Audio troubleshooting
No sound, missing output devices, drivers, services and sound quality.
Start here
First decide whether the problem is device detection, wrong input/output selection, permission, quality or complete playback failure.
Escalation boundary
Driver and service repair belongs after the symptom has been narrowed to the audio stack.
Audio
No sound in Windows 11: check output, enhancements, services and drivers
A safe sequence for silent speakers or wired headphones when Windows appears to be running normally.
Audio
No audio output device detected in Windows 11: restore detection before changing sound settings
If speakers or headphones do not appear under Output, check Device Manager and driver detection before tuning audio settings.
Audio
Microphone not working in Windows 11: permissions, input selection, then drivers
Check microphone privacy access and the selected input device before reinstalling audio drivers.
Audio
Crackling or distorted audio in Windows 11: enhancements, format, driver, services
Test reversible sound settings before replacing drivers or changing hardware.