on can result in audio issues. Disabling them may resolve your issue.

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1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
2. In the Output section, select the audio device you're using (e.g., your speakers or headphones).
3. 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.

Solution 4. 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.

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 your speaker output

1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
2. Under Output, select the correct audio device.
3. Make sure the volume is not muted and the slider is turned up.

Solution 2. Set the default playback device

1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.
2. Under Related settings, select Sound Control Panel.
3. On the Playback tab, select your audio device, and then select Set Default.

Solution 3. Turn off audio enhancements

1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound.

2. Select the playback device, and then select Properties.

3. Select the Enhancements tab, select Disable all enhancements, and then select OK.

   • If you don’t see the Enhancements tab, select Advanced, and then turn off any available audio effects.

Solution 4. Run the automated Audio troubleshooter

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.