How to Fix Windows Speaker Audio Issues

Step by step

1. 30 sec

   Verify the correct output device

   Click the Volume icon in the bottom-right corner of the taskbar. Click the arrow icon next to the volume slider and ensure your preferred output device is selected rather than a display monitor or inactive peripheral.

   Note: If no devices appear in the list, hardware detection is the primary failure point.
2. 1 min

   Run the Windows Audio Troubleshooter

   Open Settings by pressing Win + I. Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Locate Playing Audio and click the Run button to initiate the diagnostic scan.

   Note: Follow the on-screen prompts to allow Windows to reset audio services automatically.
3. 1 min

   Restart the Windows Audio service

   Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Locate Windows Audio in the list, right-click it, and select Restart. Do the same for the Windows Audio Endpoint Builder service.

   Note: Restarting these services forces the system to re-establish the connection to your sound hardware.
4. 2 min

   Reinstall the audio driver

   Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. Expand Sound, video and game controllers, right-click your audio device, and select Uninstall device. Restart your PC to allow Windows to automatically reinstall the driver upon reboot.

   Note: Ensure you are connected to the internet so Windows can fetch the correct driver from Windows Update.