No sound on Windows 11? 9 fixes that work

Applies to Windows 11. Try a video in a browser after each step so you know which fix worked.

Fix no sound, in order

Quick checks

1. Check the device itself: speakers powered on, headphone cable fully in, Bluetooth headset connected and charged.
2. Click the speaker icon (taskbar, bottom right). Unmute and raise the volume.
3. Click the > next to the volume slider and select the correct output device.
4. Right-click the speaker icon > Open volume mixer and make sure the app you're using isn't muted or set to the wrong device.

Run the audio troubleshooter

1. Open Settings > System > Sound.
2. Scroll down and select Troubleshoot common sound problems next to Output devices.
3. Follow the prompts in the Get Help app.

Restart the Windows Audio service

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc and press Enter.
2. Find Windows Audio, right-click it and choose Restart.
3. Do the same for Windows Audio Endpoint Builder if sound still doesn't work.

Update, roll back or reinstall the driver

1. Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click your audio device (for example Realtek Audio) and choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
4. If the problem started after an update, open Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver.
5. Still nothing? Choose Uninstall device, then restart the PC - Windows reinstalls the driver automatically.

More fixes

• Turn off audio enhancements: Settings > System > Sound > select your device > set Audio enhancements to Off.
• Change the format: in the same device page, try a different Format such as 24-bit, 48000 Hz.
• HDMI/DisplayPort: sound goes to the monitor, which may have no speakers. Pick your speakers as the output device.
• Windows Update: Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates, including Optional updates for drivers.
• Manufacturer's driver: download the latest audio driver from your PC or motherboard maker's support page.

Sound works in some apps but not others

Check the app's own audio settings (for example Zoom > Settings > Audio > Speaker) and the per-app output device in the volume mixer. In browsers, make sure the tab isn't muted (right-click the tab > Unmute site).