How to Fix Headphones or Speakers with No Sound

When There Is No Sound

Connected headphones or speakers but hearing nothing? Here is how to fix it.

Check the Obvious Things

Check Volume

• Click the speaker icon in the taskbar (bottom right)
• Make sure volume is turned up
• Make sure it is not muted (no X on the icon)

Check Headphones/Speakers

• Make sure they are turned on
• Check the volume on the device itself
• For wired headphones, check the cable connection
• For Bluetooth, make sure they are connected

Check the Application

Some apps have their own volume:

• Check volume controls in the app
• Make sure the app is not muted
• Try playing audio in a different app

Set the Correct Output Device

Using Quick Settings

• Click the speaker icon in the taskbar
• Click the arrow next to the volume slider
• Select your headphones or speakers from the list

Using Sound Settings

• Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar
• Click Sound settings
• Under Output, choose your device from the dropdown
• Test by clicking Test next to the volume slider

Check Sound Settings

Volume Mixer

Different apps can have different volumes:

• Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar
• Click Open volume mixer (or Sound mixer options)
• Check volume levels for each app
• Make sure none are muted

Sound Control Panel

For more options:

• Right-click the speaker icon
• Click Sound settings
• Scroll down and click More sound settings
• Check your playback devices
• Right-click your device and select Set as Default Device

Troubleshoot by Connection Type

Wired Headphones

• Try a different audio jack if available
• Try the headphones on another device
• Check for debris in the audio port
• Try a different pair of headphones

USB Headphones/Speakers

• Try a different USB port
• Check Device Manager for any problems
• Unplug, wait 10 seconds, plug back in
• Restart your computer

Bluetooth Audio

• Check the Bluetooth connection is active
• Remove and re-pair the device
• Check the headphones are set as the default device
• Some Bluetooth headphones have separate audio and hands-free profiles—use the one that says Stereo

Driver Solutions

Update Audio Drivers

• Right-click the Start button
• Click Device Manager
• Expand Audio inputs and outputs
• Right-click your audio device
• Click Update driver
• Click Search automatically for drivers

Also check Sound, video and game controllers for your sound card.

Reinstall Audio Drivers

If updating did not work:

• In Device Manager, right-click your audio device
• Click Uninstall device
• Restart your computer
• Windows will reinstall the driver

Run the Audio Troubleshooter

• Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar
• Click Troubleshoot sound problems
• Follow the prompts

Or:

• Open Settings (Windows key + I)
• Go to System > Troubleshoot
• Click Other troubleshooters
• Find Audio and click Run

Restart Windows Audio Service

• Press Windows key + R
• Type services.msc and press Enter
• Find Windows Audio
• Right-click and select Restart
• Also restart Windows Audio Endpoint Builder
• Test your audio

When to Contact IT

Contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au if:

• None of these fixes work
• Audio stopped working after an update
• You need audio for meetings or calls
• Multiple audio devices have problems
• Specialised audio equipment is needed

Need Help?

For audio issues, contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162.