No Sound on Windows Computer – Fix Common Audio Problems

What If There is No Sound on Your Windows Computer?

We always suffer from various computer problems, honestly, we can’t void this. I have demonstrated how to fix “computer can’t connect to WiFi”, and today we will learn how to troubleshoot sound problems on Windows PC.

On the whole, sound problems can be caused by sound card issues, outdated/damaged sound driver, sound settings, cables that are broken or not connected properly, etc. This tutorial doesn't cover all fixes but provides you with some common solutions.

Solution 1: Don’t Ignore the Obvious – Check Volume Settings and Cable Connection

If you are using external speakers, make sure they are connected properly and plugged into a working power and turned on. Many computers have more than 3 jacks, microphone jack, line-in jack, line-out jack. Speakers should be plugged into the line-out jack.

If it is not connected properly, there will be a red X on the taskbar icon.

After checking the cable connection, click the sound icon from the taskbar and open the Volume Mixer. Make sure that the Mute is not enabled and adjust the volume to the right position that you need.

Note that if the sound icon is not shown on the taskbar, you can go to sound settings from: Start menu > Control Panel > Sound.

Solution 2: Use Playing Audio Troubleshooter

Microsoft designed the Playing Audio Troubleshooter to help users when having problems on playing audio. It checks for common problems with your volume settings, sound card or driver, and speakers or headphones. Open Playing Audio troubleshooter through the following path: Start > Control Panel > Troubleshooter > Hardware and Sound > Troubleshoot audio playback.

Note that in order to get the most up-to-date troubleshooters from Windows online, you should make sure that the internet connection is fine on your computer. 

Or you can download the audio troubleshooter program to trouble your problems.

Solution 3: Check for Your Sound Card – Update Sound Card Driver If Needed

Sound card or sound processor is a main hardware for computer sound produce. So we need to check whether there is a sound card or sound processor and if it is working properly. Device Manager is a control panel application that allows you to check, set, change hardware devices settings and drivers. So just open Device Manager to check your sound card. 

• Start > Input Device Manager > Press Enter.
• Your sound card or processor should be listed under Sound, Video and Game Controller. Click it to expand this category. 

Note that if you think you have installed a sound card but it is not listed under this category, please check the Other Devices and see if it there. 

• If there is a yellow triangle on the device, there might be a problem. Then right click to view Properties. Check the General tab to read the problem on the Device status box. If there is a problem, you might need to install a new driver or purchase a new sound card. 

Click here to learn how to update Windows drivers.

Solution 4: Do a System Restore or a Clean Reinstall of Windows

If things didn't get worse, we don't need to kill all other settings and data to do a system restore (Start >Input System Restore > Press Enter)or clean reinstall. 

Tip: To keep drivers up to date and fix driver problems, DriveTheLife is the best free choice. Download it now on your computer as the must-have program.