How to fix Windows 10 sound not working
While using a computer, we often encounter minor issues, such as suddenly losing sound while watching videos or playing games. So, what could be the problem? In this article, we'll walk you through how to fix sound issues on Windows 10.
1. Restart Your Computer
Sometimes, a simple restart can solve many computer problems, including sound issues. If you're experiencing sound problems, try restarting your system to see if that resolves the issue.
2. Check Your Audio Drivers
A common cause of sound problems on Windows 10 is outdated or corrupted audio drivers. When drivers are not working correctly, the audio device can't communicate properly with the operating system, which leads to no sound output. To fix this, you can use a tool like "Driver Sentry" to automatically check and update your drivers.
Launch Driver Sentry and click "Scan".
Wait for the scan to complete.
If the tool finds that your audio drivers need updating, click "Upgrade".
After the drivers are updated, restart your computer to apply the changes.
If updating the drivers doesn't fix the issue, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the drivers:
Right-click on the "Start" menu and select "Device Manager".
Expand the "Sound, video and game controllers" section.
Right-click on your audio device and select "Uninstall device".
Then, open Driver Sentry again to automatically detect and reinstall the missing drivers.
3. Check If Audio Services Are Running
Sometimes, audio services might be turned off, preventing sound from working. You can manually check and start these services if needed.
Press "Windows + R" to open the Run window.
Type "services.msc" and hit Enter to open the Services Manager.
In the list of services, find "Windows Audio" and check its status.
If the service is not running, right-click on it and select "Start".
Make sure the "Windows Audio Endpoint Builder" service is also running.
4. Run the Windows Troubleshooter
Windows 10 comes with a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix audio problems. This tool can help you quickly identify and resolve issues without having to manually adjust settings.
Click on the "Start" menu and go to "Settings".
Select "Update & Security", then click on "Troubleshoot".
Click on "Playing Audio" and then click "Run the Troubleshooter".
Follow the on-screen instructions to let Windows detect and fix the audio issue.
5. Check External Devices
If you're using external speakers or headphones, the issue could be with the devices themselves. Make sure they are properly connected and working.
Confirm that your headphones or speakers are correctly plugged into the headphone jack or audio port.
If you're using Bluetooth audio devices, ensure that Bluetooth is correctly connected and that the device hasn't been disconnected.
Try unplugging the external devices and use the built-in speakers to see if the sound returns.
No sound on your Windows 10 computer can be frustrating, but you can easily fix it by following the steps above. Regularly updating your system and drivers with tools like Driver Sentry can help keep your computer running smoothly and prevent future issues.
See also:
How do I get the sound back on my computer?
How to fix the no audio output device is installed?
How To Fix HDMI Audio Not Working in Windows 11
How to Fix No Sound Issues on Windows 11 Computer