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.
- Open Settings > System > Sound and select the intended output device.
- Confirm both the system and app are not muted.
- Disconnect unnecessary audio devices or docks while testing.
- Restart the PC once before changing drivers.
What this problem usually means
No-sound problems are often configuration or driver problems rather than hardware failure. First prove that Windows is sending audio to the correct output, then remove enhancement and driver variables.
Work from the narrowest fix to the broader one.
Select the correct output and default playback device
Low riskWhy this belongs here: Windows can route audio to HDMI, a monitor, Bluetooth or another endpoint even when your speakers are connected.
- Open Settings > System > Sound.
- Under Output, choose the intended device.
- Open More sound settings if needed and set the intended playback device as default.
Turn off audio enhancements
Low riskWhy this belongs here: Enhancements can interfere with output on some drivers and devices.
- Open the properties for the active output device.
- Set Audio enhancements to Off.
- Test audio again.
Run the Audio troubleshooter
Low riskWhy this belongs here: The Windows 11 Get Help troubleshooter can identify common audio configuration and service issues.
- Open Get Help.
- Search for the Audio troubleshooter.
- Run diagnostics and follow the identified fix.
Update or reinstall the audio driver
Medium riskWhy this belongs here: A missing, damaged or incompatible driver can make the output disappear or remain silent.
- Check Windows Update first for available audio driver updates.
- Open Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers.
- Update the device driver.
- If the device is still broken, use the PC manufacturer’s current Windows 11 driver and restart.
When this guide stops being the right path
If the output device does not appear even after scanning for hardware changes and installing the manufacturer driver, check hardware-specific support before repeatedly uninstalling devices.
If the problem is still not fixed
If audio fails only in one application, troubleshoot that application’s output selection and permissions instead of changing the whole Windows audio stack.
Sources reviewed for this page
Primary technical guidance is preferred. A source supports the scope stated here; it does not imply that every possible cause is covered.