How to Fix No Sound in Windows 11

If your Windows 11 PC suddenly has no sound, the cause may be a muted output, the wrong playback device, an audio driver problem, or a Windows service issue. Try these fixes in order.

1. Check the volume and output device

Start with the simplest possibilities. Click the speaker icon on the taskbar and make sure the volume is not muted. Open the sound output selector and confirm Windows is using the speakers, headphones, monitor, or other device you actually want to hear.

2. Check the app volume

Windows can have different volume levels for individual applications.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System > Sound > Volume mixer.
3. Make sure the affected app is not muted.
4. Check that the app is assigned to the correct output device.

3. Restart the audio services

Temporary service problems can stop audio playback.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Find Windows Audio.
4. Right-click it and select Restart.
5. Also restart Windows Audio Endpoint Builder if necessary.

4. Run the Windows audio troubleshooter

Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Run the available audio or sound troubleshooter and follow its recommendations.

5. Check the audio driver

A driver can become outdated or corrupted after an update or hardware change.

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click your audio device.
4. Choose Update driver.
5. If the problem started after a driver update, open its properties and check whether Roll Back Driver is available.

6. Disconnect and reconnect external devices

If you use a USB headset, Bluetooth headphones, HDMI monitor, or another external audio device, disconnect it and reconnect it. Then verify that Windows selected the correct output.

7. Install Windows updates

Open Settings > Windows Update, check for updates, install available updates, and restart the PC.

Final thoughts

Start by checking the selected output and volume mixer. If those are correct, restarting Windows Audio and checking the audio driver are strong next steps. Hardware-specific issues may require the latest driver from the PC or audio-device manufacturer.