How to fix no sound in Windows 10

Check basic audio settings: ensure device and app volumes are up and not muted, and confirm the correct output device is selected; test by plugging in and unplugging headphones. 2. Run the audio troubleshooter via Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Playing Audio to automatically detect and fix common issues. 3. Restart the Windows Audio service and Windows Audio Endpoint Builder through services.msc, ensuring both are running and set to Automatic startup. 4. Update or reinstall audio drivers via Device Manager by updating or uninstalling the audio device and restarting to let Windows reinstall it, or manually download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website. 5. Disable audio enhancements and exclusive control by accessing the playback device properties in Sound settings and unchecking the respective options under the Advanced tab. 6. Test sound in Safe Mode with Networking by enabling Safe boot in msconfig; if sound works, a third-party app is likely interfering. Additionally, check physical connections, test headphones on another device, and verify onboard audio is enabled in BIOS/UEFI settings. Most Windows 10 sound issues are resolved by addressing mute settings, driver problems, or service misconfigurations, and following these steps systematically typically restores audio functionality.

If you're suddenly dealing with no sound in Windows 10, it can be frustrating—especially during a video call or while watching a movie. The good news is that most sound issues can be fixed quickly with a few troubleshooting steps. Here’s how to get your audio working again.

1. Check Basic Audio Settings

Before diving into complex fixes, rule out simple oversights:

• Make sure your device isn’t muted: Click the speaker icon in the taskbar and ensure the volume is up and not muted.
• Check your app volume: Some apps (like browsers or media players) have independent volume controls. Make sure the specific app you're using isn’t muted.
• Select the correct output device: Right-click the speaker icon → Open Sound settings. Under "Output," confirm the right device (e.g., speakers, headphones, or HDMI) is selected.

? Try plugging in and unplugging headphones or external speakers to see if Windows detects the change.

2. Run the Audio Troubleshooter

Windows 10 has a built-in tool that can detect and fix common sound problems:

1. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot.
2. Click Additional troubleshooters.
3. Select Playing Audio → Run the troubleshooter.
4. Follow the prompts and apply any recommended fixes.

This often resolves driver or configuration issues automatically.

3. Restart the Audio Service

Sometimes the Windows Audio service stops working:

1. Press Win R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down to Windows Audio.
3. Right-click it and choose Restart.
4. If it’s not running, click Start.
5. Also ensure its Startup type is set to Automatic.

? While here, check Windows Audio Endpoint Builder—restart that too if needed.

4. Update or Reinstall Audio Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are a common cause of no sound.

Option A: Update via Device Manager

1. Press Win X → Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click your audio device (e.g., Realtek High Definition Audio) → Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.

Option B: Reinstall the driver

• In Device Manager, right-click the audio device → Uninstall device.
• Restart your PC—Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

? For best results, visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website and download the latest audio driver manually.

5. Check Audio Enhancements and Exclusive Mode

Sometimes audio enhancements or exclusive app access can block sound:

1. Right-click the speaker icon → Sounds → Playback tab.
2. Double-click your default device (green checkmark).
3. Go to the Advanced tab.
4. Uncheck Enable audio enhancements.
5. Go to the Advanced tab again → uncheck Allow applications to take exclusive control.
6. Click Apply → OK.

6. Test in Safe Mode with Networking

If there’s still no sound, boot into Safe Mode to check if a third-party app is interfering:

1. Press Win R, type msconfig, press Enter.
2. Go to Boot tab → check Safe boot → select Network.
3. Click OK and restart.
4. Test sound in Safe Mode.

• If sound works in Safe Mode, a background app (like audio utilities or antivirus) is likely causing the issue.

Final Tips

• Check physical connections: Loose cables or faulty headphones can mimic software problems.
• Test on another device: Plug your headphones into a phone or tablet to verify they work.
• Check BIOS/UEFI: Rarely, onboard audio might be disabled in BIOS. Restart and enter BIOS (usually by pressing F2, Del, or F12) and ensure audio is enabled.

Basically, start simple and work your way up. Most sound issues in Windows 10 come down to mute settings, driver problems, or misconfigured services—fixing one of those usually brings the sound back.

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