If your Windows PC has suddenly gone silent, the cause is usually a muted setting, wrong output device or a driver problem.
Quick fix: Click the speaker icon in the taskbar and check the correct output device is selected and not muted.
1. Check volume and mute
Click the speaker icon on the taskbar. Make sure volume is up and not muted. Also check the app’s own volume.
2. Choose the right output device
Click the arrow next to the volume slider and pick your speakers or headphones.
3. Run the audio troubleshooter
Go to Settings > System > Sound and scroll to Troubleshoot common sound problems > Output devices.
4. Restart the audio service
- Press Windows + R, type services.msc and press Enter.
- Find Windows Audio, right-click and choose Restart.
5. Update or reinstall the driver
- Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
- Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
- Right-click your audio device and choose Update driver. If that fails, choose Uninstall device and restart.
6. Check cables and Bluetooth
Reconnect wired speakers firmly. For Bluetooth, remove and pair the device again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does sound only work in headphones?
The PC may be set to use headphones as default. Change the output device in Sound settings.
