While Windows has come a long way both in terms of efficiency and feature set, some of the chronic issues have remained the same – if not gotten worse. One such frustrating issue is the “Sound” malfunctioning. Having run into it a few times, I know how it feels to find your PC unable to deliver sound. Using the very first-hand experience, I have jotted down the list of workable tips and tricks to fix the Windows 11 sound problem. Keep reading to get rid of the problem if your PC has fallen prey to it.
Best Tips & Tricks to Fix Sound Not Working in Windows 11
As to why audio is malfunctioning on your PC, it could be due to many factors. Some of the usual suspects are:
- A random software glitch
- A wrong configuration
- Corrupted audio drivers
- Outdated audio drivers
- Incompatible format setting
1. Check Connections and Fine-Tune Volume Settings
To begin with, it would be apt to check the basic connections and fine-tune the volume settings.
- Make sure your headphones or speakers have been securely connected to your computer. If you are using wired devices, be sure to check both ends and also ensure that they are paired.
- Additionally, right-click on the speaker icon in the taskbar and fine-tune the volume slider.
- You can also use the volume button on your keyboard to adjust the sound.
2. Set the Correct Audio Device as Default
Another important thing that you should do is to ensure that Windows 11 is not misinterpreting which audio device should be active.
- To fix this issue, right-click the speaker icon on the taskbar -> Sound settings.
- Under Output, be sure that the correct audio device is selected.
3. Disable Audio Enhancements
Though the Windows 11 audio enhancement feature is great, it tends to conflict with the sound device.
- Navigate to the Settings app on your PC -> System -> Sound.
- Under Output, choose your audio device.
- Hit the drop-down menu for Audio Enhancements and choose Off.
4. Verify Output Device in App Settings
It’s worth pointing out that some apps like Skype and Zoom may have their own dedicated audio output settings. Hence, make sure to adjust the separate settings of the apps.
- Simply, launch the app in question and navigate to Settings -> Audio.
- Now, check if the output device is set to your desired speaker or headphones.
5. Run the Audio Troubleshooter
More often than not, Window’s built-in audio troubleshooter works wonders in nabbing and fixing common sound issues.
- Fire up the Settings app on your PC -> System -> Troubleshoot -> Other troubleshooter.
- Now, look for the “Playing Audio” section and hit the Run button.
- Then, go through the prompts and allow the troubleshooter to scan for issues.
- If it manages to spot any glitches, it will suggest fixing them.
6. Update/Roll Back Audio Drivers
It’s no secret that outdated or incompatible audio drivers tend to cause sound issues. Here’s how to manage your audio drivers:
- To begin with, press Win + X on your PC -> Device Manager.
- Now, go to the “Sound, video, and game controllers” section and expand it using the tiny arrow.
- Then, right-click your audio device -> choose the Driver tab at the top -> Update driver -> “Search automatically for drivers” to let Windows find an updated driver and install it.
- If updating doesn’t yield the desired result, try to roll back the driver.
- Head into the Driver tab and hit Roll Back Driver to restore the previous driver.
7. Check and Adjust the Default Format
Note that an incompatible format setting is also equally responsible for audio issues. But bother not, Adjusting the format often works in getting rid of this problem.
- Launch the Control Panel on your PC -> Sound.
- In the Playback tab, you need to right-click your audio device and choose Properties.
- Head over to the Advanced tab.
- Hit the dropdown menu under Default Format -> select different sample rates.
- After that, click on the Test button after each change to check if audio is restored on your Windows device.
8. Restart Windows Audio Services
At times, all you need to do to take control of the audio problem on your PC is to just restart the Windows Audio services.
- Press the Win + R to launch the Run dialog -> enter services.msc, and press Enter.
- Head over to the Services window -> locate Windows Audio.
- Right-click it and select Restart.
- Find Windows Audio Endpoint Builder and right+click on it -> Restart.
- Quit the Services window and test the sound to figure out if you got the better of the problem.
9. Use Sound Settings in BIOS
Should the sound issue continue to haunt you, it would be better to check your BIOS/UEFI settings:
- To get going, restart your computer.
- While your PC is restarting, enter the BIOS/UEFI setup by holding down the designated key (for example F2, Del, or Esc).
- Now, look for Audio or Onboard Audio and ensure that it’s Enabled.
- Then, be sure to save changes and exit BIOS.
10. Reinstall Audio Drivers
If the sound issue persists even after updating or rolling back the drivers, reinstalling them may work in bringing the ill-functioning sound back on track.
- Press the Win+X keys -> Device Manager -> look for the audio device under Sound, video, and game controllers.
- Now, right-click on your audio device.
- Select the Driver tab at the tap -> Uninstall device -> confirm.
- Next, restart your computer to allow Windows to reinstall the default drivers.
11. Check for Windows Updates
In order to take on the miscellaneous issues and also bolster the overall performance, Microsoft often rolls out updates. Therefore, make sure your PC is updated.
- Dive into the Settings app on your PC -> Windows Update -> Check for updates -> install the latest Windows update, and restart your computer.
12. If Nothing Works, Perform a System Restore
If the audio problem on your PC started after the recent software update, performing a System Restore will help resolve the issue. It will allow you to return your system to a previous state where sound was working on your Windows device.
- To get it done, head over to the Control Panel -> Recovery -> Open System Restore.
- Select a restore point from a date when the audio was working, and go through the instructions to complete the process and restart your computer.
- After that, test the sound to check if the issue is gone.
- If the luck continues to evade, do not forget to contact the authorized service to get your PC repaired as there is a high chance that there could be some sort of hardware failure.
Wrapping up…
There you have it! I hope the sound is back on your PC and so has the smile on your face. Cheers! Now, shoot your feedback and the tips that have helped restore the audio on your Windows device.
