How to Fix No Sound on Your Computer

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

SoundTroubleshootingComputersWindowsMacAudioSettingsDevicesHardwarePerformance

Having no sound on your computer can be frustrating, but the good news is that there are several ways to troubleshoot and fix this problem. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to solve the problem of no sound on your computer. We'll cover everything from basic checks to more advanced troubleshooting methods.

1. Basic checks

Before diving into more complex solutions, it's always a good idea to start with the basics. Here are some things you should check:

1.1 Check the volume level

Make sure the volume on your computer is not muted or set to a very low level. Follow these steps:

• Click the speaker icon in the system tray (usually located in the lower-right corner of the screen).
• Drag the volume slider up to increase the volume.
• Make sure there is no red line through the speaker icon, which indicates muting.

1.2 Try different audio outputs

If you are using external speakers or headphones, make sure they are properly connected to your computer. Also try different audio outputs:

• If you're using headphones, remove them and use the computer's built-in speakers.
• If you're using external speakers, make sure they're turned on and check their volume controls.

1.3 Restart your computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve sound issues. Restart your computer and see if the problem persists.

2. Check the sound settings

If the basic checks don’t resolve the issue, the next step is to check your computer's sound settings. Here’s how:

2.1 Windows sound settings

• Press Windows + I to open the Settings window.
• Click on System.
• Select Sound from the left sidebar.
• Under the "Output" section, make sure the correct output device is selected (e.g., speakers, headphones).
• Click Device Properties to check that the device is not disabled, and adjust the volume if necessary.

2.2 Mac sound settings

• Click the Apple menu and choose System Preferences.
• Click on Sound.
• In the Sound window, click the Output tab.
• Select the audio output device you want.
• Make sure the output volume is not muted and drag the volume slider to the right to increase the volume.

3. Update or reinstall audio drivers

Outdated or corrupted audio drivers can often cause sound problems. Updating or reinstalling these drivers may solve the problem.

3.1 Updating audio drivers (Windows)

• Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
• In the Device Manager window, expand the Sound, video and game controllers category.
• Right-click on your audio device and select Update driver.
• Select Search automatically for updated driver software and follow the on-screen instructions.

3.2 Reinstalling the audio driver (Windows)

• Open Device Manager as described above.
• Expand the Sound, video and game controllers category.
• Right-click on your audio device and select Uninstall device.
• Restart your computer. Windows should automatically reinstall the audio driver.

3.3 Updating or reinstalling audio drivers (Mac)

On a Mac, audio drivers are updated through macOS Update. Make sure your macOS is up-to-date:

• Click the Apple menu and choose System Preferences.
• Click on Software Update.
• If an update is available, click Update Now and follow the on-screen instructions.

4. Check for audio enhancements or conflicting software

Audio enhancements or third-party software can sometimes interfere with your sound settings. Here’s how to check for these problems:

4.1 Disabling audio enhancements (Windows)

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to System and then Sound.
• Click on Device Properties under the Output section.
• Click Additional device properties.
• In the Properties window, go to the Enhancements tab.
• Check the Disable all enhancements box and click Apply then click OK.

4.2 Checking for conflicting software (Windows and Mac)

Some software applications may conflict with your audio settings, causing sound problems:

• Identify if any new software was installed at the time the problem began.
• Open the software and check if there are any specific audio settings in it that are causing the interference.
• Temporarily disable or uninstall such software to see if the sound problem is resolved.

5. Advanced troubleshooting

If the problem persists after trying the above methods, you may need to resort to more advanced troubleshooting techniques.

5.1 Run the audio troubleshooter (Windows)

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to Update & Security.
• Click Troubleshooting on the left sidebar.
• Select Additional troubleshooters.
• Click Play audio, and then Run the troubleshooter.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

5.2 Check BIOS/UEFI settings

BIOS/UEFI settings control hardware functionality at a low level. Incorrect settings can disable your onboard sound:

• Restart your computer and press the required key (often F2, F10, ESC, or DEL) during startup to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.
• Refer to your computer's manual if you're unsure about how to access the BIOS/UEFI.
• Go to the section related to sound (it may be under Advanced, Integrated Peripherals or similar).
• Make sure onboard audio is enabled.
• Save and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings, then restart your computer.

5.3 Resetting the audio service (Windows)

• Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type services.msc and press Enter.
• In the Services window, scroll down to find the Windows Audio service.
• Right-click on Windows Audio and select Restart.
• Repeat this for Windows Audio Endpoint Builder.

6. External sound card

If you've followed all of the steps above and are still experiencing sound problems, an external sound card may be a practical solution:

• Purchase a USB or PCI external sound card compatible with your computer.
• Follow the installation instructions provided with the sound card.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting sound problems on your computer can be a step-by-step process. Start with basic checks, make sure your sound settings are configured correctly, update or reinstall drivers, and detect possible software conflicts. If the problem persists, advanced troubleshooting methods or an external sound card may provide a solution. Always make sure your operating system and software are up to date to minimize the chances of experiencing problems. Following these steps will help you solve the sound problem and get your computer's audio back on track.

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