Symptoms
- No sound from any source (system sounds, media, calls)
- Audio device in Device Manager shows a warning icon
- Sound icon in the taskbar may show an X or an error when clicked
- Sound worked previously before this started
Likely causes
- CommonAudio driver corrupted or outdatedThis is the most direct and common cause of a device-level audio error.
- CommonWrong or no playback device selectedWindows sometimes defaults to an unexpected output device after a driver update or hardware change.
- PossibleRecent Windows update affecting the audio driverUpdates occasionally replace a working audio driver with a problematic one.
- PossibleAudio service disabled or stoppedThe Windows Audio background service needs to be running for any sound to work.
- Less commonHardware failure of the sound card or onboard audioOn rare occasions, this points to a genuine hardware fault rather than a driver issue.
What to do
- Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and choose 'Open Sound settings' to confirm the correct output device is selected.
- Open Device Manager, expand 'Sound, video and game controllers,' and check the audio device for a warning icon.
- Right-click the audio device and select 'Update driver,' then 'Search automatically,' or download the specific driver from your PC or motherboard manufacturer's website.
- If a Windows update recently occurred, try 'Roll Back Driver' from the device's Properties > Driver tab if that option is available.
- Open Services (search 'services.msc'), find 'Windows Audio,' and confirm it's set to Automatic and is running; start it if it's stopped.
- Uninstall the audio device entirely from Device Manager and restart, letting Windows attempt a fresh automatic reinstall.
- If no driver update or reinstall resolves the error and the device still shows a fault, test with a USB audio device or headset as an alternative to isolate whether onboard/built-in audio hardware has failed.
Tools and parts
- Another device with internet access to download drivers
- USB headset or speakers, to test as an alternative
When to call a pro
If updating and reinstalling the audio driver doesn't resolve the error, and a USB audio device also doesn't work, a technician can check for onboard audio hardware failure.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.