No sound from computer

Issue:

There is no sound coming from your computer's speakers or headphones, despite playing audio.

Root Causes:

A lack of sound can be attributed to various factors, including:

• Muted volume or incorrect volume levels

• Incorrect audio output device selected

• Temporary audio service glitches

• Loose or faulty physical audio connections

• Corrupted or outdated audio drivers

• Application-specific audio settings

• Hardware failure (less common but possible)

Resolution Steps:

Follow these steps in order. Test your audio after each step to see if the issue is resolved.

1. Check Volume Settings and Mute Status: * Instruction: The simplest solution is often overlooked – ensure your system volume is turned up and not muted. * Action: 1.  System Tray Icon: Look for the speaker icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of the screen). Click it and ensure the volume slider is not at zero and the mute icon (often a speaker with a cross through it) is not active. 2.  Application Volume: Check the volume settings within the application you are using (e.g., YouTube player, Spotify, VLC Media Player). Many applications have their own volume controls. 3.  Physical Controls: If using external speakers or headphones, check for physical volume knobs or buttons on the device itself.

2. Verify the Correct Audio Output Device: * Instruction: Your computer might be sending audio to a device that isn't connected or is turned off (e.g., an unplugged monitor, a Bluetooth speaker that's off). * Action: 1.  Windows Settings: Go to Settings > System > Sound. 2.  Under the "Output" section, ensure the correct device (e.g., "Speakers (Realtek High Definition Audio)," "Headphones," your monitor's name) is selected in the "Choose your output device" dropdown menu. 3.  Test playing audio after selecting the correct device.

3. Restart Your Computer: * Instruction: A simple restart can often resolve temporary audio service glitches or conflicts. * Action: Click Start > Power > Restart.

4. Check Physical Audio Connections: * Instruction: Ensure that your speakers or headphones are properly and securely plugged into the correct audio jack. * Action: 1.  For Speakers/Headphones: Unplug and firmly re-plug the audio jack (typically green for line-out/headphones) into the correct port on your computer (front or back). 2.  USB Devices: If using USB speakers or headphones, unplug and re-plug them into a different USB port. 3.  Bluetooth Devices: Ensure your Bluetooth headphones/speakers are properly paired and connected in your device's Bluetooth settings. Try turning Bluetooth off and on again on your computer and the audio device. * Note: For desktops, ensure your speakers are plugged into the rear ports (green port), not necessarily the front headphone jack, unless you specifically intend to use that.

5. Run the Windows Sound Troubleshooter: * Instruction: Windows has a built-in troubleshooter designed to automatically detect and resolve common audio issues. * Action: 1.  Go to Settings > System > Sound. 2.  Under the "Output" section, click Troubleshoot next to "Choose your output device." 3.  Follow the on-screen prompts and apply any recommended fixes.

6. Update Audio Drivers: * Instruction: Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible audio drivers are a common cause of sound problems. * Action: 1.  Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager. 2.  Expand "Sound, video and game controllers." 3.  Right-click on your audio device (e.g., "Realtek High Definition Audio," "NVIDIA High Definition Audio," "Intel Display Audio") and select Update driver. 4.  Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software." 5.  If that doesn't work, right-click again and select "Uninstall device." Do not check the box to delete the driver software. Restart your computer; Windows will typically reinstall a generic driver. 6.  As a last resort, visit your computer manufacturer's website (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo) or the audio chip manufacturer's website (e.g., Realtek, Intel) to download and install the latest audio drivers specifically for your model and operating system version.

7. Test with a Different Audio Device: * Instruction: This helps determine if the problem is with your computer's audio output or with your specific speakers/headphones. * Action: 1.  Connect a different set of headphones or speakers (known to be working) to your computer. 2.  Test playing audio. * Observation: * Sound works with a different device: Your original speakers/headphones are likely faulty. * No sound with a different device: The problem is likely with your computer's internal audio hardware or software.

If the issue persists:

If you have followed all the above steps and still have no sound from your computer, the issue may be more complex, potentially involving:

• A software conflict or corruption that is difficult to resolve without a system refresh.

• A physical hardware failure of your computer's internal sound card or motherboard audio chip.

Please contact IT Support for further assistance. When contacting support, provide the following details:

• Your computer's make and model.

• A detailed description of the problem (e.g., "no sound at all," "sound only from some apps").

• A list of all the troubleshooting steps you have already attempted from this KBA.