Fix sound or audio problems in Windows

Audio issues on your PC can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you're trying to watch a video, attend a meeting, or listen to music. Fortunately, most sound problems can be fixed by following a series of troubleshooting steps. This article provides a comprehensive guide to resolving audio issues in Windows. The tips are listed in order, so start with the first one, see if that helps, and then continue to the next one if it doesn’t. 

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.

If the Get Help app is unable to resolve your sound or audio issue, try the possible solutions listed.

General audio troubleshooting in Windows 11

Please try the following general troubleshooting steps to help solve the audio problem.

Step 1. Check your speaker output in Windows settings

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

Having trouble playing the video? Watch it on YouTube.

1. Select the Speakers  icon on the taskbar.
2. Next, select the arrow   to the right of the speaker volume slider to open a list of audio devices connected to your computer.  The tool tip should display as Select a sound output when hovering over the arrow.
3. Check that your audio is playing to the audio device you prefer, such as a speaker or headphones.

If this doesn't help, continue to the next tip.

Step 2. Check your audio hardware and volume controls

Try these steps:

1. Check your speaker and headphone connections for loose cords or cables. Make sure all cords and cables are plugged in.

2. If you have multiple 5mm jacks to plug into, especially on a surround sound system, make sure all cords and cables are plugged into the correct jack.

   • If it’s not clear which jack goes with which cord, consult your hardware manufacturer, or try the most obvious outputs one at a time and see if they work.

     

     Note

     Some systems use a green jack for output and a pink jack for mic input and others will be labeled "headphone" or "microphone."

     

     

3. Make sure the power is turned on.

4. Make sure the mute setting is not turned on and try turning up all the volume controls.

   Note

   Some speakers and apps have their own volume controls. Be sure to check them all.

5. Try connecting your speaker and headphones to a different USB port.

6. It's possible that your speakers won't work when your headphones are plugged in. Unplug your headphones and see if that helps.

If you're still having audio problems, see the next sections for additional troubleshooting.

Step 3. Turn off audio enhancements

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.

1. Select Start > Settings > 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.

Step 4. Run the audio troubleshooter

1. Select Start > Settings > System.
2. Scroll down and select Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Go to Audio section and click the Run button to start the audio troubleshooter.

Step 5. Check sound settings

Check to make sure your audio devices aren't muted and haven't been disabled.

1. Select and hold (or right-click) the Speakers icon  on the taskbar.

2. Next, select the arrow   to the right of the speaker volume slider to open a list of audio devices connected to your computer.  The tool tip should display as Select a sound output when hovering over the arrow.

   Note

   If you don't see Speakers displayed, it may be in the overflow area. Select Show hidden icons to check there. 

3. Select settings icon to the right of the Volume mixer slider to open Volume mixer settings.  The tool tip should display as More mixer settings when hovering over the settings icon.

4. You’ll see a set of volume controls for your devices. Make sure none of them are muted. If any of them are muted, you’ll see an "x" next to the volume control . To unmute do one of the following:

   • Select the volume control and adjust to the desired volume level. 
   • Select the Unmute speakers icon  .
     

5. Check your device properties to make sure that your devices have not been disabled by mistake. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound .

6. Under Advanced, select More sound settings and select either the Playback (output) or Recording (input) tab.

   

   

7. Select your device and then select Properties.

8. Next to Device usage, check that Use this device (enable) is selected from the list for the output and input devices.

   

If that didn't solve your problem, continue to the next tip.

Step 6. Set default audio device

If you're connecting to an audio device—such as headphones or speakers—using USB or HDMI, you might need to set that device as the default audio device.  If you’re using an external monitor that doesn’t have built-in speakers, make sure that the monitor isn’t already selected as your default output device. if it is, you won’t have any audio. You can check that when you set your default output audio device. Here’s how:   

1. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound .
2. In the Output section, select the device you want to use for playback as your output device. When you select this device, you’re also setting it as the default.

If setting your audio device as the default device doesn't help, continue to the next tip for additional troubleshooting.

Step 7. Verify that all Windows Updates are installed

To check for updates:

1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update  and select Check for updates.

    

   Open Windows Update

2. Do one of the following:

   • If the status says, "You're up to date," go to the next tip.
   • If the status says, "Updates are available," select Install now.

3. Select the updates you want to install, then select Install.

4. Restart your PC and check if your sound is working properly.

If that didn't solve your problem, continue to the next tip.

Step 8. Restart Windows to apply audio-related updates

Many updates require you to restart your device.

To check and see if you have installed updates pending and need to restart:

1. Save your work and close all open applications.
2. Select Start > Power . If you have installed updates pending, you’ll see options to Update and restart and Update and shut down.
3. Select one of those restart options to apply the updates.

Need help with Windows Update? See Troubleshoot problems updating Windows.

If restarting doesn't help, see the next section for additional troubleshooting.

Step 9. Update or reinstall audio drivers

Hardware problems can be caused by outdated or malfunctioning drivers. Make sure your audio driver is up to date and update it if needed. If that doesn't work, try uninstalling the audio driver (it will reinstall automatically). If that doesn't work, try using the generic audio driver that comes with Windows. If you're having audio issues after installing updates, try rolling back your audio driver.

To update your audio driver automatically:

1. In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.

2. Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.

3. Select and hold (or right-click) the listing for your sound card or audio device, such as headphones or speakers, select Update driver, then select Search automatically for drivers. Follow the instructions to complete the update.

   

   

If Windows doesn't find a new driver, look for one on the device manufacturer's website and follow those instructions. If that doesn't work, try uninstalling your audio driver.

To uninstall your audio driver:

1. In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.

2. Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.

3. Select and hold (or right-click) the listing for your sound card or audio device, select Uninstall device, select the Attempt to remove the driver for this device check box, and then select Uninstall. 

   

4. Restart your PC.
    

   Note

   Be sure to save your documents and any other current work before you restart.

   • This restart will automatically prompt your PC to reinstall your audio driver.
   • To restart, select Start > Power > Restart .

If those options didn’t work, try using the generic audio driver that comes with Windows.

To use the generic audio driver that comes with Windows:

1. In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.

2. Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.

3. Select and hold (or right-click) the listing for your sound card or audio device, then select Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers > Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.

4. Select the audio device whose driver you want to update, select Next, and then follow the instructions to install it.

   

If these steps didn't solve your audio issue, visit your device manufacturer’s website and install the most recent audio/sound drivers for your device. The following is an example of a driver download page for a sound device manufacturer.

If you have audio issues after installing updates

If your audio was working before you ran Windows Update and now isn’t working, try rolling back your audio driver.

To roll back your audio driver:

1. In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.

2. Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.

3. Select and hold (or right-click) the listing for your sound card or audio device, then select Properties.

4. Select the Driver tab, then select Roll Back Driver.

   

5. Read and follow the instructions and then select Yes if you want to roll back your audio driver.

If rolling back your audio driver didn't work or wasn't an option, you can try to restore your PC from a system restore point.

Restore your PC from a system restore point:

When Microsoft installs updates on your system, we create a system restore point in case problems arise. Try restoring from that point and see if that fixes your sound problems. For more info, see "Restore from a system restore point" in Recovery options in Windows.

Step 10. Check for IDT High Definition Audio CODEC in Device Manager

Some audio problems might be caused by an issue with the audio system’s IDT High Definition Audio CODEC. This can be fixed with a manual driver update which allows you to choose the sound driver you want to use.

To check and see if you have one, and to manually update the driver:

1. In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.
2. Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.
3. Look for IDT High Definition Audio CODEC. If it's listed, select and hold (or right-click) it and select Update driver, then select Browse my computer for drivers > Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
4. You’ll see a list of pre-installed drivers. Select High Definition Audio Device, and then select Next.

Step 11. Try different audio formats in Windows Sound settings

1. In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel, and then select it from the results.

2. Select Hardware and Sound from the Control Panel, and then select Sound.

3. On the Playback tab, select and hold (or right-click) Default Device, and then select Properties.

4. On the Advanced tab, under Default Format, change the setting, select OK, and then test your audio device. If that doesn't work, try changing the setting again.

   

If trying different audio formats doesn't help, see the next sections for additional troubleshooting.

Step 12. Restart Windows Audio Services

1. In the search box on the taskbar, type services, then select it from the results.

2. Select each of the following services, select and hold (or right-click), select Restart, and then select Yes: 

   • Windows Audio

   • Windows Audio Endpoint Builder

   • Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

     

If restarting these services doesn’t resolve your issue, see the next sections for more troubleshooting.

Step 13. Fix Microphone Privacy Settings

1. Select Start  > Settings > Privacy & security.
2. Under App permissions, select Microphone.
3. Make sure that the Microphone access and Let apps access your microphone toggles are turned On.
4. If you’re having this issue with a specific app, scroll down under Let apps access your microphone and make sure that the toggle next to that specific app is turned On as well.

Common Audio issues in Windows 11

The following list describes the most common audio problems in Windows 11. Select a link to view the troubleshooting steps for each issue.

• Fix audio issues when no sound plays from speakers or headphones in Windows
• Fix missing or undetected audio output device in Windows
• Fix low or quiet sound in Windows
• Fix audio stops working after a Windows update in Windows
• Fix microphone problems in Windows
• Fix distorted or crackling audio in Windows
• Fix app audio not working while system sounds work in Windows
• Fix Bluetooth connected but no sound issue on Windows
• Update audio drivers in Windows

Audio issues on your PC can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you're trying to watch a video, attend a meeting, or listen to music. Fortunately, most sound problems can be fixed by following a series of troubleshooting steps. This article provides a comprehensive guide to resolving audio issues in Windows. The tips are listed in order, so start with the first one, see if that helps, and then continue to the next one if it doesn’t. 

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

If the Get Help app is unable to resolve your sound or audio issue, try the possible solutions listed.

General audio troubleshooting in Windows 10

Please try the following general troubleshooting steps to help solve the audio problem.

Step 1. Check your speaker output in Windows settings

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

1. Select the Speakers  icon on the taskbar.

   Note

   If you don't see Speakers displayed, it may be in the overflow area. Select Show hidden icons to check there. 

2. Next, select the arrow  to open a list of audio devices connected to your computer.

3. Check that your audio is playing to the audio device you prefer, such as a speaker or headphones.

If this doesn't help, continue to the next tip.

Step 2. Check your audio hardware and volume controls

Try these steps:

1. Check your speaker and headphone connections for loose cords or cables. Make sure all cords and cables are plugged in.

2. If you have multiple 5mm jacks to plug into, especially on a surround sound system, make sure all cords and cables are plugged into the correct jack.

   • If it’s not clear which jack goes with which cord, consult your hardware manufacturer, or try the most obvious outputs one at a time and see if they work.

     
      

     Note

     Some systems use a green jack for output and a pink jack for mic input and others will be labeled "headphone" or "microphone."

     

     

3. Make sure the power is turned on.

4. Make sure the mute setting is not turned on and try turning up all the volume controls.

   Note

   Some speakers and apps have their own volume controls. Be sure to check them all.

5. Try connecting your speaker and headphones to a different USB port.

6. It's possible that your speakers won't work when your headphones are plugged in. Unplug your headphones and see if that helps.

If you're still having audio problems, see the next sections for additional troubleshooting.

Step 3. Turn off audio enhancements

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

1. In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel, then select it from the results.

2. Select Hardware and Sound from the Control Panel, and then select Sound.

3. On the Playback tab, select and hold (or right-click) the Default Device, and then select Properties.

4. On the Enhancements tab, select either the Disable all enhancements or the Disable all sound effects check box (depending on which option you see), select OK, and try to play your audio device.

5. If that doesn't work, on the Playback tab, select and hold (or right-click) another default device (if you have one), then select Properties. On the Enhancements tab select either the Disable all enhancements or the Disable all sound effects check box (depending on which option you see), select OK, and try to play audio again. Do this for each default device.

   

If turning off audio enhancements doesn't help, see the next sections for additional troubleshooting.

Step 4. Run the audio troubleshooter

1. Select Start > Settings > Update & security.
2. From the left-hand menu, select Troubleshoot.
3. Under Find and fix problems, click Playing audio and then select Run the troubleshooter button.

Step 5. Check sound settings

Check to make sure your audio devices aren't muted and haven't been disabled.

1. Select and hold (or right-click) the Speakers icon  on the taskbar, and then select Open Volume mixer.

   Note

   If you don't see Speakers displayed, it may be in the overflow area. Select Show hidden icons to check there. 

2. You’ll see a set of volume controls for your devices. Make sure none of them are muted. If any of them are muted, you’ll see a red circle with a line through it next to the volume control. In that case, select the volume control to unmute. 

   

3. Check your device properties to make sure that your devices have not been disabled by mistake. Select Start > Settings > System > Sound .

4. Select your audio device, and then select Device properties. Be sure to select Device properties for both the output and input devices.  

   

   

5. Make sure the Disable check box is cleared for the output and input devices.

   

If that didn't solve your problem, continue to the next tip.

Step 6. Set default audio device

If you're connecting to an audio device—such as headphones or speakers—using USB or HDMI, you might need to set that device as the default audio device.  If you’re using an external monitor that doesn’t have built-in speakers, make sure that the monitor isn’t already selected as your default output device. If it is, you won’t have any audio. You can check that when you set your default output audio device. Here’s how:   

1. In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel, then select it from the results.

2. Select Hardware and Sound from the Control Panel, and then select Sound.

3. On the Playback tab, select and hold (or right-click) the listing for your audio device, select Set as Default Device, and then select OK.

   

If setting your audio device as the default device doesn't help, continue to the next tip for additional troubleshooting.

Step 7. Verify that all Windows Updates are installed

To check for updates:

1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update  > Check for updates.

   Open Windows Update

2. Do one of the following:

   • If the status says, "You're up to date," go to the next tip.
   • If the status says, "Updates are available," select Install now.

3. Select the updates you want to install, then select Install.

4. Restart your PC and see if your sound is working properly.

If that didn't solve your problem, continue to the next tip.

Step 8. Restart Windows to apply audio-related updates

Many updates require you to restart your device.

To check and see if you have installed updates pending and need to restart

1. Save your work and close all open applications.
2. Select Start > Power . If you have installed updates pending, you’ll see options to Update and restart and Update and shut down.
3. Select one of those restart options to apply the updates.

Need help with Windows Update? See Troubleshoot problems updating Windows.

If restarting doesn't help, see the next section for additional troubleshooting.

Step 9. Update or reinstall audio drivers

Hardware problems can be caused by outdated or malfunctioning drivers. Make sure your audio driver is up to date and update it if needed. If that doesn't work, try uninstalling the audio driver (it will reinstall automatically). If that doesn't work, try using the generic audio driver that comes with Windows. If you're having audio issues after installing updates, try rolling back your audio driver.

To update your audio driver automatically:

1. In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.

2. Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.

3. Select and hold (or right-click) the listing for your sound card or audio device, such as headphones or speakers, select Update driver, then select Search automatically for updated driver software. Follow the instructions to complete the update.

   

   

If Windows doesn't find a new driver, look for one on the device manufacturer's website and follow those instructions. If that doesn't work, try uninstalling your audio driver.

To uninstall your audio driver:

1. In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.

2. Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.

3. Right-click the listing for your sound card or audio device, select Uninstall device, select the Delete the driver software for this device check box, and then select Uninstall.

   

4. Restart your PC.

   • Note: Be sure to save documents and any other current work before you restart.
   • This restart will automatically prompt your PC to reinstall your audio driver.
   • To restart, select Start > Power > Restart .

If those options didn’t work, try using the generic audio driver that comes with Windows.

To use the generic audio driver that comes with Windows:

1. In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.

2. Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.

3. Select and hold (or right-click) the listing for your sound card or audio device, then select Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers > Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.

4. Select the audio device whose driver you want to update, select Next, and then follow the instructions to install it.

   

If these steps didn't solve your audio issue, visit your device manufacturer’s website, and install the most recent audio or sound drivers for your device. The following is an example of a driver download page for a sound device manufacturer.

If you have audio issues after installing updates

If your audio was working before you ran Windows Update and now isn’t working, try rolling back your audio driver.

To roll back your audio driver:

1. In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.

2. Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.

3. Select and hold (or right-click) the listing for your sound card or audio device, then select Properties.

4. Select the Driver tab, then select Roll Back Driver.

   

5. Read and follow the instructions and then select Yes if you want to roll back your audio driver.

If rolling back your audio driver didn't work or wasn't an option, you can try to restore your PC from a system restore point.

Restore your PC from a system restore point:

When Microsoft installs updates on your system, we create a system restore point in case problems arise. Try restoring from that point and see if that fixes your sound problems. For more info, see "Restore from a system restore point" in Recovery options in Windows.

Step 10. Check for IDT High Definition Audio CODEC in Device Manager

Some audio problems might be caused by an issue with the audio system’s IDT High Definition Audio CODEC. This can be fixed with a manual driver update which allows you to choose the sound driver you want to use.

To check and see if you have one, and to manually update the driver:

1. In the search box on the taskbar, type device manager, then select it from the results.
2. Select the arrow next to Sound, video and game controllers to expand it.
3. Look for IDT High Definition Audio CODEC. If it's listed, select and hold (or right-click) it and select Update driver, then select Browse my computer for drivers > Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
4. You’ll see a list of pre-installed drivers. Select High Definition Audio Device, and then select Next.

Step 11. Try different audio formats in Windows Sound settings

1. In the search box on the taskbar, type control panel, and then select it from the results.

2. Select Hardware and Sound from the Control Panel, and then select Sound.

3. On the Playback tab, select and hold (or right-click) Default Device, and then select Properties.

4. On the Advanced tab, under Default Format, change the setting, select OK, and then test your audio device. If that doesn't work, try changing the setting again.

   

If trying different audio formats doesn't help, see the next sections for additional troubleshooting.

Step 12. Restart Windows Audio Services

1. In the search box on the taskbar, type services, then select it from the results.

2. Select each of the following services, right-click, and then select Restart:

   • Windows Audio

   • Windows Audio Endpoint Builder

   • Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

     

If restarting these services doesn’t resolve your issue, see the next sections for more troubleshooting.

Step 13. Fix Microphone Privacy Settings

1. Select Start  > Settings > Privacy , and then select Microphone from the left menu.
2. Under Allow access to the microphone on this device, select Change. Make sure the toggle is turned On.
3. If you’re having this issue with a specific app, scroll down to Choose which Microsoft Store apps can access your microphone and make sure that the toggle next to that app is turned On as well.

Common Audio issues in Windows 10

The following list describes the most common audio problems in Windows 10. Select a link to view the troubleshooting steps for each issue.

• Fix audio issues when no sound plays from speakers or headphones in Windows
• Fix missing or undetected audio output device in Windows
• Fix low or quiet sound in Windows
• Fix audio stops working after a Windows update in Windows
• Fix microphone problems in Windows
• Fix distorted or crackling audio in Windows
• Fix app audio not working while system sounds work in Windows
• Fix Bluetooth connected but no sound issue on Windows
• Update audio drivers in Windows