Windows has no sound
Restore audio by checking routing, volume, services, format, and drivers.
- Updated
- September 3, 2026
- Reading time
- 7 min read
- Windows support
- Windows 11 · Windows 10
Quick diagnosis
Restore audio by checking routing, volume, services, format, and drivers. The key distinction is whether “Speakers are silent” occurs by itself or together with “volume moves with no audio.” That difference helps separate wrong output from muted app.
Symptoms
- Speakers are silent
- Volume moves with no audio
Likely causes
- Wrong output
- Muted app
- Driver or service
Quick reversible checks
- Select the output from the taskbar sound control
- Test another app and headphones
Establish the scope
Confirm when speakers are silent and whether volume moves with no audio. Note the exact time and the last relevant change, then compare the closest known-good device, account, connection, or application using the same task.
Apply the safer fix first
In Sound settings select and test the intended output; inspect the app volume and output controls for routing or mute, then check physical connections. Windows 11 presents these under Volume mixer; Windows 10 uses its App volume and device preferences view.
- Record the current state related to select the output from the taskbar sound control.
- Apply the narrow change, then check whether speakers are silent.
- Continue only if the result still points toward muted app.
Investigate the cause
Run the available Windows audio diagnostic, disable enhancements temporarily, and try a standard format before reinstalling an OEM driver.
Protect the recovery path
Before work that could affect audio, protect relevant files and sign-in or recovery credentials. Keep the original error wording and the results involving wrong output, muted app, driver or service for support.
Verification
- Repeat the affected task under the same conditions used to confirm speakers are silent. Confirm the symptom is gone, not merely that a Windows status label changed.
- Repeat the relevant connection, startup, sign-in, sleep, application, or device transition and specifically check whether volume moves with no audio.
When to stop
Do not continue with broader resets when no output device is detected, a jack is damaged, or hardware tests fail. Preserve the observations already collected and use the device maker, network administrator, Microsoft support, a qualified repair technician, or data-recovery help according to the evidence.
Review the safe troubleshooting workflow before any broader recovery step.