Troubleshoot Windows audio by checking the selected output, volume mixer, headset connection and driver state.

Try these checks in order

Save work if possible. Complete one check at a time and retest the original symptom. Stop when the issue is resolved.

01Select the output

Open Settings > System > Sound and select the intended speakers, headphones or monitor. Test a known-good audio source.

02Check the app and connection

Check app-specific volume, speaker power, cable seating and Bluetooth connection. Test a second app to separate system sound from app sound.

03Use supported troubleshooting

Run Windows' audio troubleshooter and official updates if device detection is the issue. Note any driver change.

How to read the result

If one app is silent, inspect its volume and output route. If every app is silent on every output, examine Windows audio, connection and drivers.

Follow the audio signal from Windows to the app

If a test sound works on one output but not another, investigate the selected speaker, monitor or headset. If Windows plays sound but one application is silent, check that app's mixer and output selection. If every output is silent and no device is detected, then examine Windows audio services and the model-specific driver.

Before changing more settings: Note the selected output device, whether the Windows test sound works, whether other apps have audio, and any warning shown in Device Manager.

Important safety note

Do not open powered speakers or disable security software to troubleshoot sound.

Model-specific reference note

Windows menus and recovery options vary by version and device. Use the exact Windows version, device model and error message when checking your next step. This guide keeps the diagnostic steps together so you can continue troubleshooting without leaving SafeCode.

Related troubleshooting

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General information only. Menus and recovery options vary by version and device.