How to Fix No Audio or Sound in Windows 11

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PC Technician
Windows 11AudioHardwareFix

The Problem

Volume is up, the mixer shows activity, but speakers or headphones stay silent after an update or driver change. On Windows 11 this is usually the wrong output device, a stuck audio service, or a driver that needs a reinstall—not dead hardware (yet).

Quick Checks Before You Start

  1. Check the Mute Button: Ensure the volume isn't accidentally muted on your keyboard or headset.
  2. Physical Connections: Are your speakers properly plugged into the electrical outlet and the correct audio port (usually green) on your PC?
  3. Bluetooth: If using Bluetooth headphones, make sure they are paired, connected, and have battery.

Step 1: Check the Output Device

Windows might just be trying to send audio to the wrong place (like a monitor without speakers).

  1. Click the volume icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner).
  2. Click the arrow or sound output icon next to the volume slider to open the list of audio devices.
  3. Ensure your actual speakers or headphones are selected.

Step 2: Restart Audio Services

Sometimes the Windows audio service crashes silently.

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Scroll down to find Windows Audio.
  3. Right-click it and select Restart. (If it's stopped, click Start).
  4. Do the same for Windows Audio Endpoint Builder.

Step 3: Run the Audio Troubleshooter

  1. Open Settings (Win + I).
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Playing Audio and click Run.
  4. Follow the diagnostic steps to see if Windows can automatically detect and fix the issue.

Step 4: Reinstall Audio Drivers

Corrupted drivers are a common culprit for sound issues.

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section.
  3. Right-click your primary audio device (like Realtek Audio) and select Uninstall device.
  4. Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the basic audio driver upon boot.

If your audio is still not working after these steps, you may have a hardware failure on your motherboard's audio chip or your speakers.

Microphone works but no sound, or the other way around? Input issues are covered in fix microphone not working in Windows 11. Bluetooth pairs but stays silent? Try Bluetooth not working first, then return here for output device selection.