Windows 11 Audio Not Working? How to Get Sound Back

Windows 11 audio not working is one of the most common complaints after plugging in new headphones, connecting a monitor or installing an update. The good news is that the cause is usually simple: Windows is sending sound to the wrong device, or one app has been muted. This guide starts with those quick checks and moves on to the troubleshooter, enhancements, services and drivers.

The steps apply to Windows 11 version 24H2 and 25H2 on Home and Pro.

Start with the hardware basics

It sounds obvious, but check these first because they cause a large share of no-sound reports:

• Speakers are powered on and their own volume knob is turned up.
• Cables are plugged into the correct jack (usually the green output on desktops) or the right USB port.
• Headphones are not still connected by Bluetooth to a phone.
• The speaker icon on the taskbar does not show a cross. Select it and drag the volume slider up.
• If you use a monitor’s built-in speakers over HDMI or DisplayPort, the monitor’s own volume is not muted.

Try another pair of headphones or speakers if you have them. If those work, the problem is the original device, not Windows.

Pick the right output device

Windows can only play to one default output at a time, and it often switches when you plug in a monitor, dock or headset.

1. Select the speaker icon on the taskbar.
2. Select the arrow to the right of the volume slider (Select a sound output).
3. Choose the speakers or headphones you want.

You can do the same in Settings > System > Sound under Output. If your device is missing, scroll down to Advanced and select All sound devices to check whether it has been disabled; select it and choose Allow if so.

Check the volume mixer

The volume mixer controls each app separately, so a browser or game can be silent while system sounds play normally.

1. Open Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer, or right-click the speaker icon and choose Open volume mixer.
2. Find the app with no sound and make sure its slider is up and it is not muted.
3. Check that the app’s output device is set to Default or to the device you want. Apps can be pointed at a specific device here, which overrides the system default.

There is a Reset button at the bottom of the volume mixer page that returns all apps to the default devices and volumes.

Run the audio troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes an automated audio troubleshooter. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and select Run next to Audio, or launch it from the Get Help app. It checks the audio services, default device and driver, and applies fixes. It is quick, so it is worth trying before the manual steps below.

Turn off audio enhancements

Audio enhancements are extra processing supplied by Microsoft or by the sound-chip maker. They can cause crackling, distortion or silence with some drivers.

1. Open Settings > System > Sound.
2. Select your output device under Output.
3. Under Advanced settings (or Output settings), set Audio enhancements to Off.
4. Test the sound.

While you are on that page, you can also try a different Format, such as a lower sample rate. In the classic Sound control panel (Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound), the same option is on the device’s Properties > Advanced tab under Default Format.

Restart the Windows audio services

If the speaker icon shows an error or the troubleshooter reports a service problem:

1. Search for Services and open it.
2. Right-click Windows Audio and choose Restart.
3. Do the same for Windows Audio Endpoint Builder.
4. Test sound again.

Update, roll back or reinstall the audio driver

Driver problems often appear right after a Windows update or a new PC maker utility.

1. Right-click Start and choose Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click your audio device, often Realtek, Intel or a USB headset, and choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
4. If sound stopped after an update, open Properties > Driver and choose Roll Back Driver instead.
5. If that is greyed out or does not help, choose Uninstall device, tick Attempt to remove the driver for this device, select Uninstall and restart. Windows reinstalls a driver at startup.

You can also try the generic Windows driver: choose Update driver > Browse my computer for drivers > Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer and select High Definition Audio Device. The PC maker’s own driver from its support page is often the best option on laptops with special speakers or microphones.

Bluetooth and HDMI audio

Bluetooth headphones that connect but give no sound usually need the correct output selected; see our Bluetooth not working guide if they will not connect at all. For audio through a TV or monitor, the HDMI or DisplayPort audio device comes from the graphics driver, so updating it through our graphics drivers guide can bring that output back.

For the full set of sound options, see our Windows 11 sound settings guide. If audio broke along with other things after an update, the slow after update fixes and System File Checker guides are good next steps.