日本語
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

No sound from speakers or headphones in Windows 11

Troubleshooting guideSources checked: 2026-09-055 stepsFaultNote editorial team

What to do first

When sound is missing, check whether output switched to HDMI or another device and whether the app is muted, then narrow down the cause with Windows audio diagnostics and official driver updates.

This is a general troubleshooting guide, not an announcement of a current outage.

Affected products and symptoms

Product
Windows 11 Audio
Versions and conditions
Windows 11

Symptoms

  • Video audio or notification sounds cannot be heard
  • The built-in speakers stop producing sound after connecting HDMI
  • Only a particular app is silent

Causes and conditions

Possible causes include the wrong output device, mute settings, per-app volume, a poor connection, audio enhancements, or driver problems.

Before you start

  • Check whether another audio source is also silent
  • Check headphone or speaker power and cables
  • If this started immediately after an update, record the date and time

Precautions

  • Start at a low volume to avoid sudden loud playback
  • Use official audio drivers from the PC or device manufacturer

Tools and official pages used in this guide

Windows 11 Audio troubleshooting sequence: Select the correct output device; Check mute settings and per-app volume; Use Windows audio diagnostics; Compare audio enhancement settings; Check updates and drivers
Procedure overview created by FaultNote. Read the precautions and full instructions before changing settings. Read the full steps

Step-by-step instructions

  1. 01

    Select the correct output device

    #

    Select the speaker icon on the taskbar and open the output selector to the right of the volume slider. Choose the speakers or headphones you actually use. Check that a monitor without audio support has not been selected as the HDMI output.

    You can also select the output by pressing Windows key+I and opening Settings > System > Sound. If several devices are listed, identify the name that appears or disappears when you connect or disconnect the headphones. For Bluetooth devices, confirm that they are connected, not just powered on.

  2. 02

    Check mute settings and per-app volume

    #

    Open Settings > System > Sound > Volume mixer. Check that the output device, system volume, and affected app's volume are not set to zero or muted, and set the app's output to the intended device as well.

    Check the mixer while the affected app is playing audio. If the app is not listed, start playback and reopen the screen. If the Windows test sound works but only that app is silent, also check its own volume and mute settings.

  3. 03

    Use Windows audio diagnostics

    #

    Open Settings > System > Sound. Under Advanced > Troubleshoot common sound problems, choose Output devices. Answer the questions in Get Help and specify the affected device.

    Official links for this step

  4. 04

    Compare audio enhancement settings

    #

    Open the device under Sound > Output, set Audio enhancements to Off, and play a test sound. If this improves matters, the combination of enhancements and driver is a possible cause.

    Note the original enhancement setting before changing it and compare using the same output and volume. Restore the setting if the sound still cannot be heard. If even the Windows test sound is silent, continue checking the device instead of reinstalling the video service.

  5. 05

    Check updates and drivers

    #

    Complete Windows Update. If this does not help, open Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers, right-click the affected device, choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers, and restart.

Check the result

  • The device's test sound can be heard
  • After restarting the affected app, the same content produces sound

If the problem continues

  • Use another jack, cable, or speaker to isolate a device-side problem
  • If the issue began immediately after an update, check for a supported manufacturer version or the driver's Roll Back Driver option

Scope of this guide

Troubleshooting guide — Ensure that both the Windows test sound and the affected app play through the intended output device.

Frequently asked questions

System sounds work, but only my meeting app is silent.

Check that app's volume and output in Volume mixer. After making changes, close and reopen the app.

Sound returns when I disconnect HDMI.

The HDMI monitor has become the default output. Use the taskbar output selector to switch back to the built-in speakers.

Official sources and dates

Source publication or resolution date: Not specified. Sources checked: 2026-09-05. The check date is not the date the problem first occurred. Interface labels can vary between versions and display languages.

Related troubleshooting guides

← Search English guides