Has your Windows 11 PC lost audio right after installing or updating NVIDIA graphics drivers? No worries! This issue typically arises when the update alters the default audio playback device or installs NVIDIA’s HD audio driver, which may conflict with your existing sound configuration. Thankfully, there are several effective ways to fix the no-sound problem and restore your system’s audio output. In this guide, I’m going to break down the 8 best tried-and-tested solutions to help you bring back the sound on your PC after an NVIDIA driver update. Read on…
Best Tips & Tricks to Fix No Sound After Installing/Updating NVIDIA Drivers on Windows 11
Talking about the solutions that work in getting rid of this problem, tips like fine-tuning the default playback device, updating the malfunctioning audio driver, and running the Windows native audio troubleshooter often work wonders. Should the issue still persist, there are other equally viable tips that get the job done, more often than not.
1. Check the Default Playback Device
NVIDIA drivers sometimes change the default audio device to “NVIDIA High Definition Audio,” which may not be connected to any speakers or headphones.
- Right-click the sound icon in the taskbar and select Sound settings.
- Under the Output section, check which device is selected.
- Choose the correct output device (such as your speakers or headphones).
- Then, test the sound to confirm it’s working.
2. Reinstall or Update the Audio Driver
The audio driver may have been overridden or corrupted during the NVIDIA update.
- To do so, press Windows + X and choose Device Manager.
- Expand Sound, video, and game controllers.
- After that, right-click your audio device (like Realtek or Intel Audio) and select Uninstall device.
- In the end, do not forget to restart your PC to reinstall the driver automatically. Alternatively, you can also manually update it by downloading the latest version from the manufacturer’s website.
3. Disable NVIDIA HD Audio in Device Manager
Disabling NVIDIA HD Audio can prevent conflicts with your onboard sound device.
- Simply, open Device Manager on your PC.
- Hit the tiny downward arrow to expand Sound, video and game controllers.
- Next, right-click NVIDIA High Definition Audio and select Disable device.
- Next up, make sure to restart your PC and test the sound again.
4. Roll Back the NVIDIA Graphics Driver
Did the problem start after a specific driver update? If you are saying “Yes”, rolling back to the previous version might help.
- To get going, head over to the Device Manager on your PC and expand Display adapters.
- Up next, right-click your NVIDIA GPU and choose Properties.
- Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver (if available).
- Follow the prompts and restart your PC.
5. Set the Correct Audio Output in NVIDIA Control Panel
NVIDIA Control Panel also allows audio routing, and the wrong setting can cause sound to disappear.
- Right-click on the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
- Go to Display > Set up digital audio.
- Choose the correct output device or select Turn off audio if using onboard sound.
- Apply changes and exit.
6. Run the Windows Audio Troubleshooter
The built-in troubleshooter can detect and fix many sound-related issues automatically.
- Open Settings on your PC and go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Click Run next to Playing Audio and follow the on-screen instructions carefully to identify and resolve issues.
7. Check HDMI or DisplayPort Connection
Be warned that if you’re using an HDMI or DisplayPort cable, the system may route audio through the monitor instead of your speakers. Therefore, it would be apt to check the HDMI connection and ensure that it’s in line with the requirement.
- If your monitor doesn’t have built-in speakers, unplug the HDMI/DP cable.
- Use an audio cable directly from your PC to the speakers/headphones.
- Alternatively, change the default audio device back to your sound card in Sound settings.
8. Uninstall and Reinstall NVIDIA Drivers Cleanly
Performing a clean installation ensures no conflicting audio components remain.
- To begin, download Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) and run it in Safe Mode.
- Make sure to completely uninstall all NVIDIA components.
- Now, reboot and download the latest NVIDIA drivers from the official website.
- During installation, be sure to choose Custom installation and check Perform a clean installation.
Wrapping up..!
And that’s pretty much it! Sound issues after installing or updating NVIDIA drivers in Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially when they disrupt your workflow or entertainment. Fortunately, the solutions listed above target the most common causes—whether it’s a changed audio route, driver conflict, or system misconfiguration.
By carefully following these steps, you can quickly restore your PC’s audio and prevent similar issues in the future. If the problem persists, consider reaching out to NVIDIA or your audio hardware manufacturer for further assistance.
