Windows has no sound

Establish the scope

Use a known local recording and compare two applications on the same selected output. If one app alone is silent, check its routing and volume first. If headphones work but speakers do not, focus on the speaker path. A moving volume meter shows activity, not proof that the intended physical output is receiving audible sound.

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.

Investigate the cause

Run the available Windows audio diagnostic and save its result. Test disabling enhancements, then a supported alternative format separately, restoring each if ineffective. If the device remains implicated, follow the PC maker guidance before reinstalling its audio driver.

Protect the recovery path

Begin at a modest volume and record audio settings before changing them. Restore ineffective format or enhancement changes before trying another; stop for damaged or hot connectors.

Verification

• Replay the same local recording in the original app through the intended output at a safe volume.
• Test another app and repeat after reconnecting the original output; confirm sound has not merely moved to a different device.

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.