Before you start
- If the device has a hardware mute key or volume wheel, check it first.
- For USB/Bluetooth audio, reconnect the device and test another port or connection if practical.
Select the correct output
Go to Settings > System > Sound. Under Output, select the speakers or headphones you actually want to use and make sure the volume is not muted.
Set the default playback device
In Settings > System > Sound, open More sound settings. On the Playback tab, right-click the correct device and choose Set as Default Device if needed.
Turn off audio enhancements
Go to Settings > System > Sound > select your output device. Under Advanced settings, set Audio enhancements to Off, then test again.
Run the Audio troubleshooter
Open the Get Help app and run the Audio troubleshooter.
Update or reinstall the audio driver
Open Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers. Right-click the audio device and choose Update driver. If the problem started after a driver/update, use the manufacturer’s latest driver or uninstall the device and restart so Windows can redetect it.
Microsoft source
This guide is independently written and condensed from current Microsoft Support guidance. If your Windows build differs or the problem persists, use the official source for the full decision tree.
Open Microsoft Support ↗